I’m kicking off my annual Suite of Sweets for Sweethearts event today with a luscious recipe for homemade dairy-free vanilla pudding and a giveaway of the cookbook that this recipe comes from. We’re only a week away from Valentine’s Day!
Those of you who have been reading gfe for a while know that I absolutely LOVE Valentine’s Day. Mr. GFE and I even host a big Valentine’s Day bash. We have been having our Valentine’s Day parties for decades, even before we were married. Now they’ve become quite an event, so we only hold the party every other year and this is not a party year for us, but we will still be celebrating Valentine’s Day, just in a simpler way.
Vanilla Pudding from Alexa Croft of Flo and Grace and Everyday Classics: 68 Tasty and Essential Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free and Soy-Free Recipes
That leaves me plenty of time for this year’s SSS event and that’s a very good thing because it’s going to be absolutely amazing and so much fun, and totally delicious, of course! SSS will continue on past Valentine’s Day (and then we’ll have something else special for March). You won’t want to miss a post—here on gfe or on Facebook because I’m going to be sharing different items in each place! (Be sure to subscribe to gfe and to not only “Like” my Facebook page, but also use your mouse and hover over “Like” so you can click on “Get Notifications.”)
I am going to be sharing some of the very best gluten-free cookbooks with you during this year’s event! And, happily, via the generosity of the authors and publishers of these cookbooks, I will also be offering one of the sweet recipes from these marvelous resources in each post and sharing a review and giveaway of all.
Now for today’s post, I’m so tickled to kick off this year’s SSS by sharing a recipe from my dear friend Lexie (Flo and Grace, formerly Lexie’s Kitchen) and telling you about her new cookbook, Everyday Classics: 68 Tasty & Essential Recipes Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, and Soy Free.
Lexie’s book is small in size, about 8 inches square and less than 1/2 an inch thick, but don’t let that fool you. This cookbook is packed with good stuff! And its size makes it a cinch to throw in your purse or tote bag and take along to the kids’ soccer game or to the grocery store or health food store.
Everyday Classics: 68 Tasty & Essential Recipes Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, and Soy-Free
I’ve been very fortunate to know Lexie for several years now and she’s such a dear! Behind that adorable caricature of her in the chef’s hat with pretty pink highlights (pink is her color after all) and all her recipes and all of her other sharing on her blog—and now in her new cookbook—she’s the real deal. “Real deal” people are becoming a bit rarer I think so it’s important to acknowledge them.
I already knew Lexie’s family’s story and why she started creating gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and soy-free recipes, to some degree. I also knew that every recipe of hers that I have ever tried I have loved (and I’m “just gluten free”—most of the time and most days anyway). That fact alone shows that if you’re gluten free, dairy free, egg free, and soy free, you really don’t have to miss out on delicious meals when you’re using Lexie’s “more-free” recipes.
Despite my prior knowledge of Lexie and her recipes, I learned a lot from this cookbook. The introduction with Lexie’s analogy on going allergy free to pioneer days and her detailed information on ingredients (including trusted sources) is awesome. Even with some knowledge of Lexie’s family’s healthy journey, I was very moved and inspired by Lexie’s family’s story. I loved the recipes in this cookbook, including the fact that their allergen-free status was clearly shown in an allergen chart showing nine different allergens. I just thoroughly appreciated the whole cookbook.
It’s not one of those cookbooks where I’ll simply look at the pretty pictures, try a recipe or two, and then push it to the back of the bookshelf. No, not at all. The recipes are pretty for sure (and there’s one color photo for each recipe). Lexie is a very gifted photographer and artist, and her sense of color is delightful. But it’s not all about prettiness with Everyday Classics, I’ll actually use and treasure this cookbook. There are a good number of recipes (e.g., Tortillas, Loaf ‘O Bread, Chicken Pot Pie, Flourless Chocolate Cake) that by themselves alone would be reason to purchase this cookbook!
Lexie is graciously sharing her dairy-free Vanilla Pudding recipe with us all today. You’ll find it at the bottom of this post. You can find the chocolate version in her cookbook. They both look wonderful. I have to confess that pudding has always been a favorite of mine. It was my mom’s “go to” dessert recipe when my sister and I were growing up and I still am thrilled when I stop by or a visit and she has some waiting in the fridge. That doesn’t happen too often though. Now I can make Lexie’s recipe and enjoy delicious “comfort food” pudding whenever I want!
