When the going gets rough or scary or stressful I wind up in the kitchen. Which for me is a wonderful place because I get to zone out, be creative and it becomes a place for me to relieve my stress. I know it might sound odd but cooking and baking really helps me feel like I have some control over my health. When I get in the kitchen I don’t feel restricted, I’ll make something that is good for me yet I feel like I’m still a “normal person” who is eating “regular” food. If you have celiac disease or other health conditions that restrict your diet, I suggest you get in the kitchen and make something delicious that you CAN have (even if you don’t normally like to bake or cook). It really gives you a sense of control and pride and happiness. It does for me anyway!

On my latest journey (this eye lash journey) and in my attempts at cutting out most allergens from my diet I wanted to see what else I can create using the fruits and groceries I had on hand. I came up with an apple ginger breakfast bar that I absolutely love! The recipe is really so simple and so quick and so yummy and so very good for you!! Most importantly get in the kitchen and make something for yourself that is healthy and makes you feel happy inside while getting control over a part of your life that you didn’t choose to lose. Eat away and feel happy!!

Apple Ginger Breakfast Bar

preheat oven 350, 8×8 flat baking dish

Ingredients:
2 cups almond flour
1/4 cup arrowroot flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp molasses
1/2 cup sprouted gluten free granola cereal (I used Lydia’s Organics Sprouted Cinnamon Cereal)
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
2 apples peeled and diced
1 ripe banana
less than 1/4 cup olive oil or grape seed oil

Directions:
1. Add all dry ingredients.
2. In separate bowl mash bananas, add oil and molasses, and stir.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
4. Once combined mix in the apples and ginger.
5. Spoon out mixed batter into the flat baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes depending on oven (and less time if use bigger dish).

And! The next round of “What Do You Miss” will end on June 15 so please send me your stories and most missed food item!!

Ever Onward,

Jennifer Esposito

~ Jennifer

This Post Has 10 Comments

  1. Michelle

    I read an article about you and your fight with Celiac disease in my gastro doctor’s office. I’m also a HUGE fan of yours on Blue Bloods. Anyway, I haven’t been diagnosed with celiac but
    I have multiple auto immune disorders including Crohn’s and gastroparesis. I was wondering if you would know if a celiac diet could help with those issues. If you or someone on your staff, that would know could get back in contact with me, I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you so very much!

    1. Melodie

      Kim, If you can find Garbanzo Bean Flour that works great also! I ran out of almond flour and have been using the Garbanzo Bean flour instead and it is working great :) I even used it to make some gluten free chocolate chips cookies the other day and my kids and their friends could not even tell they were gluten free!

  2. Irene

    Jennifer,Have you looked into Fodmaps for continued healing.Check out Patty Catsos RD.Restricting foods with high Fodmaps has helped me further in my issues.I mention this when I saw apples in your recipe.Apples along with pears have the highest levels of fructose and can cause havoc with your intestines.Just a thought….

  3. Jenn

    can the rice flour be replaced cup for cup to almond and/or coconut flour? i have found the different flours in gluten- free baking cannot be replaced cup for cup. But this recipe might allow it. Please do let me know. I’ve just found your site this morning and am soooo excited to get back in the kitchen and just stay in there trying all of your recipes!!! I too have been sick for some time and I pray this helps!!!
    Much love and appreciation,
    Jenn

  4. Pingback: Gluten free blogs (USA edition) - Dietitian without Borders

  5. Sabrina Kamuf

    I made the apple ginger breakfast bars but the mixture did not resemble batter that could be spooned into the 8 x 8 dish. It was very dry even with all the ingredients mixed together. Was there an ingredient left out of the recipe

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