Happy Valentine's Day!

Delectable Gluten Free Ice Cream Brownie Cupcakes

Looking for a sophisticated yet simple dessert for Valentine's Day or other special occasion? This dessert idea can be put together in no time, and can be dressed up for fancier gatherings or served as is for a simple but elegant dessert.

I made these using a brownie mix from Bob's Red Mill that is both gluten and dairy free, but if you wanted to use pre-made brownies or soft, chewy cookies the prep time could be cut down even more. My son can't tolerate much cow's milk, so I used a goat milk ice cream from a company called Hewitt's, but a non-dairy ice cream could be an easy substitute.

This is the perfect activity for kids to help out with. 

Valentine's Day Activities for Toddlers

My son is too young to really understand what Valentine's Day is all about, but they did make giant cards at daycare, and it got me thinking about some fun little activities that we could do together this weekend to celebrate.  I am not very gifted in the crafting department, but that doesn't mean I don't like to try!

These are some of my simple, quick, toddler friendly ideas:

1) Glitter hearts: Grab some card stock, cut out some hearts, glue, and glitter.  A glitter glue pen is probably simpler (and cleaner) for toddlers, and they can create designs with the pen.  For the more ambitious, cover the entire heart with glue using a craft glue brush, and then pour glitter over top and shake off excess when dry.  Punch a hole in the top, tie some pretty ribbon through and hang your hearts wherever you wish!

2) Homemade Valentine Cards: Some construction paper, crayons or pencil crayons and you're good to go. Some websites have free printable colouring pages as well, like this one

3) Snow Painting: If you're like me and there's a lot of snow on your lawn, mix up a bit of red food colouring with water in a spray bottle and try to get your little one to paint hearts or x's and o's in the snow.

4) Tissue paper art: Using construction paper or card stock, cut out various shapes (hearts, x' and o's, lips, flowers, etc.).  Cut pieces of pink, red or white tissue paper into small pieces and place in a bowl for your toddler. Put some glue on the paper and have your toddler glue the tissue paper on.  You can scrunch up the tissue paper first to have more texture. 

5) Love bugs: Collect some rocks (small enough to put in a pocket, but large enough for a toddler to work with) that are smooth and lie flat.  Using a permanent marker or some paint, write your child's name on the bottom.  Have your child colour, paint or glitter the rock.  Draw some eyes or glue some googly eyes and tell your child it's a love bug.  This is a cute little gift that could be made and given to siblings as well.

Just a few ways to take a very commercial holiday and make it more personal.  I personally hope to find some time to glitter this weekend!

My Gluten Free Valentine

I've been searching some gluten free treats for my son for Valentine's day, and I must admit it's been trying.  It's more complicated since he's also dairy free.  I've done some digging, and pulled up a small list of companies offering gluten free options that are not expensive specialty products or only available to a local market.

NOTE: For a full list of ingredients, and to find out if the products contain dairy or other allergens, please click on the company name to be taken to their website. 

Looking for Gluten Free treats for your valentine?  Here are some sweet ideas to get you started!

Necco: The Valentine's Conversation Hearts remind me of childhood, and are listed as being gluten free. For a full list of GF products click on their website.

Jelly Belly: Their FAQ states that all of their beans are gluten free.  Click on the link in the company name to see their statement. 

Skittles: Sour, Wild Berry and Crazy Cores are listed as gluten free.

Tootsie Roll Industries: States that all Tootsies products except for Andes cookies are gluten free. (peanut and other nut product free too!)  This means Tootsie Rolls, Charms blow pops, DOTS, Junior Mints, Nik-L-Nip and others.  Many products are also listed as Kosher.

Prefer to whip up some gluten free brownies, cupcakes or a cake to share with the family?  Try some of these mixes:

Bob's Red Mill: This is generally my go to because we are dairy free as well.  Many of the gluten free mixes are also dairy free.  The brownie mix is our favourite.  Some of the best tasting brownies ever, GF or not.  They also have cake mixes and gift baskets of gluten free products, including a Gluten Free starter's kit.

Kinnikinnick: They have angel food cake, chocolate and white cake mixes.

Betty Crocker: cookie, cake and brownie mixes.  Haven't seen them in my grocery store yet, so I'm not sure where to get the gluten free mixes in Canada.  The product locator didn't come up with anything for me either. 

Glutino: a variety of brownie and cake mixes.

There are also companies that offer gluten free gift baskets specifically for Valentine's day. A few online companies that I found:

Gluten Smart: This is an online store selling all kinds of GF products, including Valentine's day gift baskets.

Gifts.com: Not a specific Valentine's basket, but a few generic GF ones that I'm sure could look very festive with the right card..

Well Baskets: Gift baskets customizable by a variety of factors, including gluten and dairy free.

Valentine's Day can be just as yummy without gluten, and kids don't have to feel left out.  I'm going to put together a small heart shaped gift box full of gluten free candies for my son, with a card and a few inexpensive toys (a pencil, window tickers, stamps) to surprise him on Valentine's Day.  Some heart shaped GF pancakes, followed by some heart shaped brownies after dinner and I think he'll enjoy his day as much as anyone.