Valentine’s Day arrived bright and beautiful, and cold, for our biennial bash. However, that made me quite happy because it meant my porch–aka my spare refrigerator on cold days—would be at the ready for storing any leftovers of the gluten-free Volcano Pancake and much more, and our house would stay cool enough (dancing people generate a lot of heat!).
Gluten-Free Volcano Pancake (sort of tastes like French Toast)
Mr. GFE volunteered to go pick up our centerpiece and I continued with party preps while waiting for our out-of-state friends to arrive. Right after the first couple arrived, he walked in with a flower arrangement that was NOT my centerpiece.
Lots of Valentines, Birds of Paradise Centerpiece, Pink Minx Begonia, String Kings, gluten-free Volcano Pancake, and much more.
A standard-sized vase held purple roses and red carnations. He admitted he didn’t think that it was my centerpiece, but, of course, he didn’t inquire further or call me. Why not?? Gotta love him!
I called the florist. The staff member I spoke to knew immediately which arrangement was mine … “oh, right, yours was the silver bowl with the hearts on it … no problem, we’ll bring it to you and swap them out.” A few minutes later my centerpiece arrived and it was as spectacular as ever.
The florist, our friend Larry, makes floral arrangements that you’re unlikely to find in an FTD catalog, but are ones you’ll be thrilled to receive.
This one was an overflowing mix of calla lilies, huge yellow and pink roses, forsythia, dracaena, ivy, and birds of paradise. In the grayness of winter, having such a creation gracing your table will make you—and everyone else—smile every time you see it.
Our overnight guests, visiting from three different states, arrived hours before the party. We were delighted to see them all!
Five out of six had never been to our house before. They included two couples who we met on our travels many years ago (and have traveled with since) and the adorable new wife of my husband’s college buddy.
They all insisted on pitching in with the last of the party preps and were incredibly helpful during and after the party. They ran errands, chopped ingredients for the recipes to be made that day (oh, how I love having my own sous chef!), polished silver (yes, can you believe it?), washed dishes (always worthy of note), wiped up spills, swept up broken glass (I was the one who dropped a platter putting it away!), etc.
It was like having a staff of six—wow! You guys know who you are and you are all fantastic! Of course, the best part was catching up, laughing, and celebrating being together while we worked.
Of course, I am a fanatic about having lots of great food—homemade and gluten free, of course—at our parties. I make the bulk of the food and let really good friends help out by bringing their favorite gluten-free dishes. The menu is finger foods as much as possible.
This time I had prepared old standbys like Two-Ingredient Chicken Wings, Spicy Meatballs, Crab Ball, Chicken Salad Puffs, and Spinach Artichoke Dip. Others brought appetizers such as bacon-wrapped scallops, and a variety of dips and spreads (like black bean dip and creamy Rotel sausage dip) served with veggies and/or gluten-free crackers.
Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Puffs
Desserts were my flourless chocolate cake, Rolo turtles, flourless peanut butter cookies, brown sugar chocolate chip cookies, and one girlfriend’s fabulous creme brulee. All the food I had prepared was in place at the start of the party except for the crab ball. I had actually made two (one was in reserve to pull out of the fridge later), but I had to wait until a very helpful friend showed up with gluten-free crackers.
I’ve stated before that I don’t buy much processed gluten-free stuff, but I do need crackers on occasions like this one. Our grocery store doesn’t carry gluten-free crackers of any kind, so my friend picked up some in town for me.
The gluten-free rice and nut-based crackers I use work out okay, but to be honest, I am still searching for some nice buttery gluten-free crackers with a taste like Keebler’s Townhouse crackers. (That brand went so well with my crab ball before I went gluten free. Please share your recommendations in the comments below!)
Guests began arriving right at our start time of 8 pm with thoughtful hostess gifts in hand—like specially chosen bottles of wine and delightful flowers.
This year I received a lovely purple orchid in a copper vase from one friend. Mom and Dad had given us a classic bouquet of red carnations, white mums, daisies, red Gerbera daisies, and eucalyptus. My mother-in-law gave us red roses as did our next-door neighbors.
I also received a begonia—and not just any begonia. First, this one was beautifully packaged in pink tissue paper with hearts. As my friend handed it to me, she told me that it was a pink minx begonia.
It was the most beautiful begonia I’d ever seen … with tiny, delicate pink flowers and a silver dusting over pink leaves. It was only after the party that my friend told me that she’d grown it from a cutting. I was, and remain, very impressed. (She says that it’s actually easy to take care of and propagate. You can see it in the photo collage above.)
Pink Minx Begonia
Part of the party fun for me is seeing what everyone will wear. I always wear a dress and heels because I just have to dance in a dress and heels. (Always have and always will.)
My husband, on the other hand, always wears jeans and a t-shirt. Much deliberation goes into just the right t-shirt though. (No, I am not kidding.)
There were a few cocktail dresses and more heels (far spiffier than my basic black pumps), plus some super cool purses. Handmade blouses from Mexico. Button-down shirts and khakis. Hawaiian shirts, jeans, and sneakers. Animal print jackets. Cowboy boots. Sequined sweaters. Fleece.
The diversity in the clothes mirrors the diversity of the crowd. Lively, interesting, and engaging folks. We love them all and are, likewise, lucky to be counted as their friends.
A few minutes after 8 pm, the band began playing. We’ve almost always found our bands months before our parties.
Our first Valentine’s Day party here, we didn’t even plan for any music. But our dear friend and talented blues performer, Gaye Adegbalola, surprised us and graciously entertained us. What a treat that was!
Since then we’ve been fortunate to host some excellent bands over the years. Well, other than that one Valentine’s Day party in the early years when we hired a band sight unseen and music unheard through a booking agent. Mistake.
We had to keep telling them to take a break and even when they were playing, we were pushing friends up to the mike to sing—they were THAT bad.
Ever since that debacle, we book our bands months in advance after giving them a fairly thorough checkout.
One of our party bands, Bill Kirchen and Too Much Fun, was even nominated for a Grammy right after we had booked them and before they played at our house. Sadly, they didn’t win the Grammy, but they remain a phenomenal band. (Are you old enough to remember Commander Cody and The Lost Planet Airmen? Bill played lead guitar in that group and he still does “Hot Rod Lincoln” like nobody’s business. If interested, you can read more here about Bill’s history.)
At the end of December (only six weeks before the party—yikes!), several different circumstances had us without a band. Time to get serious.
I checked out our local newspaper’s entertainment section for December and started checking out bands that had played at local venues and listening to their clips on their individual websites. I also had to check out other factors: band size, type of music, and cost.
We always want a smaller band that plays really good music we can dance to, but not a dance band, mind you. After several websites and listens, I found the String Kings.
Three people … check! I listened to several songs on their site … and I listened again and again. They sounded really good … check! Then I clicked over to their schedule and found out they were open on Valentine’s Day … check!
And, as fate would have it, they were playing 8 miles from our house at a local venue for New Year’s Eve. We contacted them and arranged to slip in to hear them play four songs. That was all we needed … they would definitely be our party band!
When they showed up at our party, their bass guitarist who also does most of the singing was very hoarse. So, all the singing fell to the lead guitarist.
He did a wonderful job as did the whole band. The crowd said they were one of our best bands ever and we agreed!
As you can see from the pictures, everyone danced the night away! Although the setting wasn’t quite as psychedelic as this photo (taken of us and the band by our dear friend from Durham), the mood was fun and festive and all the valentines greatly enjoyed themselves.
Our son and two of his traveling buddies even showed up for their first Valentine’s party experience (now that they are all past 21, that’s allowed). I think they surprised themselves with the good time they had—even praising the band. Our son, who is also gluten free, loved having all the safe food choices. 
Right after midnight, String Kings played their last tune and we said our good-byes to our guests. Time had flown by … as it always does when the best events are taking place.
After some cleanup and getting everyone settled in comfortably, I got a fire going in the wood stove. Then, the very last thing I did before going to bed was to pull the Banana Maple-Nut Muffins out of the freezer.
The Morning After with Gluten-Free Volcano Pancake, Banana Maple-Nut Muffins, and More
The next morning I got up, whipped up my gluten-free Volcano Pancake and placed it in the oven beside a naturally gluten-free Hash Brown Casserole. So easy. And, off to the shower, I went.
By the time everyone had finished their showers and were greeting the day and each other, the Hash Brown Casserole, gluten-free Volcano Pancake, and gluten-free Banana Maple-Nut Muffins (warmed for just a few minutes in the oven) were waiting on the sideboard for them. (Some years I make my gluten-free Overnight French Toast Casserole instead of my Volcano Pancake. Both are delicious choices!)
We set out the big jug of maple syrup that our friends had brought us from Vermont (plus some maple cotton candy–who knew there was such a thing?!). We also shared a mixture of our honey with butter as another choice for topping. Coffee and O.J. rounded out the meal.
