Gluten-Free Lemon Shortbread Rounds

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Beautifully quick and simple to make, these gluten-free lemon shortbread rounds have a zingy, buttery flavour and a lovely crumbly texture. Great as a gift for a gluten-free friend or relative, they look lovely stacked up and tied with a ribbon or packaged in a cellophane bag. If you’re feeling really creative, have a go at decorating them with a citrusy icing too.

Gluten-Free Lemon Shortbread Rounds

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Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g gluten-free flour eg, Doves Farm
  • Pinch of salt
  • 150 g butter
  • 90 g caster sugar
  • Zested rind of 1 lemon

You will need

  • Baking sheet lined with baking parchment

Instructions
 

  • Set the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.
  • Tip the flour and salt into a bowl and rub the butter into them. Stir in the sugar and lemon rind. Mix the ingredients until they start to bind together to form a dough.
  • Shape the dough into a cylinder shape, about 6-7cm in diameter, and cut into rounds about 1cm thick. Place them on the lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 10-15 mins, or until they start to turn lightly golden. Remove from the oven and leave them to cool on the baking sheet for a few mins. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra sweet shortbread, try removing the lemon zest and adding a handful of your favourite chocolate chips.

Gluten-Free Victoria Sponge

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Going gluten-free can be tricky, but with recipes like this gluten-free Victoria sponge, you needn’t miss out on your favourites. This light and airy sponge is perfect alongside your afternoon cuppa – we like it filled with raspberry jam, but you can choose whichever flavour you like best.

Gluten-Free Victoria Sponge

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Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

For the cake

  • 175 g butter softened
  • 175 g caster sugar plus extra for dredging
  • 175 g self-raising gluten-free flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 75 ml milk
  • Few drops of vanilla extract

For the filling

  • 150 ml whipping cream lightly whipped
  • 3-4 tbsp strawberry or raspberry jam

You will need

  • 2 x20cm 8in round sandwich tins, buttered and base lined

Instructions
 

  • Set the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5.
  • Tip the cake ingredients into a bowl and beat until smooth. Divide the mixture between the sandwich tins and spread out.
  • Bake the sponges for 20-25 mins, until they've risen and feel springy to the touch. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tins for about 5 mins, then transfer them to a wire rack to cook completely.
  • Fill with the cream and jam, and then dredge the top with caster sugar before serving.

Notes

The unfilled cooled cake may be wrapped in freezer bags and frozen for up to 1 month. Allow the cakes to defrost before filling with cream and jam.

 

Gluten-Free Chicken and Leek Pie

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When you’re trying to avoid gluten, cooking comfort food can be a challenge, but with this easy gluten-free chicken and leek pie recipe, whipping up your favourite pie couldn’t be simpler. Packed with big chunks of meat, savoury leeks and rich, creamy sauce, you’ll never know the difference – and once you’ve mastered gluten-free pastry you can make all sorts of other classics too!

Gluten-Free Chicken and Leek Pie

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Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 4 small cooked, skinned chicken breasts
  • 2 tsp vegetable oil
  • 2 onions finely chopped
  • 2 leeks trimmed, rinsed and sliced
  • 50 g butter
  • 50 g gluten-free flour
  • 600 ml milk

For the pastry

  • 300 g gluten-free plain flour
  • 150 g butter
  • 1 free-ranged egg yolk optional

You will need

  • 4 individual pie dishes

Instructions
 

  • For the filling: shred the chicken into strips and set aside. Heat the oil in a pan and fry the onion for 5 minutes until softened. Add the leeks and 2tsp water, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes until tender. Remove the onions and leeks from the pan and set aside. Add the butter to the pan and, when melted, stir in the flour. Cook until thickened, then gradually beat in the milk until smooth and season. Return the veg to the sauce. Cool in cling film.
  • For the pastry: place the flour and butter into a food processor and blend until it looks like breadcrumbs. Add 6tsp water and blend again for a few seconds until the mixture clumps together. Turn out, wrap in cling film and chill for 15 minutes.
  • Set the oven at 220°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Mix the chicken into the cooled sauce and divide between the dishes.
  • Dust the work top with gluten-free flour. Divide the pastry into 6 and roll each piece out until its 1cm larger than the top of the pie dish. Trim off 1cm wide strip around the edge of the pastry, and cut the strip into several smaller strips. Press the strips around the top edge each pie dish (to support the pastry lid). Dampen the pastry with water then lift the pastry lids on top and press down well to seal. Crimp the edge between your finger and thumb and brush the pastry with egg yolk. Put the pies in the oven and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

This gluten-free pastry can be used to top all of your favourite pie fillings - try using it with steak and ale or chicken and mushroom too!

