November 2018

Gluten-free? Vegan? Low FODMAP? Desserts are always tricky when accommodating many different dietary restrictions. Try these three tried-and-true gluten-free, vegan desserts!

You want dessert to be wholesome and full of good ingredients, yet you also want to make sure it tastes delicious and decadent. It can be so frustrating when you plan ahead, purchase, and make a dessert and it is a complete flop.

These days it can be very hard to sift through the millions of recipes online trying to decide which one not only looks good but will also taste good and not cost you an arm and a leg.

Don’t despair! I have you covered.

I have three tried-and-true recipes. All very simple and delicious.

The two crisp recipes are very similar but use different fruit and nuts. The small amounts of sugar called for in the crisps can be replaced with coconut sugar if desired. The white rice flour and arrowroot powder can be purchased in small amounts in the bulk section, so you do not need to buy a huge bag just for a single tablespoon. I personally prefer to use butter or ghee in the crisps, but if you are vegan, coconut oil
is just as delicious.

For the chocolate mousse, find the darkest cocoa powder you can, because this is the key to mask the avocado flavor and boost the decadence factor of the recipe. I’ve had good results with Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder.

All three recipes are gluten-free and vegan. Serve a dessert that everyone around the table can enjoy!

Harvest Apple Crisp

When you are too busy to make a pie crust, or simply don’t have the ingredients on hand, this simple crisp recipe will hit the spot. Plus, it’s lower in calories and sugar than a traditional apple pie or crisp. Step into fall with this aromatic and tasty delight!

Low FODMAP Double Berry Pecan Crisp

Staying away from fall favorites such as apples and pears is a must if you are following a Low FODMAP diet. If you still have frozen bags of summer’s harvest in your freezer then this recipe is for you. You can use whatever mixture of cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries you have on hand.

Decadent Chocolate Avocado Mousse

For all you chocolate lovers out there, this one is for you. This decadent treat doesn’t require hours of labor to make and is full of healthy fats and fiber that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. Make sure to choose avocados that are perfectly ripe but just slightly give to the touch. If they are too ripe, the avocado flavor is more prominent.

Have questions? Send them to contact@happybellynutritionist.com. Selva Wohlgemuth is a registered dietitian nutritionist. Learn more about her approach to general health and well-being at her Happy Belly Nutrition website, and see her recipes and other kitchen tips at Poppies and Papayas.