Paleo Mocha Frappé, two ways

(left) Paleo frappé, (right) almost paleo frappé 

Instead of giving a traditional gift to my dad this year for Fathers Day, I “paleo-ified” one of his favorite non-paleo treats, a Mocha Frappé, and gave him the recipe.  My parents have followed paleo for several years, even long before I jumped on the AIP bandwagon. My dad saw great improvements to his seasonal allergies once he eliminated grains, sugars & dairy from his regular diet.

Since my dad does not have diagnosed chronic or autoimmune health conditions that I have, he is able to follow the 80/20 rule. Yet, he still has a great love for Mocha Frappés--the ones that come from a certain fast food joint known for its golden arches. I wanted him to be able to indulge in the flavors of his favorite treat while maybe consuming *slightly less* of the non-paleo ingredients found in the commercial blended (flavored) iced coffee beverages. So, I set out to create a slightly better-for-you version that he could enjoy at home.

(left) Paleo frappé, (right) almost paleo frappé

In the end, I created not just one, but two frappé versions, both of which are still very much treats. The first is completely paleo, though it requires some prior planning to make the chocolate sauce, cold brew coffee & make coffee ice cubes, prep coconut cream.... I realize that not everyone may have the right forethought to prepare so many components ahead of time (basically, you would need to decide almost 36 hours ahead of time that you’d like to make a frappé), so I created a second, less labor intensive, version. The second version potentially uses some grey-area paleo ingredients but is more easily created on a whim. Still, with either frappé, the end product will have better, more “real” ingredients than a store bought treat.

Paleo Mocha Frappé 
Yield: 1 serving

3 Super Cubes (approximately 150 g) of cold brewed coffee (see recipe below)
90 g (a little less than 1/2 c) Coconut Cream
60 g / 3 Tbl Paleo Fudge Sauce, plus additional for optional garnish
½ tsp Vanilla Extract
Coconut Whipped Cream (see recipe below), optional garnish

1. Scale all the ingredients, in the order listed above, into a high-speed blender single-serve cup (I have this Ninja  but another brand should work too). 
2. Screw on the blender cup top & blend until all the ice is pulverized. Allow the blender to rest as necessary. It may be beneficial to remove the blender cup from the base & shake it a couple times during the blending process. 
3. Top with coconut whipped cream and/or a drizzle of paleo fudge sauce, if desired. Add a straw & serve immediately.

Note:

• This frappé is not as sweet as the ones commercially sold. If desired, add 2 tsp (or more to taste) Coconut Sugar, or other Paleo sweetener of choice, during the blending process. 
• This recipe can be easily doubled (or tripled) by using a regular blender container, instead of the single-serve cups. Scale ingredients directly into the larger vessel & blend.  
• As always, use the weight measurements for the best accuracy. But this recipe isn't a fussy as a cake or other baked good, so if your amounts are slightly off, it should still be ok. 

Cold-Brewed French Press Coffee

8 Tbl Ground Coffee

32 fl oz Filtered Water 

1. Measure the coffee grounds into the main vessel of a French press. Pour in the water. Stir to combine. 
2. Place the lid on the French press, but keep the plunger up. Steep in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours and up to 12 hours.   
3. After 8-12 hours, press the plunger to separate the coffee from the grounds.  Make coffee ice cubes, if desired. Store any leftover coffee in the refrigerator until ready to use. 

Coconut Whipped Cream

Yield: enough for 2 frappés 

1 can Coconut Milk, refrigerated at least 8 hours

1 tsp Grade B Maple Syrup 

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1. Refrigerate the can of coconut milk at least 8 hours. Open the can from the bottom & pour out the liquid. Save the liquid for a future use, such as in a smoothie. Scoop the solids into a medium sized mixing bowl.  
2. Add the maple syrup & vanilla extract to the solids. Use a hand-held mixer (or the whisk attachment of an immersion blender) to whip the ingredients to soft peaks. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. 

Notes:

• Coconut milk with thickeners added (like guar gum) will produce the best textured whipped cream; however, thickeners can be gut irritants…. So keep that information in mind & make your own educated decision. 