There was oohing and aahing over the lovely, light volcano pancake and quieter but still sincere appreciation for the hearty Hash Brown Casserole. The gluten-free Banana Maple-Nut Muffins were loved as well.
While we ate, we chatted about the highlights of the party, everything going on in the world, and future travels where we might meet again. Everyone kept returning to speculation on how many folks had been in attendance the night before.
I finally got out my guest list and did the official count—60. That’s actually a small crowd for one of our parties. But, fewer people left more room for dancing comfortably. 🙂
Our friends were heading out right after breakfast. I divvied up the remaining muffins and sent each couple off with some.
Our friends from Vermont were going to Washington, D.C. for more sightseeing (they had done some on their way down on Saturday). The two other couples were headed back home to North Carolina and South Carolina, respectively, with Sunday evening events to attend.
After the last car pulled away at noon, my husband and I turned to each other and said “We did it!” Then we gave each other congratulatory hugs on another successful Valentine’s Day party.
Ah, the relief of sweet success. And, then about a half-hour later, we took a nap. Next Valentine’s Day party … February 19 of next year. 😉 Until then, enjoy this gluten-free Volcano Pancake whenever the mood strikes. Don’t wait for a special occasion.
Updates: One time I accidentally baked the Volcano Pancake at 450 degrees. It only took 15 minutes to bake! The texture of the resulting pancake was slightly different but it was every bit as delicious. I’ve since made an Apple-Cinnamon Volcano Pancake. It’s great!
Gluten-Free Volcano Pancake Recipe
This recipe was adapted from a Taste of Home recipe. It's an oven pancake and sometimes called a puff pancake, a Dutch baby, or even Yorkshire pudding. I like to think of it as a popover in pancake form. Can it get any better than that? Any gluten-free all-purpose flour mix should work. It's possible that certain flours by themselves might work, too, versus a mix---like rice flour or buckwheat. I used my Two-Ingredient Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Mix. I accidentally baked this Volcano Pancake at 450 degrees once. It only took 15 minutes to cook. While it had a slightly different texture than when baked at a lower temperature, it was just as delicious!Volcano Pancake
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
If you love the combination of apples and cinnamon, check out my Apple-Cinnamon Volcano Pancake.
V-Grrrl says
I am so impressed you served that breakfast the morning after your party.
We had a wonderful time.
Shirley says
V–Ah, thanks! It was all in the making ahead of time for the hash brown casserole and banana maple-nut muffins. And, the volcano pancake is so easy to put together. 🙂 I am so glad you guys came. We enjoyed having you!! You even made the picture cut. 😉 (It would have been better to get face shots of the two of you, but moving targets you know! LOL)
Shirley
Kay says
Looks like a great party!
The Volcano Pancake sounds deee-lish! I got some maple syrup for Christmas and I’ve been looking for new things to pour it over. Thanks!
noble pig says
What an absolutely wonderful night! So, so fun. Volcano pancake? That is so cool.
Absolutely Not Martha says
hi! just wanted to mention that I’m doing a post about favorite gluten free food products on absolutely not martha. I’d LOVE to hear what yours is–just leave me a comment (if you haven’t already).
glutenfreeforgood says
Oh my gosh! Commander Cody — that was in a different life.
🙂
Sure looks like you all had a great time with great food. Oh — and a bunch of flowers! Very nice.
Rock on, Shirley!
Melissa
Shirley says
Kay–It was! 🙂 Every time I think back on it, I smile.
Hope you enjoy the Volcano Pancake! Let us know what you think when you make it.
Thanks,
Shirley
Shirley says
Cathy–Yes, thanks! It’s something we (and our friends) look forward to months in advance. It’s funny when on an “off” year, people say excitedly (and hopefully), “Is THIS the year?” We have to tell them, no, not this year. Then they always say we should do it every year, but every year would make it too much work and not as special.
If you have an oven with a glass door that Volcano Pancake is really fun to watch puff up. 🙂
Shirley
Shirley says
Melissa—LOL on Commander Cody. Yeah, back in the day (a little before my time, too … hubby is a bit older LOL). I do remember Hot Rod Lincoln, but it was still played on the radio from time to time so that’s probably where my knowledge comes from. 😉 I have to say hearing Bill play it live is a special treat for all. String Kings played top 40-style rock and everyone’s favorites along those lines, but also did some very neat Johnny Cash related songs that were actually very cool.