Giveaway of Lexie’s Cookbook, Everyday Classics!
UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed.
Today’s giveaway is co-sponsored by gfe and Lexie. Two readers will win a copy of Lexie’s Everyday Classics: 68 Tasty & Essential Recipes Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, and Soy Free.
![Dairy-Free Vanilla Pudding from Alexa Croft's Everyday Classics. [featured on GlutenFreeEasily.com]](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Gluten-Free-Dairy-Free-Egg-Free-Vanilla-Pudding-Flo-and-Grace.jpg "Dairy-Free Vanilla Pudding from Alexa Croft's Everyday Classics. [featured on GlutenFreeEasily.com]")
Dairy-Free Vanilla Pudding Recipe
Vanilla Pudding
Lexie says: "I find these puddings reminiscent of Snack Pack pudding. Cocoa butter adds a remarkable white chocolate creaminess to the Vanilla Pudding while dark chocolate lends richness to the Chocolate Pudding. A good whipping with a hand mixer just prior to serving gives these sweet treats a super silky mouthfeel. Use these puddings in place of the boxed variety in pies and parfaits. Here is the recipe for Vanilla Pudding. The recipe for Chocolate Pudding is found in Everyday Classics: 68 Tasty & Essential Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free and Soy-Free Recipes by Alexa Croft."
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 3/4 tablespoons gelatin
- 1 ounce cocoa butter
- 1/4 cup granulated cane sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 (14 oz) cans full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
- Pinch salt
- Dash ground turmeric for color, optional
Instructions
- Add water to a small saucepan and sprinkle gelatin over surface. Warm mixture over low heat just until gelatin dissolves.
- In a double boiler melt cocoa butter. Whisk in sugar and maple syrup and cook over medium heat until sugar begins to dissolve.
- Whisk in coconut milk, dissolved gelatin, and remaining ingredients. Continue to cook until steam rises from surface.
- Pour pudding into a medium mixing bowl or individual serving cups, and cover with plastic wrap. Chill until set, about 4-5 hours. For an extra silky pudding, chill in medium mixing bowl and beat until super smooth using an electric mixer prior to serving.
Notes
Lexie's Tips & Tricks: A large, rounded bottom stainless steel bowl atop a large saucepan filled 1/4 full with water makes a great stand-in for a double boiler.Leftover pudding may be beat and poured into popsicle molds for a frosty pudding pop.
Breanna says
My son and I both have all these food allergies (&then some)… I would love to win this cookbook!! I already like both Lexie’s Kitchen and GFE on Facebook. Thank you.
Stephanie says
I love Lexie’s kitchen! This recipe sounds delicious and I love that it has gelatin in it (I’ve been trying to eat more lately). Thanks for the giveaway!
Stephanie says
Following gfe on Facebook!
Stephanie says
Following Lexie’s kitchen on Facebook too!
Cheryl K. says
I haven’t been to Lexie’s Kitchen blog yet but I am going now! I have to be gluten and lactose free and it is nice to have your blog to help me. I liked
both you and Lexies’ Kitchen on Facebook! Thank you for all you give.
sara park says
Gluten free changed my life forever…but GFE brought back some of the normal comforts of food. Of course I like GFE on FB, I like Lexi on FB, and I just bought her book too! My life wouldn’t be as easy with people like you doing what you do best. You are my ‘go to’ for recipes.
…not sucking up, it is just the honest truth.
Thank you!!
Eileen says
I was just checking out the book, never heard of it. Looks spectacular! We are GFCF and my son is soy free
Eileen says
liked gfe on FB
Eileen says
liked Lexie’s kitchen on FB
Cassidy @ Cassidy's Craveable Creations says
I would love to win a copy of Lexie’s book, her recipes are always fabulous 🙂
And I’m really excited you shared her vanilla pudding, I have never been able to perfect a good vanilla pudding and now I don’t have to!!!
