I just noticed that I've been neglecting my gluten-free recipes! This recipe comes from the Land O' Lakes website. Every gluten-free recipe that I have tried from this website is YUMMY!

*Petite White Chocolate Cranberry Scones (Gluten-Free Recipe)

Land O' Lakes Petite White Chocolate Cranberry Scones

2 cups Gluten-Free Flour Blend (see below)

1/3 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened

3/4 cup whipping cream

3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries, coarsely chopped (or dried cherries & blueberries)

1 1/4 cups gluten-free white baking chips

2 teaspoons shortening

Heat oven to 400°F. Combine flour blend, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest and salt in large bowl; cut in butter with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in whipping cream; mix until dough holds together. Stir in cranberries and 3/4 cup white baking chips.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface (cornstarch or more GF “flour” mixture); knead 5 to 10 times or until dough is smooth. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces; shape each piece into 8x1-inch log. Cut each log into 4 (2-inch) pieces; cut each piece in half diagonally to form small triangles.

Place scones, at least 1 inch apart, onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown around edges. Cool completely.

Combine remaining 1/2 cup baking chips and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on MEDIUM (50% power) 30 seconds; stir. Continue microwaving and stirring every 30 seconds until chips are melted and smooth. Drizzle scones with melted chocolate.

Gluten-Free Flour Blend: To make flour blend, combine 2 cups rice flour, 2/3 cup potato starch, 1/3 cup tapioca flour and 1 teaspoon xanthan gum. Use appropriate amount for recipe; store remainder in container with tight-fitting lid. Stir before using. 

Today I feel an immense sense of gratitude and thankfulness to a loving Heavenly Father. I wrote this poem last year and thought I would share it here:

GUIDANCE

This morning as I rose from bed

And got down on my knees

A feeling of warmth and love

Seemed to encircle ‘round about me

I began my prayer with thanks to Him

For my safety and peace through the night

Then asked for blessings and assurances

That my thoughts and actions this day would be right

As I pondered on the day ahead

I seemed to feel His gentle touch

And am reminded of how I am cared for

And thought about so much

From others here on earth who seem

To be as angels to me at times

Allowing Him to guide their hearts and hands

With the daily mountains they must climb

I wait for the promptings He allows me

As I serve diligently those He loves

Listening intently for His directions

And guidance from above

He helps me understand their needs

Some of them great or small

To guide, ensure and direct my actions

To each of His children--one and all

With gratitude in my heart I begin my day

Knowing that He watches over me

And know that if I listen and obey

I can help others and increase my testimony

How blessed I am to know the truth

That this beautiful gospel brings

To all of those who follow Him

A sweet assurance sings.

I go forward with faith knowing through Him

All will be made possible.

-Melanie Reil

9-10-2013

This entry is a little more tender and close to my heart that some others. This is to wish my sweet nephew, Matthew Madsen Palmer, a happy birthday. He has left behind him a beautiful family and many friends who have been greatly affected by their association with him.

One particular quality I have admired of Matthew is his natural service ability. He seemed to be born with an inherent “sixth sense”, an internal compass, which has helped him know when people would need aid. His assistance in many small and grand ways touched many lives; simple gestures such as placing garbage cans to the curb for people, fixing sprinklers, running errands, sharing a laugh or a quirky grin, jumping up from what he was doing to help my parents bring in the groceries from the car, or set the table for dinner. I know that he helped many with their service projects, whether it was for a Boy Scout Eagle project, a city, school, or church project.  Matthew could always be counted on to help.

He was a sweet addition to my sister’s family. He was the youngest and did a lot with his parents, but especially with his dad mowing lawns and helping with many activities. He was a good friend to his older siblings Nick and Jennifer. He was a great brother in-law to Victoria and Zach, a wonderful uncle, and great grandson, nephew and cousin to many. His love of family was felt and reciprocated.

Matthew enjoyed life! He knew how to have fun-hunting, water skiing, fishing, hanging around with friends; it didn’t matter what he did, Matthew knew how to enjoy each day.

Days like today, Matthew’s first birthday after his death this past June, cause me to pause in silent gratitude for having the opportunity of knowing him and being a part of his life. Among the many blessings I have in my life, he is one of many. I feel this way about all of my family. We are each a beautiful piece of this family puzzle; some quirky, some goofy, or whatever personalities and parts we play, but we are loved. We are cared about. We have each other.

One of the most important gifts we have been given as a family is the gift of the gospel. What a sweet and loving reminder Matthew’s memory will be to me, as he served the last part of his life here on earth sharing the gospel and his testimony with others.

Here’s to you Matthew. Happy Birthday!