Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Gluten-free White Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies from author @DarylWoodGerber + #giveaway




Hey, I'm offering a giveaway below, for no reason whatsoever other than 
it's October and we're getting near Halloween.

From Daryl aka Avery:

Remember back when we were simply talking about posting on Facebook or tweeting on Twitter?

Nowadays, you have to ask all sorts of other questions.  Do you Snapchat? Tumblr? Pinterest?

I do like to Pinterest (is it a verb)?  It's so visual. I can get lost searching the huge boards of others.  I have lots of boards on my Pinterest page, about my books, food, animals, favorite places, etc. If you haven't visited, go take a look. There's a link at the end of this post.

Anyway, while I was posting pictures for something new that I'm working on, I saw a picture of cookies that I absolutely had to have. Had to! Yum!  There was a link with the picture, so I went to the blog site and discovered AVERIECOOKS.COM

Wow, wow, wow.  This woman can bake, and she takes fabulous photographs. I learned so much. 

Of course, I needed to make these cookies gluten-free. Immediately! I didn't find any of those kinds of foods on AverieCooks. So maybe she'll come take a look at mine and consider serving them to her gluten-free friends???

I served them at a dinner party recently (people who can eat regular cookies) and they were a huge hit. 

Note, they are really BIG cookies, so they can serve as the entire dessert! Maybe offer a glass of milk?


Gluten-free White Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 ounces (1/4 cup) cream cheese, softened (*Use only the cream cheese in a block; less water)
34 cup light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla extract
1 cup sweet rice flour
1 cup tapioca starch
1 tablespoon whey powder (for moisture)
1 3.5-ounce packet instant vanilla pudding mix (I used Jell-O, which uses cornstarch)
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon xanthan gum
pinch of salt
10 ounces white chocolate chips

(*Note: bags are usually 11 ounces – reserve the last ounce for topping; you’ll see in directions below)

(*Note: if you wish to make these using regular flour – check out Averie’s recipe or… substitute regular flour for gluten-free flour and omit the xanthan gum. PSS: I would still include the whey flour. It really makes a difference for moisture. But they can be made without it. And of course, vanilla extract can be regular at this point.)

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, granulated sugar and egg and gluten-free vanilla extract, for about 1-2 minutes.




Add the sweet rice flour, tapioca starch, whey powder, vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, salt.  Mix on medium for 1 minutes.


Add the white chocolate chips and mix for 30 seconds.




Using a large cookie scoop (which I did not have) or a 1/4-cup measure cup, form 13 to 14 equal-sized mounds of dough, roll into balls, and flatten slightly.  {My mixture made 13}

Note: Remember those extra white chocolate chips I mentioned?  Deliberately place three to four chips on top of each mound of dough.

Place cookies on a large plate or tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, up to 5 days. (I just did 3 hours.) Note from Averie: Do not bake with warm dough because the cookies will bake thinner.


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place cookies on baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart (I baked 6-7 cookies per sheet) and bake for about 11 minutes, or until edges have set, cookies are a golden brown; don't overbake.  These cookies will firm up as they cool.




Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for about 10 minutes.





Note:  these cookies will keep at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 6 months. I like to wrap each one individually in a tight saran-style wrap so they stay moist.



GIVEAWAY

I'm giving away a copy of STIRRING THE PLOT, the halloween-themed 
Cookbook Nook Mystery (#3).  To enter, leave a comment about what you plan 
to do for Halloween or whether you serve any 
fun treats on Halloween. 
Leave your email, too, just in case you win 
so I can contact you!  Boo!




Savor the mystery!
Daryl Wood Gerber aka Avery Aames
Tasty ~ Zesty ~ Dangerous!

*
Friend Daryl and Avery on Facebook
Follow Daryl on Twitter
Follow Avery on Twitter
Follow both of us on Pinterest
Plus check out my website.


GRILLING THE SUBJECT, the 5th Cookbook Nook Mystery, is out!
The Wild West Extravaganza has come to Crystal Cove.
Click here to order.




FOR CHEDDAR OR WORSE, the 7th Cheese Shop Mystery is out!
Finally there's going to be a cheese festival in Providence!
Click to order.





GIRL ON THE RUN, a stand-alone suspense is out!
When a fairytale fantasy night becomes a nightmare, 
Chessa Paxton must run for her life...but will the truth set her free? 
Click to order










69 comments:

  1. Cookies look delicious. My plans for Halloween are to stay in and read. I live in a rural area so no visitors. I do miss seeing the costumes of the trick or treaters.
    angelhwk68@yahoo.com

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    1. I live on a hill so no kiddies come my way either. Reading sounds good to me! ~ Daryl

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  2. Now that we don't have kidlets around much, Halloween isn't as much fun as it used to be. We still decorate and have treats for any little ones that show up. When my own children were young every Halloween we would have our special "Orange Dinner" - hot dogs, chili, jello, Kool-Aid, mac & cheese - you get the idea. Not too healthy but since these were kids who were going to be going out begging for candy eating a salad wasn't going to work. I am happy to say that my granddaughter now does a bit healthier version of the orange dinner for her children. Thanks for the giveaway!
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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    1. Sally, an orange dinner. That sounds so cool. ~ Daryl

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  3. I have 3 small Halloween yard decorations and I put some Halloween decorations in our front windows (lighted). I do put our light on, for Halloween and pass out treats but our street doesn't get very many Trick or Treaters. dbahn(at)iw(dot)net.