-Cassidy
Barb says
I got the book for Christmas and have already fallen in love with the biscuits made with healthy flours. I also got Sweet Cravings that I see in your photo and am looking forward to trying the beer bread.
Dori says
Thanks for your generosity! I have been gluten free for 3 yrs but developed RA this summer, and am trying to put out the inflammation fire! Have recently had to go egg free too, so really would love this book! Thanks again.
Heather says
I am a fan of both you and Lexie! Being egg free on top of everything else has been a bit of a challenge.
Laurie says
I follow Lexies blog, but I don’t have her book. Always like new recipes
Cheryl Harris says
looks like a great giveaway and a fun event! pls don’t enter me.
Judy McClelland says
Looks like a wonderful book. Would love to own it. My husband is a celiac with diabetes and I am constantly looking for good healthy recipes for him and also for me as I too eat gluten free. Thank you for making this opportunity for those of us who must eat gluten free. I am a fan of GFE and like Lexie’s blog also.
itzia says
I have heard of Lexie’s Kitchen and I’m trying to go gluten free. small steps.
itzia says
I follow gfe on Facebook and have selected to get notifications.
itzia says
I like lexie’s kitchen on Facebook and selected to get notifications
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
I’m “just GF” too, but also experiment with paleo recipes and have been limiting dairy. I’m a big fan of gfe & Lexie’s on FB, but only need one entry — should I win, I’ll give it away at our next GF Get Together. (after I take a peek, of course!) The husband is a BIG pudding fan, he’ll love this recipe!
Wanda says
My mother has refractory celiac disease (she requires medication to heal her gut) and I constantly search for new recipes to make when we are together and to share with her.
Sharon Baridon says
Hi Shirley!! Boy, what started as a gluten and dairy free journey years ago has now offered new experiences….no soy, eggs can be really iffy
Katrina says
My kids and mom are celiac. My sister is diabetic. So I’m always looking for yummy things to bring to the table that fit everyone’s needs!
Kelly says
I liked GFE and Lexie’s Kitchen on Facebook. I have a gluten problem especially dextrose. I would love to win this book Everyday Classics!
brooke says
I recently had a baby, she is two months old. For the past month, I have been noticing frequent rashes on her face and she has become very fussy following feedings with a lot of screaming from belly aches. After a lot of research, it seems as though she has a dairy and/or gluten intolerance. This cookbook would be a great resource to help me begin this new lifestyle into my diet of no dairy, gluten, or eggs so I can continue to nurse without her suffering.
Paula says
I’m looking to learn more about going gluten free – I’m a super newbie – day one! I liked GFE and Lexie’s Kitchen on FB.
Sue says
Thanks for the tip on “get notifications”! I had already liked both of your pages. I’m doing really well sticking to GF, but I’d like to go more free to see if I can clear up some lingering health issues. Love your blog/facebook/recipes! Thanks for the give aways… and a very Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours.
Carolyn says
I need help being refined sugar free. Sugar is in too many foods.
Carolyn says
I follow (stalk) you on FB.
Dyanne Spease says
I am new to the gluten free way of life. I would love a bread recipe that doesn’t have a lot of sugar and starch in it that is gluten free. Trying to get my husband on board so I really need a soft bread recipe that doesn’t contain a lot of carbs. Would love to win!!
Sara Bruce says
I would love to win this book. I am new to the GF diet since I’ve recently been told I have an intolerance to Gluten.
Linda C says
Yum! I can’t wait to try this pudding! I’ve been a fan of Lexie’s and I’m so excited that she has a cookbook now. Please enter me to win!
Cheryl Ardis says
This would be perfect for my daughter…Celiac with a severe egg allergy. Thanks!
Angela B says
This would be great to start my collection of GF books!
Angela B says
“Like” gfe on Facebook and use your mouse to hover over “Like” and click on “Get Notifications” so you won’t miss a post. (Leave a comment saying that you did; optional entry
Angela B says
Like” Lexie’s Kitchen on Facebook and use your mouse to hover over “Like” and click on “Get Notifications” so you won’t miss a post. (Leave a comment saying that you did; optional entry.)
angela says
I need help cooking… please let me win.
Elizabeth M says
I’m fairly new to the world of allergy-free eating. I’m allergic to wheat and peanuts. I’m struggling to figure out what else I’m allergic or just sensitive to.
