Although baking is not one of my favorite activities, I’ve gotten reasonably good at it out of necessity. And fortunately, my mom’s recipes convert well to gluten-free. I will admit that there’s a sense of nostalgia in making things I remember from childhood, tasting them again, making them for my children, and continuing a family tradition of sorts. It brings back especially good memories in this season of family time and traditions.
I’ve tried two versions, one simply gluten-free, the other without eggs, sugar, and nuts. It’s a great low-sugar treat any time of the year, and a great way to use up the carrot pulp from a juicer…if you do that kind of thing…. : ‘
I’ve found that pumpkin pie spice works well in place of the other spices, if needed. Enjoy!
Gluten-Free Carrot Loaf
Beat together 1/2 cup oil, 2 eggs, 1 cup unrefined sugar or 1/2 cup honey
stir in 1 cup grated carrots or carrot pulp from juicer
mix together in separate bowl:
1 3/4 cup gluten-free baking mix
2 tsp baking powder (I use homemade or aluminum & corn-free)
1/2 tsp soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp ginger
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Pour mixed dry ingredients into carrot mixture–stir only to moisten.
Pour into 9x5x3 bread pan and bake 40 min or until toothpick comes out clean. let sit 10 min before removing to rack.
Store in plastic bag
Even more Allergy-friendly Version:
In glass or metal mixing boil, combine 2 Tbsp ground flax seed with 1/4 cup hot water and let sit for a few minutes.
Beat together 1 cup apple sauce, 1/2 tsp stevia or 1/4-1/2 cup honey. Add to flax meal mixture and mix
Mix together in separate bowl:
1 3/4 cup gluten-free baking mix
2 tsp baking powder (I use homemade or aluminum & corn-free)
1/2 tsp soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp ginger
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 cup organic raisins
Pour mixed dry ingredients into carrot mixture–stir only to moisten.
Pour into 9x5x3 bread pan and bake 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean. Will be much heavier and more gooey than with eggs.
Let sit 10 min before removing to rack.
Store in plastic bag
Inky Unkindness 