Foodness Gracious - Week 76

Recipes

You know those recipes that just get you? The kind that feel like a warm hug in cake form? Well, hold onto your spatulas, because this week’s feature is just that.

Say hello to our Gluten Free Coffee Cake with Pears and Blackberry Jam — a sweet, springtime stunner that proves gluten free can still be outrageously delicious (and even a little fancy).

This isn’t your average crumbly, dry, gluten-free attempt at dessert. Nope — this baby is light, fluffy, and full of flavor, thanks to ripe, juicy pears and a tart swirl of blackberry jam. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, we topped it with a decadent drizzle of both dark and white chocolate. Because why choose when you can have both?

Now, let’s talk about that “gluten free” label. We know it sometimes gets a bad rap, but trust us — going gluten free doesn’t mean going flavor free. More and more folks are exploring gluten-free recipes, whether it’s because of celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity, or just a desire to reduce inflammation and feel better overall. It's not just a fad — it’s a thoughtful, health-forward choice that’s opening up new possibilities in baking.

Plus, gluten-free baking has come a loooong way. With the right flours and a touch of Foodness creativity, we’re crafting cakes so good, nobody’s missing the wheat. We’re talking buttery richness and that perfect coffee cake texture that pairs like a dream with your favorite mug of joe.

So whether you’re a gluten-free guru or just dipping your toes into the flour alternative waters, this recipe’s a must-bake. Spoiler alert: it also makes a killer brunch centerpiece. Grab the recipe, cue up your playlist, and let your kitchen smell like the sweet start of spring.

Reviews

If your morning coffee routine is starting to feel a little... meh, it’s time to level up.

Say hello to the kitchen MVP you didn’t know you needed: the espresso machine with a built-in milk frother. This little beauty doesn’t just brew a bold, barista-worthy shot—it turns your counter into the coziest café in town. And yes, that frothy cappuccino you love? You can now make it in your pajamas.

Why settle for basic when you can have bliss in a cup? An espresso machine with a frother lets you whip up lattes, macchiatos, and even the elusive flat white (you fancy, huh?) without the daily coffee shop hustle. Plus, you get to control every detail—beans, strength, foam level, oat milk swirl artistry.

Whether you're fueling a busy morning or hosting brunch for your fellow foodies, this gadget turns coffee-making into a full-blown experience.

Beyond the buzz, it’s a surprisingly sustainable choice too. Fewer single-use cups, less waste, and no unnecessary driving for your fix. Add in your favorite locally roasted beans, and you’ve got yourself a kitchen ritual that’s both indulgent and responsible.

Bottom line: Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you. So go ahead—give your mug something to look forward to.

You can see all of our home kitchen product reviews too!

Responsibility

While we're talking about gluten-free, we thought it would be great to also highlight those that may be moving to lactose-free.

Whether you’re lactose intolerant, dabbling in dairy-free days, or just curious why oat milk is suddenly in everything from coffee to mac & cheese, our latest article Living Lactose Free dishes up the why, what, and wow of going lactose-light.

We’re not here to shame cheese (never!)—just to explore what it means to live deliciously without dairy. From sneaky sources of lactose (yes, even some chips!) to surprising swaps that still bring the creamy goodness, we promise this one’s full of food for thought.

Click in, get the scoop, and maybe discover a new favorite non-dairy delight along the way.

Learn more online at Foodness Gracious in our Responsibility section.

Foodness Fun - Trivia

We’ve had coffee on the brain this week!

Above we touched on our Gluten Free Coffee Cake with Pears and Blackberry Jam. In addition, we introduced you to the joys of having an in-home espresso machine to up your coffee game.

So here’s a little test of your coffee knowledge: