Gluten-free maple syrup crispy cakes

This recipe is so easy that it makes a great one for the children to help with, under supervision, and one they will certainly want to eat when it’s done. The cakes will keep for several days in an airtight tin.

Makes 12

60ml maple syrup

50g dairy-free margarine

100g puffed rice

Oven at 160C. Place paper cases in a cupcake tray. Next, take a heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat the margarine and maple syrup over a low heat. Once the margarine is melted, continue to heat for another 5 minutes to allow it to bubble and blend with the maple syrup. Remove from the heat and stir in the puffed rice until fully coated.

Evenly distribute the cakes in the paper cases with a spoon (it’s fine to fill the cases high because the rice will reduce in size during cooking), then bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Allow to cool and then enjoy!

Easter treats

Yes... it's that time of year again - Easter, when the huge volumes of milk chocolate and piles of cakes make it especially difficult for those who want things dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, wheat-free or vegan! Cheer up your kids with these cute Easter biscuits (recipe here) - in the pic above I've iced one with normal water, food colouring and icing sugar mix.

For those who want to create a unique dairy-free dark chocolate egg for someone they love, here are some ideas (and the original post is here).

Free tickets to the Allergy & Free From Show!

For those who don't know about it, the Allergy & Free From Show is a great event, held twice a year - once in London and then in Liverpool. It's the show to go to if you or a family member/friend suffer from allergies, eczema and other skin conditions, migraines, coeliac disease, hay fever, asthma, food intolerances or chemical sensitivites.

As well as shopping opportunities, Sainsbury's is doing a special cooking zone, there are parent workshops and loads of other opportunities to learn more and find help.
First up is the London show, which is from May 18-20, 2012, at Olympia.  The Liverpool event will be held on 27-28 October at the BT Convention Centre.
Even better, readers of this blog can get free tickets either to London or Liverpool! Just click on this link.

Have a great time and if you're going to the London one I may see you there (I'll be going on the Friday - let me know if you want to meet up and say hello!)