The way we gather matters. This is a time to get creative, about how, where, and with whom we spend our time. How can we take a challenging span and make it meaningful, and unforgettable?. What makes getting together memorable?. If you think about life’s different occasions or events, food is most likely at the center. Food is the catalyst for any notable gathering. Whether sitting at a table together, or delivering homemade cookies to a neighbor, it creates a sense of connection. We have an opportunity to think differently about gatherings, however small they may be.
There is something transformative about gathering around food. To break bread together, a phrase as old as the bible, captures the power of how a meal can forge relationships. The connection we have with food is universal, and rooted in the connections that we have with the people in our lives. It offers a sense of unity which can bring both similar and diverse backgrounds together. The feeling of making a meal from scratch can be one of the most rewarding, joyful experiences. What’s better than sharing a homemade meal? ; it ties together people from all walks of life. Whatever the reason or season, rest assured it will make January a delicious and meaningful month.
The intention is to give you the inspiration, and generosity of heart to bake those cookies, make
that cake, a healthy one, a simple one, and walk across the street to a neighbor, friend or even a stranger… and make their day, and yours.
With good friends… and good food on board… we may ask, When shall we live if not now?
M.F.K. Fisher, The art of eating
Cardamom pound cake that warms the body, mind and spirit…
Wishing you a magical New Year…
Gluten-Free & Grain-Free
Makes 1 large pound cake, or 3 mini loafs
1 1/2 sticks ( 3/4 cup ) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup arrowroot
1 1/2 teaspoon psyllium husk, ground
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cardamom (if using pods, grind to a powder)
3/4 tsp. sea salt
1/4 cup almond milk, or other milk
1/2 cup goat yogurt, or cow
3/4 cup monk fruit sugar, or pure cane sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup sliced almonds
Preheat oven to 350
Butter a 9x5x3 loaf pan; line bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. For smaller loaves, use 3 mini loaf pans.
Whisk baking powder, cardamom, salt and 2 cups of flour and psyllium husk in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Whisk almond milk and 1/2 cup of yogurt in a small bowl. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the sugar and 3/4 cup butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. About 4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating to blend between additions and occasionally scraping down the sides with a spatula. Add vanilla.
Reduce the speed too low and add dry ingredients in 3 additions.
Alternate the yogurt mixture with the dry mixture. Add dry ingredients last. Beat until just combined.
Scrape the batter into prepared loaf pans, or pan.
Bake cakes, rotating half way through, until golden brown and a tester inserted comes out clean, 40-50 minutes. (Tent if browning too fast ) Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cool in pan for 20 minutes.
For scheduled Cooking Classes in Asheville, Visit:
LaurieRichardone.com