 

Flourless Chocolate and Hazelnut Cake

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Stuck for a nice dessert to cook? Look no further than this deliciously rich cake made with dark chocolate, Frangelico and hazlenuts – serve on it’s own or with pouring cream or ice cream to finish it off perfectly

Flourless Chocolate and Hazelnut Cake

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Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 20 mins
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g chopped dark chocolate
  • 6 eggs at room temperature
  • 2 tbsp Frangelico or brandy
  • 165 g ground hazelnuts
  • 250 ml cream whipped
  • Icing sugar to dust and cream, to serve

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F/Gas 2. Grease a 20 cm (8 inch) round cake tin and line the base with baking paper.
  • Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Half fill a saucepan with water, bring to the boil, then remove from the heat and sit the bowl over the pan (don’t let the bowl touch the water or the chocolate will get too
  • hot and seize). Stir occasionally until the chocolate melts.
  • Put the eggs in a heatproof bowl and add the Frangelico. Put the bowl over a pan of barely simmering water — don’t let it touch the water. Beat the eggs with electric beaters on high speed for 7 minutes, or until light and foamy. Remove from the heat.
  • Using a metal spoon, quickly and lightly fold the chocolate and ground hazelnuts into the eggs. Fold in the whipped cream and pour the mixture into the cake tin. Put the cake tin in a roasting tin and pour enough boiling water into the roasting tin to come halfway up the side of the cake tin. Bake for 1 hour, or until a skewer comes out clean when poked into the centre of the cake. Remove the cake tin from the water bath and cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
  • Turn out the cake onto a plate, remove the paper and cut into slices.
  • Dust with icing sugar and serve with cream.

Notes

This cake is perfect for any gluten-free friends or family members

Blueberry and Coconut Pancakes

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Gluten-free and dairy free, these blueberry and coconut pancakes mean that everyone can enjoy pancakes this Pancake Day. They’re just as lovely as a weekend brunch option too

Blueberry and Coconut Pancakes

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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Servings 16

Ingredients
  

  • 55 g unsweetened desiccated coconut
  • 60 g quinoa flour
  • 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder
  • 1 medium egg
  • 160 g coconut milk
  • 30 g natural sweetener like Sweet Freedom
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 200 g blueberries plus extra to serve
  • Rapeseed oil or coconut oil to cook

For the syrupy orange topping

  • Finely grated zest of 1 orange
  • 225 ml orange Juice
  • 60 g natural sweetener or to taste
  • Segments of 4 large oranges

Instructions
 

  • Blitz the desiccated coconut in a food processor for 2-3 minutes. Add to a large bowl along with the quinoa flour and baking powder and mix together. Whisk in the coconut milk, egg, sweetener and vanilla extract until it forms a thick batter. Now leave the batter to stand for 20-30 minutes during which time it will thicken. Finally stir in the blueberries.
  • Heat a frying pan and lightly grease with the oil. Using a dessert spoon, pour one spoonful of the batter onto the pan and quickly spread the mixture out slightly with the back of the spoon. When the pancake is golden brown on the bottom and the top is beginning to set, carefully flip it over with a large palette knife. Gently press the pancake down onto the pan with the palette knife and cook until golden brown. Remove from the pan and keep warm whilst you cook the remaining pancakes - grease the pan between each batch and leave plenty of room between the pancakes to make it easier to flip them over.
  • To make the syrupy oranges, place the orange zest, sweetener and orange juice in a pan and boil until syrupy. Keep warm and just before serving add the orange segments.
  • Serve the pancakes with the syrupy oranges and some fresh blueberries.

Notes

It's best just to cook one pancake initially to test that the frying pan is at the right temperature - it really needs to be at a medium heat; too hot and the base will scorch before the middle is ready.

Gluten Free and Egg Free Chocolate Layer Cake

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It may be gluten free and egg free, but this chocolate layer cake really is a special celebration cake that everyone can enjoy – even if you have a gluten intolerance or are allergic to eggs. One for the whole family.