Almost Paleo Mocha Frappé

Yield: 1 serving

125 g / ½ c + 2 Tbl Chocolate Coconut Milk Ice Cream 

      (Coconut Bliss brand is what was used for testing this recipe )

125 g / 4 fl oz / ½ c Cold Brewed Coffee (see above recipe) 

25 g / (a litle less than 2 Tbl) Coconut Cream

75 g / approximately 6 regular cubes Ice

2 tsp Coconut Sugar, plus more to taste, as needed

Coconut Whipped Cream, optional (see above recipe) 

Paleo Fudge Sauce, warmed, optional 

1. Scale all the ingredients, in the order listed above, into high-speed blender single-serve cup (I have this Ninja  but another brand should work too). 
2. Screw on the blender cup top & blend until all the ice is pulverized. 
3. Top with coconut whipped cream and/or a drizzle of paleo fudge sauce, if desired. Add a straw & serve immediately. 

Notes:

• Unless you make your own coconut milk ice cream, most commercial brands are not entirely paleo, due to added thickeners (like carrageenan, locust/carob bean gum, guar gum…) and/or sweeteners (like agave or cane sugar). 
• I chose to use Coconut Bliss brand chocolate coconut milk ice cream because I have diagnosed sensitivities to locust/carob bean gum and carrageenan (discovered via blood tests), which are found in most other brands of coconut milk ice creams. Yes, coconut bliss contains agave (read more about agave here), but for me, agave is a "less bad" choice than choosing a brand with those thickeners.
• This recipe can be easily doubled (or tripled) by using a regular blender container, instead of the single-serve cups. Scale ingredients directly into the larger vessel & blend.  
• As always, use the weight measurements for the best accuracy. But this recipe isn't a fussy as a cake or other baked good, so if your amounts are slightly off, it should still be ok. 

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for supporting Sweet Treats. 

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DIY "French" Vanilla Coffee Creamer (GF)

I love to have a cup of coffee most mornings... well, actually, it’s more like a cafe au lait (half milk, half brewed coffee), but who’s really keeping track.  I’m somewhat of a morning person, so I honestly don’t drink the coffee for the caffeine. I prefer to drink my coffee simply for the ritual of it.

Not much of my day-to-day life has structure anymore. I can set my own schedule, do my own things, which is both good and bad depending on the day. Even our mealtimes vary greatly from day to day (contingent on husband’s work schedule).

There’s something so special about the morning coffee ritual.  I warm my mug, half filled with milk, then add the hot coffee. Speaking of coffee, my in-laws gifted us some of this coffeein early 2013 and we’re completely hooked now....  It’s become one of our few grocery budget splurges.

But now comes the shameful confession portion.  Even though we drink relatively “fancy” coffee, and even though I’ve worked as a barista, I still have a guilty pleasure when it comes to coffee at home: french vanilla coffee creamer.  Yes, I’m cringing even as I write those words.

Not only do I hate the stigma of a french vanilla coffee creamer consumer (I have visions of gas station cappuccino, which is *another* occasional guilty pleasure of mine), but I know that creamer isn’t good for me.... Though I do feel somewhat better knowing that we’re not drinking the fat free or sugar free versions, even the regular coffee creamer is full of chemicals and unnatural ingredients.

Even more shameful is that I do not just add the faux creamer to my daily coffee, but I also became addicted to adding a splash to bowls of gluten free Rice Chex. YIKES! I’ve got to stop this cycle soon....  Before it gets any worse!

Luckily, Food52 posted a recipe for homemade coffee creamer. Why did I never think of making my own before now?!? It may not taste *exactly* like my favorite french vanilla store-bought variety, but I like that I can adjust the flavoring & sweetness to my own likings. And it’s free from chemicals & weird ingredients :)

Homemade “French” Vanilla Coffee Creamer (GF)
Adapted from Food52

When I worked as a barista, I was taught to make “french” vanilla beverages by adding a little bit of hazelnut syrup along with some regular vanilla syrup  but I have been unable to find any concrete information to back up that practice? Most sources simply say that “french” vanilla should taste more “custard-y.” So, I’m adding a little maple syrup to mimic that “custard-y” flavor found in store bought french vanilla coffee creamer.