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    1. Dianne, I remember taking my son to the "flats" when he was young to trick or treat. We lived on a hill back then, too. We always decorated the windows, though. Now, I put up just a few things for my grandkids when they visit. ~ Daryl

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  4. I have to ration out visits to Pinterest. I can get lost for a very long time there!
    We get a nice number of costumed visitors on Halloween. It's such fun to see them all.
    This year we have a brand new granddaughter to dress up! (A knitted mermaid costume I bought online)
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  5. The recipe sounds so good thanks,! I always hand out candy bars we buy a big bag well two one for the kids we get a few the other for us all, my dayghters are in their early 20's they don't go out so we all pass out the candy
    Penney luvhistoricalromance(at)gmail.com

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    1. What fun to hand it all out together. Good fun! ~ Daryl

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  6. The cookies look delectable. We hand out treats although there are not many little ones in the neighborhood. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Elliot, they really were delicious. So moist! ~ Daryl

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  7. For Halloween, I'm hosting my annual party and serving White Chocolate Blondies and Candy Corn Brownies. EMS591@aol.com

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  8. Wonderful cookies which I would savor. Thanks for your lovely posts. We always have goodies to give out. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Traveler, always good to see you here. You are more than welcome. ~ Daryl

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  9. These look soo very yummy. Must try them!
    pmorse@cgcc.edu

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  10. we are going to a halloween festival at our church camp on lake erie. i always make those butterscotch haystacks. aelinderman@sbcglobal.net

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    1. Amy, those sound amazing! Care to share the recipe? I love anything butterscotch. ~ Daryl

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  11. I've been gluten free for almost 5 years; really appreciate the gf recipe! I don't do a lot for Halloween. Decorate with pumpkins and mums and give out candy. Dianne
    jademoss17@gmail.com

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    1. Dianne, always so glad to help out a fellow celiac. Hang in there! ~ Daryl

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  12. The picture of those cookies is ruining my resolve to diet. I am considering just hiding out this Halloween and reading a good book. In the past I've decorated our porch and handed out candy.

    Pat patdupuy@yahoo.com

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  13. Even though Halloween isn't my favorite holiday(sugar high) I do love to bake pumpkin chocolate cookies for my grandsons (3 are in the late teens and early 20's)they are their favorites as well as mine. I just plan to watch "Practical Magic" my favorite. sueannames@gmail.com.

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    1. Sue, what fun to have a favorite cookie for your favorite kids. ~ Daryl

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  14. I'm going to the library for Halloween a animie party! Donamaekutska7@gmail.com

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    1. That sounds like fun. Good for the library to get in the spirit. ~ Daryl

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  15. What a lovely giveaway! Cookies look yummy! kristilewis.lrc@gmail.com

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  16. I live out in the sticks so no kiddos come out here---darn! We will just try to find some non-scary Halloween movie on Netflix---maybe Hocus Pocus.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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    1. Sue, I, too, do not watch scary Halloween movies. Eek! ~ Daryl

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  17. I plan on walking around with my daughter and her friends. If its too chilly, I'll switch with my husband.
    I cant wait to try the cookie recipe (its so hard finding good gluten free cookie recipes so thank you!).
    Landerson0626@hotmail.com

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    1. Leah, I hope you enjoy this recipe. It turned out just as I'd planned. The big scoops is one of the tricks! And the refrigerating the dough. ~ Daryl

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  18. I plan on walking around with my daughter and her friends. If its too chilly, I'll switch with my husband.
    I cant wait to try the cookie recipe (its so hard finding good gluten free cookie recipes so thank you!).
    Landerson0626@hotmail.com

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  19. These cookies look amazing to try and bake! Baking is my favorite hobby and I always like to try new desserts to bake. Thank you for the giveaway

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  20. We usually have around 300 or more trick or treaters so we will be busy handing out pens and pencils. You would be surprised at how happy the kids are that get this (as well as the parents). Some ask us if we are teachers, others ask if we are dentist. Nope we are neither. We just had these out since they have no calories and we don't have to worry about the temptation if any is left over. After our trick and treat time is over, we usually enjoy either a warm cup of cider or hot chocolate. Usually we order pizza for our dinner. robeader53@yahoo.com

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    1. Wow, Robin, 300??? Good for you to hand out non-sugar items. ~ Daryl

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  21. Every year our club group has a dress up Halloween party the Saturday before Halloween. It's fun to be silly and dress up with friends.
    On Halloween, we get about 80 or so trick or treaters. It is enjoyable to see the various costumes. My dog sits in the bay window to watch the event.
    Your recipe looks great, especially since it's gluten free. I have many friends that can't have gluten so this helps when I provide treats for our book club. Mbcncc@gmail.com

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    1. Mary, I haven't dressed up for Halloween in years. I remember doing so and it was so much fun. I did dress up for Pirate Day. ~ Daryl

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  22. We're going to a carshow since we haven't had Trick or Treaters in the last 15 years.

