I have a very close friend whose daughter was recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease, a condition which causes a person's body to become "allergic" to all things gluten. As a self-aclaimed foodie, I took it upon myself to keep the search out for tasteful gluten-free recipes. A hard task to manage as I had NO idea how many products had gluten amond the ingredients! But low and behold, one of my most favorite food magazines (Taste of Home Healthy Cooking) actually publishes a section of gluten-free recipes. Kudos ToH! So if your Santa is among the growing population adhering to a gluten-free diet, these cookies will be a hit :)
Gluten-Free Almond Crispies
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup canola oil
1 Tbsp. water
1 tsp. almond extract
1 cup brown rice flour
1/2 cup almond flour (or almond meal)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
In a small bowl, beat the syrup, oil, water and extract until well blended. Combine the flours, sugar, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into syrup mixture until blended. Stir in almonds.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined cookie sheets; flatten slightly. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Cool for 1 minute before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