1/2 c Milk
1/2 c Heavy Cream
1.75 oz / 1/4 c Granulated Sugar
1 Tbl real maple syrup
1 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste

1. Add the milk, cream, and granulated sugar to a small stainless steel sauce pan. Bring to a simmer on medium high heat, stirring constantly. 
2. Reduce the heat to low & continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar completely dissolves, about 2 minutes. 
3. Remove from the heat, and stir in the maple syrup and vanilla bean paste. 
4. Cool the creamer completely, using an ice bath, before pouring it into a vessel (with a lid) for refrigeration. I like to use an old coffee creamer bottle. 
5. Shake well before use. Creamer will keep, stored properly, for approximately 2 weeks. 

Notes: 

• If you prefer to use an actual vanilla bean in lieu of the vanilla bean paste, add the seeds from half a vanilla bean to the sugar & mix well with your fingers to infuse the vanilla flavor into the sugar granules.  Add the sugar to the milk & cream and continue as directed above. Good vanilla extract may also be used, however, it will not have as strong a vanilla flavor. 
• To make a dairy free version, try substituting a nut milk or coconut milk for the milk & heavy cream.  
• Add other spices or flavorings if you like.  The dairy could be infused with other items like herbs. Or reduce the sugar, if you prefer a less sweet creamer. 
• Recipe easily doubles, if you go through copious amounts of coffee creamer :) The stove top cooking process just may take a little longer. 

This post contains affiliate links. 

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Samoa Squares (Gluten Free)

I dream of many things these days... (note: this is not a comprehensive list) The end of this crazy winter (where one day we have the AC on and the next day have to switch to heat). Fresh flowers. Vacations. One day learning to like exercise. A kitchen with a window in it (and marble counter tops too, while we’re dreaming). Paying off student loans. Living nearer a Trader Joes and Whole Foods (though I’m sure it’s better for my pocketbook that I don’t). And Gluten Free Girl Scout Cookies.   Luckily, I can make my own gluten free version of my Girl Scout cookie of preference: Samoas (or Caramel Delites, depending on where you are in the US).

If you think about it, Samoas have quite a few components: the shortbread crust (chocolate crust), the chewy caramel/coconut layer, the chocolate drizzle.... So, I made gluten free Samoa Squares with just a few adaptations to make them a bit easier.  Gluten free shortbread is more fragile than regular shortbread because in addition to not having gluten (i.e. proteins that help provide structure in regular baked goods), shortbread traditionally lacks another structural item: eggs. Making a bar-type cookie that is cut into squares *after* it is assembled is much easier than rolling out the the slightly crumbly dough and attempting to cut out individual cookies. Plus, then the caramel/coconut mixture can be spread on top all at once, and not individually portioned & spread onto each separate cookie base.  Then, instead of dipping the bottom in chocolate, I added a chocolate layer in between the baked shortbread and the coconut caramel. Just a few short-cuts that make the assembly easier, but the squares still taste (and look) amazing! Next time, I may even make a double batch (though then I’d be tempted to eat way, way too many of them....).  

My next dream is to perhaps to take a few of the leftover Samoa Squares make a milkshake or ice cream sundae with a couple leftover Samoa Squares. And perhaps tackle a gluten free version of the Thin Mint (my second favorite).  

Gluten Free Samoa Squares 

Yields approximately 16 squares

Shortbread Base (adapted from Annie’s Eats) 

4.25 oz (1c) GF AP Flour (or substitute AP flour, if not Gluten Free)

1 tsp Baking Powder

1/4 tsp Salt

3 oz Coconut Oil, solid

1.75 oz (1/4 c) Granulated Sugar

3/4 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder & salt. Set aside
2. In a slightly larger bowl, use a spatula to cream together the solidified coconut oil and the granulated sugar. Add in the vanilla bean paste. 
3. Pour all the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture & continue mixing, using a spatula, until a soft dough forms.  
4. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper (I find it’s easiest to crumple the paper first, then try to line the pan with it)--don’t worry if it’s not perfect. 
5. Press the evenly dough into the prepared pan. (I used my fingers). Chill the pan in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.  
6. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Bake the chilled dough for 15 minutes, or until the dough is baked through and very lightly golden brown. 
7. Set aside to cool.  Keep the oven on to toast the coconut. 