Gluten Free and Egg Free Chocolate Layer Cake

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Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 275 g gluten-free dark chocolate broken, plus extra to make curls
  • 200 g unsalted butter cubed
  • 150 g caster sugar
  • 150 g light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 200 g rice flour sifted
  • 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder
  • 200 g ground almonds
  • 225 ml whole milk

To decorate

  • 500 ml whipping cream
  • 150 g blueberries
  • 150 g raspberries

You will need

  • 3 x 19cm round sandwich tins greased and the bases and sides lined with baking parchment

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven to 180C, gas 4. On a low heat, melt the chocolate and butter in a heavy-based saucepan and stir to combine. Remove from the heat, add both the sugars and the vanilla extract, mix well until combined and leave to cool slightly.
  • Fold in the flour, baking powder and ground almonds, then add the milk in two additions and mix until combined.
  • Divide the mixture between the prepared tins and bake for 35 minutes. Allow to cool in the tins on the wire rack. Remove the cakes carefully from the tins as they may stick.
  • To decorate, whip the cream to soft peaks, then spread a third of this over one of the sponges. Place a second sponge on top and cover this with a third of the cream. Decorate the top with the berries and chocolate curls.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Chocolate Cake

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Rich gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate cake is so good that you won’t even know it’s missing the usual ingredients. It’s perfect for a special occasion as it means everyone can enjoy it, even allergies and intolerances.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Chocolate Cake

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Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g Stork Original Baking Block
  • 225 g caster sugar
  • 4 eggs beaten
  • 225 g gluten-free self-raising flour
  • ½ tsp xanthan gum
  • 25 g cocoa
  • 1 avocado mashed

For the filling

  • 150 g Pure Soya spread
  • 4 tbsp icing sugar
  • 2 tbsp cocoa
  • 2 tbsp raspberry jam

For the ganache

  • 200 g dark chocolate
  • small can coconut cream

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven to 180C, gas 4. Cream together the Stork and caster sugar until pale and creamy, then slowly add the eggs, little by little. Sift over the flour, xanthan gum and cocoa powder, and fold into the mixture. Stir in the avocado and divide the mixture between 2x20cm round cake tins.
  • Bake for 20-25 mins. Leave to cool in the tins for 10 mins, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  • To make the filling, mix together the soya spread, icing sugar and cocoa, and set aside. To make the ganache, melt together the chocolate and coconut cream in a bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Once melted, leave to cool until thickened.
  • To assemble, sandwich together the cakes with a layer of raspberry jam topped with the cocoa mixture. Drizzle over the ganache and allow it to drip around the edges of the cake. Decorate with your favourite edible decorations (we used Dr Oetker star wafers).

Notes

Any leftovers can be stored in a cake tin in a cool area for up to 2 days.

Mexican Roasted Sweet Potato Bites

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Mexican roasted sweet potato bites make really easy party food that’s ready in just 20mins! All you have to do is slice long, thin sweet potatoes into discs and roast them, so they’ll become the base of the canape.

Mexican Roasted Sweet Potato Bites

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Total Time 20 mins
Servings 26

Ingredients
  

  • 3 long thin sweet potatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Mexican seasoning
  • guacamole to serve
  • soured cream with chives to serve
  • tomato salsa to serve
  • small handful coriander chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven to 200C, gas 6. Slice 3 sweet potatoes into 1cm circles. Toss the potato circles in a mix of 2tbsp olive oil and 2tbsp Mexican seasoning to coat thoroughly.
  • Roast for 10-15 mins until cooked through. Once slightly cooled, top with spoonfuls of guacamole, soured cream with chives and tomato salsa. Scatter over coriander to serve.

Notes

If you fancy it, you could scatter cheese over them too for an extra bit of flavour.

Couscous Salad

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This easy vegetable and Feta couscous salad has just a handful of ingredients and is ready to eat in 10 minutes – the perfect dish for busy days! It’s ideal as a side dish for grilled meats and veg, or as a hearty lunchtime treat that can be popped into a lunchbox and taken to school or work too. Try experimenting with different flavours – you can add any other extra leftover vegetables or herbs you might have to hand.

Couscous Salad

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Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 10 mins
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g couscous
  • 6 tbsp virgin olive oil
  • Zested rind and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 bunch spring onions sliced
  • 2 sticks celery chopped
  • 350-500 g cherry tomatoes halved
  • 200 g pack feta cheese cubed
  • 2-3 tbsp freshly chopped chives plus chives for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Tip the couscous into a bowl and pour over 400ml boiling water. Mix well, then leave it to stand for about 5 minutes, stirring it occasionally to keep the grains of couscous separate.
  • Stir in the olive oil, lemon zest and juice and salt and pepper into the couscous and mix well.
  • Stir in the spring onions, celery, cherry tomatoes and feta cheese. Spoon into serving bowls and garnish with chives, to serve.

Notes

The couscous can be made the day before up to the end of step 2, then stir in the vegetables and cheese on the day of serving.