Elizabeth M says
I “like” you both on Facebook!
Tracy says
This looks awesome! I’ve “played” with gluten free before by my own choice, but it looks like medically I may need to steer this direction…indefinitely! This would help!
Katie says
Liked
Katie says
Liked both
Katie says
We are diary soy wheat egg nut green bean sweat potato free! Would love this! 3 of us in the house!
Chuck H says
Trying new gf recipes that are good
Mel Peters says
I have several food sensitivities and a vegetable hating husband, lol! Need new recipes for the dinner arsenal.
Patrick says
This would be a hit at our house !
Patrick says
I ‘Liked’ gfe on FB !
Cassondra Randall says
My mother and I are recently new to the gluten free diet due to many health related issues. We are in dire need of some gluten free recipes! It’s so hard to find healthy food, especially gluten & wheat free!! We could REALLY use a cook book! Thank you for the giveaways!!!
fran says
These recipes really help. I have a daughter who is gluten internet and a sister who is egg also..
Danielle says
I’m a big fan of Lexie’s blog and I’d love to be more gluten free. I think with a book like this, I’d be well on my way!
Kelly Yoder says
I would love to get this cookbook to give to my young adult son so he can have easy to follow, delicious recipes without gluten or casein. Thank you for this opportunity. I have already been following Lexie’s Kitchen blog and now I will add GFE as well!
charj says
I follow Lexie’s Kitchen via RSS
Lee Ann Cameron says
My family is gluten sensitive and have found a whole new world in GF cooking …I would love to have this book…I have liked Lexie’s Kitchen and Have always liked GFE Thanks for having this giveaway
Arleen says
I get notifications on Facebook from GFE
Donna Smith says
I needed to adjust our family meals and I need to go gluten free. I am new to cooking this way. This book sounds great.
I follow both you and Lexie on Facebook.
Arleen says
I get notifications on Facebook from Lexie’s Kitchen.
Arleen says
Dairy-free? Try Lexie’s Mango Ice Cream. To die for!
Wanda Atkinson says
My husband and I are both gluten free. We would love to have this cookbook. I have been following gfe and will now be following Lexie’s Kitchen as well. It is always nice to find some good gluten free recipes.
Jessica A says
I need to be GF because of Celiac and my 7-year old daughter needs to be due to non-Celiac gluten sensitivity and gluten allergy. I need help kicking my sugar habit again!
Jessica A says
Already liked GFE on FB and receive notifications!
Jessica A says
Already like Lexie’s Kitchen and get notifications. 🙂
Amy Burke says
Love it all!
insiya says
I am definitely fan of Lexie’s kitchen! I haven’t turned Gluten Free completely yet. I am new to it all. Been contemplating a lot to turn completely just need a little more motivation & a push. Who knows maybe this book might provide me one?
insiya says
Already like GFE on facebook & receive notifications!
lori IL says
i’m a fan and a subscriber to Lexie’s Kitchen!
Cassidy @ Cassidy's Craveable Creations says
Thank you SO MUCH Shirley, I just can’t believe I won! I absolutely cannot wait to receive a copy of her book and try all of her yummy recipes 🙂
XO,
Cassidy
Shirley says
You are so welcome, Cassidy! I’m excited for you to get Lexie’s book and start trying some of her wonderful recipes and maybe get inspired to make some more new ones of your own. 🙂 My blogger friends’ ideas are always inspiring me to create some new gfe recipes. 😉
xo,
Shirley
Katie Jacobs says
So excited to have won Alexa Croft’s new cookbook, Everyday Classics! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!
Shirley says
You’re welcome, Katie! I’m so happy that you won. I know you will just love Lexie’s recipes! 🙂
Shirley
April says
I love Lexie’s kitchen! Thanks for the giveaway!
April says
Liked on FB
April says
Liked on FB #2
Denise R says
I have a gluten allergy and this would be perfect for me!
April J Harris says
Lexie’s cookbook sounds wonderful, and I really like this pudding recipe, Shirley. It’s lovely it’s suitable for so many diets, and it sound so delicious too. Thank you so much for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. I hope you have a lovely weekend!