Chocolate Layer

2 oz semi-sweet Chocolate Chips 

1 tsp (6 g) Coconut Oil 

1. In a small bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir. Microwave for additional 10 second increments, stirring after each session, until the chips are melted.  
2. Evenly spread over the baked, cooled shortbread base. Allow to set. 

Coconut Caramel Topping (adapted from Cooking Classy)

90 g (3/4 c) sweetened coconut flakes, divided

6.9 oz (approximately 24) Kraft Caramels, unwrapped (note, weight is taken after unwrapping)

2 1/2 Tbl Milk (approximately 33g) 

1. Spread the coconut flakes onto a small pan. Toast in a 350 F oven until brown (but not burned)--Mine took about 15 minutes. Stir approximately every 5 minutes to ensure even browning. Set aside to cool. 
2. In a small sauce pan, heat the unwrapped caramels and milk over medium heat. Stir constantly until the caramels are just melted. Set aside to cool slightly. 
3. Meanwhile, pulse the toasted coconut in a food processor until finely processed. Remove 60 g (approximately 1/2 c) and set aside both the 60g and the remaining. 
4. Pour the 60g of coconut into the caramel and mix to combine.  Carefully spread in an even layer over the chocolate covered shortbread. Top with the remaining coconut & press into the caramel.  Allow to set completely.
5. Use a sharp knife to cut the coconut/caramel/chocolate topped shortbread into 16 equal squares. Spread the cut squares out slightly on the parchment paper in preparation for the chocolate drizzle. 

Chocolate Drizzle (adapted from Cooking Classy)

Note: this will make more than needed, but it’s rather difficult to make the batch much smaller than it already is. 

35g (2 1/2 Tbl) Coconut Oil, solid

10 g (2 Tbl) Cocoa Powder

1 oz (1/4 c) Confectioners sugar

1. In a small bowl, mix together the coconut oil and cocoa powder.  Heat for 10 seconds, or just until melted. Stir.
2. Add the confectioners’s sugar and mix until combined.  Heat for an additional 10 seconds, or until just slightly warm & of a pipe-able consistency.  Additional coconut oil may be added if the mixture is too thick.  
3. Place the chocolate into a cornet paper piping bag or a small ziplock.  Barely cut off the tip (or corner) and carefully stripe cross the squares.  Allow the chocolate to drizzle across the *entire* square so that you don’t end up with the “toaster strudel” effect ;) 
4. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature. Store any leftovers at room temperature. 

Please note: When I made these squares, I used the weighted measurements which will be more accurate. I’ve included some volumetric amounts too, though I have not personally tested them.

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GF Oatmeal Creme Pies

The beginning of a new year is “supposed” to be about renewal, setting new goals & starting fresh. But here I am, bringing a recipe for homemade oatmeal creme pies, which doesn’t exactly fit into the “eating healthier” goal many people set at the start of a new year.  Sorry, not sorry :)

By making your own, at least you have complete control over the ingredients go into (or are left out of) your version? These homemade oatmeal creme pies may not have the same shelf life as their pre-packaged Little Debbie predecessors, but these particular ones are gluten free, yet very tasty. In fact, I may need to send the remaining oatmeal creme pies with my husband to work because I can’t seem to stop eating them!

Because I attended a private elementary/middle school that didn’t have a hot lunch program, we had to bring a packed lunch from home. Bless my poor mother for packing lunches for myself and my sisters for 12 years!  On very special occasions, we were allowed a treat, like Little Debbie oatmeal creme pies, in our lunch box.  Sometimes there were zebra cakes or star crunch, but I think the oatmeal creme pie was my favorite :)

It has been years since I’ve had a Little Debbie oatmeal creme pie.... Especially now that I eat a mostly gluten free lifestyle, many of my favorite childhood lunchbox items are out of the question.  Instead, I’m experimenting with making my own versions to fit my changing dietary needs.

I looked at many recipes online for homemade oatmeal creme pies before settling on the one I used. Many images showed the cookies much puffier than my memories of  the prepackaged version.  Some used a straight frosting as the filling, while I wanted something more marshmallow-y.

The cookie dough for these pies is much more sticky than traditional dough. And it really spreads in the oven during the baking process. In fact, during the baking process for my first test pan, I did have serious doubts about whether the recipe would work! Thankfully, it did.

