Everyone knows I love pumpkin pie - and anything pumpkin-flavored, especially at this time of year. However, I recently found out I have an allergy to cane sugar and a sensitivity to dairy, so I had to find an alternative to the traditional pumpkin pie recipes that often include sweetened condensed milk and sugar.
Luckily, I found this great recipe for Pumpkin-Coconut Pie from the Food Network Kitchen. I simply made a few adaptations. Instead of coconut milk, I used the Coconut Cream from Trader Joe's, which is a bit thicker so I used slightly less than the recipe called for. And I replaced the sugar with Sweetleaf powdered stevia. Just sprinkle in the mix to taste. I also bought a pre-made, sugar-free Pillsbury crust to cut down on preparation time.
I was so excited that these sugar-free, dairy-free tarts turned out so moist and flavorful. There was not a strong flavor as coconut, as you might expect; it simply tasted like really good pumpkin pie. I topped the tarts with whipped coconut cream, again sweetened with Sweetleaf, and then dusted the top with cinnamon. I know that diabetics and many others need to watch their sugar intake. I hope this recipe allows you to have a delicious and healthy dessert!
There is an ongoing argument: who has the better fries - Shake Shack or In-N-Out Burger? I've never had the pleasure of visiting In-N-Out, but Shake Shack in Winter Park has one of my favorite French fries in Orlando. The crinkle-cut fries are fried nice and crispy. There is not a lot of unique or spicy flavor, but that is fine. Just yummy, crispy fries.
Unfortunately, we did not get a chance to try a hamburger on this visit, but my friends rave about all of the restaurant's burgers. We did have the chocolate malt, which was a bit chalky, but the flavor was great. Shake Shack has several other old-fashioned shakes and floats to choose from.
One of my favorite things about visiting Shake Shack, though, is the environment. It is so nice to sit out in back of the restaurant, especially at sunset. Next to a lake, the entire area has been landscaped beautifully, so individuals and families can relax and hang out. I love going to Jillycakes after for dessert and to Trader Joe's for our new obsessions: Speculoos Cookie Butter and dehydrated strawberries, among other things.
Who do you think has the best French fries in Orlando?
I am sorry I have waited this long to try Jillycakes, in the same shopping plaza as Trader Joe's in Winter Park. In the past, I deemed Sweet by Holly to have the best cupcakes in Orlando. These are on the same level. I was so impressed by the light, fluffy, flavorful cake and the tasty icing. it is rare that a cupcake baker gets both things right at once, and Jillycakes definitely does that.
What I was most impressed by was that the flavor of the cake and icing tasted exactly like what the bakery promises. The Cherry Cola cupcake is spot-on like the soft drink - and of course the cola is included in the cupcake batter. Yummy. Our
favorite cupcake, though, was one of the bakery's most popular: Speculoos Cookie Butter. You get the cinnamony, nutty flavor of Trader Joe's cookie butter in both the icing and the cake. Inside the cupcake is some actual cookie butter and the cupcake is topped with one of the Speculoos cookies.
Another great thing about visiting Jillycakes is its location. In the same plaza with Trader Joe's and Shake Shack, you can eat a yummy dinner, and then enjoy cupcakes outside by the lake. And, of course, pick up your gourmet treats at Trader Joe's after.
Where: 125 N. Atlantic Ave., #5, Winter Park. Fla.
I was so excited that these sugar-free, dairy-free tarts turned out so moist and flavorful. There was not a strong flavor as coconut, as you might expect; it simply tasted like really good pumpkin pie. I topped the tarts with whipped coconut cream, again sweetened with Sweetleaf, and then dusted the top with cinnamon. I know that diabetics and many others need to watch their sugar intake. I hope this recipe allows you to have a delicious and healthy dessert!