I’m rockin! (Well, actually I am back in my mellow state at the moment. LOL)
Shirley
Naomi says
Shirley,
Kelly at the spunky coconut suggested that you might like to host a month of ‘Go Ahead Honey it’s Gluten Free’. I need hosts for April and June if you would be interested.
Thanks for your lovely comment on Straight Into Bed Cakefree and Dried.
x x x
Shirley says
Hi, Naomi–Thanks so much for visiting GFE! Wow, I am truly honored by your invitation! I have a speaking engagement at the beginning of April so I’ll opt for June, please. Thanks so much to you AND Kelly! I’ll put this super fun event on my calendar now and we’ll chat more by email. Your blog is wonderful! This GF blogging community is beyond compare IMHO! 🙂
Thanks again!
Shirley
Lisa says
Hi, Shirley
Wow, your party looked fantastic, lots of fun and good food!
I’m dying to make the Volcano Pancake, when you say 1 cup of GF flour, do you mean your flour mix or any GF flour I have around the house, such as white or brown rice flour, etc?
Just curious, before I whip it up!
Thanks!
Lisa
Shirley says
Lisa–Hi there! Thanks for the kudos on the party. 🙂 It’s always such a blast for us and our friends … something to look forward to for sure.
I’ve just updated the recipe to show “GF flour mix” and noted the mix I use. I usually note that in my recipes that require GF flour, but forgot this time, so thanks so much for asking the question! I think any GF flour mix will work. Rice flour (finely ground white or brown … or even buckwheat) alone could even possibly work, but most of us have found we like to use a mix/blend. So give it a try with your favorite GF flour or blend and please let us know how it turns out. It’s fun and so tasty. 🙂
Happy breakfast baking!
Shirley
Absolutely Not Martha says
thanks, shirley, for telling me your gf fave(s). btw, these recipes are something i may need to feature soon on anm!
Shirley says
Jackie–I enjoyed seeing what others had to say. That would be fun if you featured my recipes on your blog.
Shirley
Kelly says
Sorry I’m kind of late here, but I just had to say it looks like it was so much fun! And I love the recipes! BTW is that you in the black and white dress? It’s fun to be able to see you 🙂 Sometimes I think I could be somewhere, and pass someone I talk to in here, and I would never even know it! Ya know? 🙂
Matt says
I am also late here, and I agree that it looks like an incredible party with some well-reflected recipes.
I just started the meds so I should feel better soon!
Shirley says
Kelly–A little late is just fine … I was way late posting about the party, so we’re even. 😉 It was a blast and I think you’ll enjoy adapting those recipes to meet your family’s needs.
Yep, that’s me in my polka dots cutting a rug with my sweet husband. 🙂 I know exactly what you mean. Years ago I was in an online group and most of us didn’t have pictures posted and it was quite a surprise to see each other in person when we finally met. We flew to a friend’s cabin in a state none of us lived in. It was quite an adventure, but a wonderful one! And, many of us remain friends and stay in touch today!
Shirley
Shirley says
Matt—Late is good. It’s those pesky people who come early to the party that bother me! 😉 Thanks so much! It was definitely party food and not the kind of food I’d want to eat every day or even all at once very often, but we all enjoyed it.
Thanks so much for an update on your progress—I am hoping the next time you report in, you’ll be feeling terrific!
Shirley
Linda says
Those are two great sounding breakfast recipes. My family would really like them both (except for the green peppers). Thanks for sharing them as part of What can I eat that’s gluten free.
Shirley says
Hey Linda–I hope you all will enjoy them when you make them. 🙂 It’s easy to leave out the green pepper in the casserole. This a pretty easy, adaptable recipe. I actually added chopped celery to it (that was leftover from making chicken salad) by accident the day of our party and you couldn’t even taste the celery … it still tasted great. The volcano pancake is always a treat. Glad to get in on the fun over at your What Can I Eat That’s Gluten Free? weekly roundup. 😉
Shirley
Liz@HoosierHomemade says
Looks like you had a blast! Thanks for sharing the casserole recipe! I bet my house full of men would love it!
Thanks for joining in the fun at the Sir Ham-A-Lot Party!
~Liz
Mary says
Dear Shirley,
I honestly keep thinking that eventually I’ll make one of your recipes and *won’t* love it, but it hasn’t happened yet! I made the volcano pancake for breakfast this morning, and it was delish! I was nervous, because it was very soupy when I poured it into the pan, but it turned out so, so well! I used Earth Balance soy-free, dairy-free margarine and coconut milk (the kind that’s the consistency/thickness as cow or rice milk, not the thick coconut milk that comes in cans).
