This is my first product-provided review. I was sent a box of Udi’s Gluten free items and asked to come up with any holiday or entertaining ideas.
My box arrived on 12-12-12…. and it was bigger than I thought it would be! Here is what I got in my box: Double Chocolate Muffins, Snicker-doodles, Vanilla Granola, Pizza Crusts and a loaf of White Bread…
and in pictures of course!! 
None of these items were new to me, as I have tried them all in the past and like them all! I wanted to maximize my*creative* ideas… so some I only made small portions so I could use the remainder in other creative ways. These ideas are also easy for a non-gluten free family member to create digestive friendly fare for visiting gluten-free friends and family.
Before I start with my recipes I wanted to take a brief moment for this important message from our blog host. Yes that is me!
This is to anyone who is making these to be eaten by your visiting gluten free friends or family members. May I take a moment to speak to you about… cross contamination?
In your efforts to make delectable treats for a loved with with dietary issues you want to take every precaution to not introduce a small bit of the very thing you mean to leave out! Yes, gluten… on the blade of the knife you used to cut that fresh loaf of bread or on the cutting board or left behind on the butter in the dish or in any other innumerable ways you accidentally get gluten in the gluten free things you are fixing.
The issues ingesting gluten causes are quite varied among those who need to avoid gluten. To some even a tiny amount ingested will cause days of digestive distress. For others it can take a larger amount for the effects to be noticed. But the last thing you would want to do is be the instrument of their distress!
This is easier to avoid than you might think. Just a little thought to keeping the gluten free items from touching where gluten crumbs may be lurking. It isn’t necessary to sterilize your entire kitchen! But it is important to wash your preparation utensils between preparing a gluten containing item and a non-gluten containing item. Use a cutting board that can be washed thoroughly, don’t prepare both kinds of items at the same time. Mark things carefully! Don’t scoop wheat flour and then use that same measuring cup for a gluten free recipe without washing it well.
In my home, I am the only one who needs to be gluten free. Most times, when I am fixing a gluten containing item for the guys and something for me I will make mine first. I keep my bread on a separate plate from theirs. Just keeping in mind not to use the same knife to spread the butter on their toast and mine without a through cleaning or using two separate knives for spreading.
Just two easy rules to remember ~ keep the gluten containing items separate and from the gluten free items and wash your utensils before using them to make a gluten free item.
We now return our blog post!
The first thing I used was the package of Udi’s Double Chocolate Muffins. Obviously they can be eaten as a muffin, but how could I use them in another way…
- 1 Udi’s Double Chocolate Muffin
- 1 small package instant dark chocolate pudding (you could go all out and make homemade, but I was looking for super simple, super easy, super tasty!!)
- 3 candy canes, chopped
- Begin by preparing the pudding according to package directions. Set aside to thicken.
- While the pudding is setting, begin slicing one Udi’s Double Chocolate muffin into ½ inch slices. I got 6 slices out of a muffin. Place ½ the slices cut end down and slice in ½ inch sections, then cut in half or thirds to make cubes. Repeat with remaining slices.
- You will still have a few more minutes before the pudding is soft set, so take this time to chop your candy canes. I used my Pampered Chef chopper. Made quick work of it all and had the added benefit of leaving behind no mess.
- Once the pudding is set, layer in the following order: pudding, muffin cubes, crushed candy canes in two or three layers. Serve immediately.
- Eat & Enjoy!
Attempt to refrain from popping the luscious chocolaty morsels into your mouth.
I tried… really I did.
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 – 3 TBSP evaporated cane juice
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 Udi’s Double Chocolate Muffin, cubed
- 3 candy canes, chopped
- Whip cream. Add evaporated cane juice & vanilla. Mix well.
- While cream is whipping, cut muffin into ½ inch slices. I got 6 slices out of a muffin. Place ½ the slices cut end down and slice in ½ inch sections, then cut in half or thirds to make cubes. Repeat with remaining slices.
- Chop your candy canes. I used my Pampered Chef chopper. Made quick work of it all and had the added benefit of leaving behind no mess.
- In each decorative glass layer: whipped cream, cubed muffin, candy cane. Top with small dollop of whipped cream and a larger piece of the candy cane.
Both of these were tasty & quick to fix. This last variation was the family favorite.
This leaves me with one b-i-g problem….
what do I do with the remaining 2 chocolate muffins?? lol
I think I feel an idea brewing…. Stay Tuned!
Merry Christmas!
Blessings, ~Aunt Mae
Disclaimer ~ I received these products in exchange for holiday & entertaining ideas. All ideas and opinions are my own.
{ 2 comments… add one }
That really looks tasty.
Thanks Charlotte!