Instead of sandwiching the cookies with a frosting or meringue, I turned to one of my favorite marshmallow recipes (the one I used for homemade peeps and adapted to top chocolate stout cupcakes) and used that recipe for the filling. I do have a serious love for homemade marshmallows :)

Stay tuned, there may be more Little Debbie copycat recipes in the future!

Note: If you’re following a gluten free lifestyle, please make sure the oats you use are certified gluten free.  While traditional oats themselves do not contain gluten, they are often processed on equipment shared with gluten products, thus resulting in cross-contamination.  Or the oat fields are cross-pollinated with glutinous grains, again resulting in cross-contamination. I personally have had good luck with Trader Joe's Gluten Free Rolled Oats and Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Rolled Oats but everyone is different. Also, some people who cannot tolerate the proteins that make gluten also cannot tolerate the proteins in oats, so check with your doctor before consuming.

Oatmeal Creme Pies
Yields approximately 60 cookies or 30 sandwiches. 

Cookie Base
adapted from Babble 
8 oz / 2 stick unsalted butter, room temp
5.6 oz / 3/4 c Light brown Sugar
3.5 oz / 1/2 c Sugar
2 large eggs
1 Tbl Honey
1 tsp vanilla
7.45 oz / 1.75 c GF Flour (I used Jeanne’s Gluten Free AP mix or substitute AP if not GF)
1 t Baking Soda
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
4.7 oz / 1 1/2 c GF Oats (I used Trader Joe's version or substitute regular if not GF)

Marshmallow Filling 
note: do not make until ready to assemble or else the gelatin will set in the bowl not on the cookies!) 
2/3 c Cold Water
0.5 oz / 2 packets Granulated Gelatin
14 oz / 2 c Granulated Sugar
1/2 c Water
2 tsp Vanilla

1. To make the cookies: Line 4 baking sheets with parchment paper
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together on medium speed the butter and sugars until the mixture has completely combined, and is lighter in color and fluffy in texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. 
3. Add the eggs, honey and vanilla and mix on low until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. 
4. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, soda, cinnamon and salt in a separate bowl. Set aside. Pulse the oats in a food processor or clean coffee grinder until coarsely chopped. Mix the oats in with the dry ingredients. 
5. Add the dry to the mixer bowl and mix on low speed until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. 
6. Use a small 1 Tbl scoop to drop batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Pan the cookies 3 rows by 4 rows. Always start by portioning the outer edges (see photo below) & then filling in with the remaining rows. 
7. Chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.  Preheat oven to 350 F.
8. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are light brown.  Rotate the pans halfway through baking. 
9. Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheets. 
10. To make the filling (do so just before assembly): Bloom gelatin in cold water in bowl of a 6 qt stand mixer. Attach the bowl (during the blooming process) & whisk attachment to the mixer.
11.  In a 3 qt saucepan, combine the sugar & water. Stir just until the mixture resembles wet sand. Heat the pan over medium high heat to 238 F (softball stage). Do not stir during the heating process. 
12.  With mixer running on low, pour syrup over gelatin.  Increase speed to medium for 3 minutes. Put on the splash guard as a precaution against burns.  Increase speed to high & beat for 3 additional minutes.
13. Add the vanilla extract. Beat on high for an additional 7 minutes (splash guard is not necessary). 
14.  While the marshmallow is whipping, prepare a large piping bag by fitting it with a large round tip (I used an Ateco 804).  Prepare the cookies by matching like sizes & flipping over the bottom cookies for piping. Also gather a back up baking sheet with sprayed parchment for the extra filling. 
15. Once the marshmallow is very thick & holds its shape/a stiff peak, use a portion scoop to scoop it into the prepared piping bag.
16. Pipe the marshmallow in a spiral pattern onto the bottom of one cookie & top with another cookie to make a sandwich. Press slightly to adhere. Repeat with the remaining cookies. Work quickly so that the marshmallow does not set up in the mixing bowl or in the piping bag.  
17. Pipe any remaining marshmallow (there will be extra) into sprayed, parchment paper. 
18. Allow the sandwiched cookies to set at room temperature. 
19. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Eat within a few days, though they really do taste best have the best texture the day they are made. 

panning example from step 6 

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