Welcome, 2011. I’ve been waiting forever for you. Well, for at least a year.
I decided just to re-use my resolutions from last year, which were — wait for it — no resolutions. I felt great about it, and had no guilt when indulging in every Dessert Diva treat under the sun. Of course, I would sneak a workout in every now and then, but not because I had too, because I wanted to, and Flatirons Athletic Club is where I read my Boulder Weekly, so double bonus.
This week, I’m sure it is no surprise when I tell you that the dessert du jour is Low-Fat, Gluten-Free Pear Cobbler. It has to happen like that, it makes people feel good indulging in a treat like this in January with all the resolutions floating around.
Actually, this treat will make everyone feel good, resolutions or not. It is simple, tasty and doesn’t leave you feeling cheated on taste, texture or sustenance. I have cut the butter and the sugar in half, and used gluten-free rice flour, which works well for this dessert and is readily available and not too pricey, as some other gluten-free flours can be.
I prefer fruit desserts a little on the tart side, so the lower sugar count tastes great to me. You can top with homemade whipped cream (just a dollop, please), or some vanilla frozen yogurt tastes wonderful with the cobbler. Edy’s Slow Churned Vanilla yogurt is a nice choice for gluten free.
You could roll like me, soak some pears in champagne and sprinkle with cinnamon — holy deliciousness. Perhaps my resolution for 2011 should be fewer alcohol/dessert references. I thought about it, but that just wouldn’t be fun or me, and isn’t that what we all want for the new year? Fun and free to be ourselves.
You will love this easy little dessert, and it will start your new year off in a good and tasty way. If you happen to have a little champagne left over from your celebration, then I suggest you break it out and enjoy with the dessert. See, I couldn’t stop if I wanted to.
Now follow the directions, put some love into it and invite me over when it’s done.
Low-Fat, Gluten-Free Pear Cobbler
2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted (Land o’ Lakes) 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp. gluten-free rice flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. cinnamon (plus more for sprinkling on top of pears) Pinch of salt 1/2 cup Lactaid low-fat milk 1 tsp. vanilla 3 pears cored and sliced (I used Bosc pears)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place melted butter in pie plate. In large bowl, sift together brown sugar, gluten-free rice flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Add milk and vanilla, stir until well combined.
Pour batter into buttered pie plate. Arrange sliced pears on top of batter. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon. Place cobbler on baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until top is golden brown. Take out and let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature. Top with low-fat vanilla yogurt (Edy’s makes gluten-free) or whipped cream if desired.
Enjoy!
Note: You can use any gluten-free flour with this dessert.
You can watch the Dessert Diva every Monday at 8:35 a.m. on Channel 2. To contact Danette at the station, visit 2thedeuce.com, and click on Daybreak on the Deuce. To chat and/or send comments and suggestions, write to [email protected].
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