Healthy Hostess

Name: Healthy Hostess
Yield: makes 24
Ingredients: 1 cup brown rice flour; 1 cup garbanzo-fava bean flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup potato starch; 1/4 cup arrowroot; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 cup coconut oil; 1 1/2 cups agave nectar; 1 cup homemade applesauce (page 78) or store-bought unsweetened applesauce; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup hot water; Vanilla frosting (page 91); Chocolate frosting (optional, page 93)

December 9, 2011

This is my healthy version of the popular Hostess® cupcake. This double-stuffed cupcake is a frosting lover’s fantasy (see Anderson, Pamela, opposite). Although the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon frosting for the filling, you won’t be blamed for upping the amount a bit—just be reasonable! Too much and you’ll bury the innocent, delicious cake. Although I have found what follows to be the best flavor pairing, you can freely use any of the cupcakes and frostings in this book together with dazzling results.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.