I haven’t made the hash brown casserole yet. I haven’t figured out what to substitute for the sour cream since we are gf, dairy-free and soy-free. I’m thinking about plain coconut yogurt.
Thanks for all the great recipes! You should write a cookbook.
Mary
Shirley says
Hi Mary–Well, that is great news that you keep having such success with my gfe recipes! I try to share only the best ones. 🙂 I’m so glad that you once again had success making this recipe dairy free. Thanks for the note on the coconut milk, too. I’m assuming that you mean So Delicious coconut milk. That’s the only one I know of that is non-canned. I haven’t tried it yet, but would like to.
I think the coconut yogurt is a great idea as a substitution for the sour cream. Let me know how it turns out!
Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback, Mary. I think I would like to write a book on living gfe and/or a cookbook. 😉
Shirley
Mary says
Hi Shirley- Yes, I use the So Delicious coconut milk. It is great for baking!
Thanks,
Mary
Shirley says
Hi Mary–Thanks so much for confirming that’s the coconut milk that you use! 🙂
Shirley
carrie @ gingerlemongirl.com says
Thank you SO Much for sharing this on my breakfast roundup this week! YUM! I really can’t wait to try that puff pancake! I’ve had several recipes like that before I was gf! I never thought to make a gluten free version! So easy too! Yum!
Shirley says
Hi Carrie–My pleasure! 🙂 I’ll be surprised if this doesn’t become one of your favorite breakfast dishes (or dinner … or lunch … or a snack LOL). Looks like you’ve had a great week for your part of our Gluten-Free Holiday event! So many things can be converted to gluten free … easily. 😉
Hugs,
Shirley
Becky says
I made the volcano pancake this morning. I don’t recommend using a stoneware pan. It tasted good, but didn’t “volcano”. It did puff up, but not quite like a popover normally does.
Shirley says
Hi Becky–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the pancake, but sorry that it didn’t puff up nicely for you. I admit I don’t use stoneware in baking. I’ve even tried baking stones for cookies and not had good luck. A Pyrex pan works nicely for this recipe though.
Thanks for your feedback!
Shirley
Kim says
I make the Volcano Pancake once a week. Today I used half sorghum flour and half King Arthur glutenfree multi-prupose flour. The pancake puffed up more than it ever has before! I think it made a difference putting it in a smaller dish – one size down from 9 x 13 (my dish doesn’t have the measurements on it). In the past it hasn’t risen very much, but it still tastes good. I was thinking what would happen if I put ranch dressing mix or pesto mix in the batter? I have put bacon and tuna in corn muffins. What would happen if I put bacon or tuna or chicken in the batter? I think I would have to double the recipe to accomidate the extra ingredient as my Volcano Pancakes come out so thin. What about putting blueberries, strawberries, apples or pears in? Oh and I use the Volcano Pancake as the main and only course with our family of three.
In the Hash Brown Breakfast casserole I use broccoli instead of green peppers. I burp green peppers. I have also used dry roasted brown rice instead of hash browns. The next time I make it I am going to try diced hash browns instead of shredded.
I just found out I am gluten intolerant in March of 2011.
Thanks for all the recipes!
Kim
Shirley says
Hi Kim–You posted this lovely and detailed comment SO long ago and I somehow missed it 🙁 … I am so sorry! And thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful comment! I’m glad you’ve had success with both recipes and have lots of new ideas on variations. You’ve probably tried them all by now! 😉 Hope that you have continued to do great with gluten-free living! 🙂
Shirley
gina says
i made the volcano pancake this morning..i halved the recipe, but i think next time i might use 2 eggs. Is it supposed to be eggy? If thats what the end result is, i guess i got it right! I thought it might taste a little more like a zeppole, but it didnt..lol
Shirley says
Hi gina–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Yes, I would say that it is a bit eggy like popovers and the like. I had to look up zeppole. Boy, do those look good! I think those would be more like my Party Puffs, which are similar in that they are a puffy, choux pastry type recipe, but they are slightly less eggy in taste. Thanks for sharing your feedback and, sure, keep tweaking the recipe until you get the results you want! 😉
Shirley
gina says
oo..thanks,im definitely going to try the party puffs! And yes, zeppoles are sooo yummy! 😉