Cook: Vegan No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn

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With the changing of the seasons, I've had a hankering for something caramel. Caramel apples, caramel popcorn, caramel caramel (you get the point). But all store bought caramel (at least locally) contains cow milk products.

So I did a little research and found a recipe I could make my own and make it milk free. Below is the result.

I only have two words of warning to keep in mind while making this.

1. After you've mixed the vanilla and baking soda, pour the entire contents on top of the popcorn in one sweep and start mixing quick so that you get an uniform coating before everything cools.
2. Once you have a bite, you might not stop. If you're planning on taking some to a party or making some as a gift, don't sample. :)

Cook: Superhero Cooking Oils Series, Canola Oil as Cyclops

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According to IGN, Cyclops has lost two wives, reunited with his space pirate father, discovered two lost brothers, fought beside both a son and daughter from alternate futures, and defended The Dream as a knight might protect the Holy Grail. Through all of this, he's still standing.  He's X-Men's golden boy and mutant in charge next to Professor X (source).

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I'd like to think of canola oil as Cyclops. No drama (or recipe) is too much for this singular vision. Just check out the specs below (everything is from wikipedia).

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Canola Oil

• Contains large amounts of monounsaturated fats, low amounts of saturated fats, and presence of Omega-3s (good for the heart, just like Mr. Univision).
• Includes anti-inflammatory properties (so you can stay svelte like Mr. Cool).
• Looks light and clear with relatively little flavor (ready for any action).
• Comes highly recommended for replacing extremely unhealthy solid fats like stick butter as well as slightly less healthy oils such as soy and peanut (can be substituted in equal amounts). Professor X can't make it? Send in Cyclops. Wolverine going crazy? Send in the Cyclops. So let it be with canola oil.
• Is created from cold-pressing the seeds of the rapeseed plant, which is a cousin to Brussels Sprouts and cabbage (mustard family). Canola oil, like Cyclops, comes from good stock.
• Works best at 375-450 degrees F, which is good for high heat recipes including sauces, and deserts, grilling, stir-fry, and coating pans. Canola oil is calm under pressure just like the man, the one and only Cyclops.
• Helps with leavening as well as tenderizing and moisturizing food (gentle and smooth).

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(Cyclops and canola oil have heart)

So don't be afraid to pull out the canola oil instead of corn or butter! Your body will thank you for it!

Cook: GF French Toast

After a much needed vacation away from the world of blogging, vlogging, and addictive Facebook posting, I'm ba-ack!

I've got some great ideas for some upcoming blogs and videos, included a continuation of my series on oils, sewing and woodworking DIYs, a music video about how much I'm glad that I'm no longer eating gluten and milk products, and new recipes! I'll also be re-designing my YouTube page since they've made some changes while I've been away.

Also I think I've found a great online organizer for my recipes that I'll be embedding into my blog. So you can either read my blog for recipes like the one below, or go directly to http://www.kitchenmonki.com/blogger/allergictosittingcom.1. So keep checking back each week!

Below is a recipe for GF French Toast. Did you know that French Toast was originally created in order to make stale bread more palatable? That's why dryer bread is best for making french toast. It'll soak up more of the milk and eggs.

Using dry GF bread is essential to this recipe because GF bread tends to be more on the dense and less absorbent side right out of the bag (or out of your bread maker). Try drying your bread in an uncovered container in the fridge or leave some slices out over night.