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  23. I will probably be staying in and reading or watching TV. I don't get many trick or treaters in my neighborhood. Love the cookbook nook series. mcastor07@gmail.com

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  25. In our community we have Halloween Walk. About 20 years ago because of the reports of dangers to kiddies in other cites, a town meeting was held on the subject and the vast majority voted to have the tricker treating done in a well lit easily controlled setting. The area that has the most businesses lining each side of the street was picked and those businesses stay open late. Baskets are set up for the kids to get their treats at each business. Many of the parents give bags of treats, including fresh fruit, to the merchants if they so wish, to help out with the costs. Many of the merchants insist that it's not necessary because they most always get lots of extra business that night. Many parents and teens come in early and decorate. Off to the side a couple sets up their house as a fun house, adults and teens dress up as zombies, ghosts, one teen used florescent fabric paint and looks more than a little spooky, which the kids really get a kick out of. No neighborhood door-to-door. Almost miss it. I will be staying in and reading or watching monster movies. Depends on whether the kids come over to stay or not. Thanks for the recipe & a chnce at the book deepotter@peoplepc.com

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    1. Dee, I think that is wonderful of the businesses. I know a number of malls do that now, too. Good business for them and safe for little guys. ~ Daryl

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  26. I just plan on staying home and giving out candy to the kids in the neighborhood. It's fun to see them so excited and having a good time.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Dianne, their smiling faces are worth it, aren't they? ~Enjoy ~ Daryl

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  27. The library has a Halloween animie party every year! Fun! Lots of good things to eat!donamaekutska7@gmail.com

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  28. Plan to go to a Halloween party at a friends house. Parkeremma2003 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Jennifer, have fun. I hope you dress up and have a ball! ~ Daryl

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  29. Is there still time to enter?!? I'm going to take my little guy around a bit and show him off. Seeing as he's not even 2 I doubt he will understand the whole trick or treat concept. He's going to be a very cute little Yoda baby! Thanks for the fun, giveaway, and amazing cookies. I plan to make them this week!

    Bec
    Rlewis11797 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. Bec, you have a 2 year old? What a fun age!! A Yoda baby. Wonderful. Enjoy every moment! ~ Daryl

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  30. Usually we do a haunted yard and cemetary but since it is on a Monday we are not doing it. Dressing at work though for a contest.

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    1. Lisa, why not on a Monday? Is there some rule against cemeteries on Monday? LOL Just kidding. Enjoy the work contest. ~ Daryl

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  31. Love the recipe. We always had out treats to neighborhood kids. My husband loves seeing their costumes, visiting with them and teasing them.

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  32. I pass out chocolate fun size candy bars that way if nobody shows up i can eat them debbiesherwood50@gmail.com

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    1. Debbie, that's always my trick. I don't even hand out candy now and I still buy it! LOL ~ Daryl

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  33. We live in a rural area and up a long driveway so we don;t get any treaters. I send out cards to the grandkids and also a few other special kids in our life and enclose a little bit of money so they can spend it on what they want. I am disabled so i don;t dress up for Halloween and my husband puts in gas line so they don;t dress up his big deal is that he wears a black t-shirt with an orange shirt on the outside but that is what they have to wear for work is the orange t shirt and vest so he thinks he is funny!

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    1. PT - I send cards to the kids, too, with $$. They love that. I usually include stickers, too. Something that's immediately fun. ~ Daryl

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  34. A nice evening at home with maybe a few small trick or treaters that live in the other 3 buildings of our complex. doward1952@yahoo.com

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    1. Oh, sweet, Doward. That's so nice. ~ Daryl

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    2. Doward, you won! I'll contact you via email. Congrats. ~ Daryl

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  35. Hopefully making these cookies and taking my little ones through the neighborhood...if we're all better by then, we have all had the nasty cold virus one by one the last couple of weeks. I'm going to try banana flour instead of rice flour and xanthan gum. By the way, where did you get your darling spatula? konecny7(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Marci, sorry about that virus. No fun! I got my spatula at the cookbook shop that inspired my series. The store, alas, is no longer. I found an image on Google and @CoolMomPicks says they are at Dean and Deluca, but I can't find them on that site. Sigh. ~ Daryl

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  36. And the winner, by random number generator is Doward! Congrats. I'll contact you via email. Thanks to all for your fun stories. ~ Daryl

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  37. Thanks for all of the gluten-free recipes. My one daughter-in-law has to be gluten-free so it is good to find good recipes for when she comes to visit. The book was very good!

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