Double Berry Cream Cheese Swirl Bread

Two weeks ago I had an ahhhhh (angels singing) moment while I was browsing the fridge aisle at Albertsons and my eyes locked with this thing of beauty!

After seeing Courtney’s love for The Laughing Cow’s strawberry flavored cheese at least a dozen times on her blog, I figured that her favorable opinion had to have some validity.  After all, I love cheese and I love fruit!  Because there is just something about the combination that makes me feel cool and almost French-like, kind of as if I were sipping on a piping hot mug of tea along with a fruit and cheese platter.  But what do I know about France besides the tidbits of cultural info that I learned throughout my 5 years of French class?!    I miss that class…..

This week was even more of an ahhhh moment.  As I was starting to crave some kind of baked good (when do I not crave it?) and almost gave in to spending $3-$4 on a cupcake right after dinner, I realized that I have all the necessary ingredients to make something sweet, somewhat healthy, and full of fiber—with the addition of this strawberry cheese!  The list goes on and I could rave about this quick bread pretty much forever, so I’ll save you the trouble because I love you.

Double Berry Cream Cheese Swirl Bread {Gluten-Free}

As I’ve stated before, sometimes I like to make my baked goods with gluten free flours since they can be easily customized by anyone—those who are gluten intolerant or those who are simply looking for a lighter recipe.  Okay, and I just have this weird obsession with experimenting with all sorts of grains and flours that I can get my hands on. : )  I ground up rolled oats in the processor to make this bread, so most of these ingredients should be accessible in the very comfort of your own kitchen.  The blueberries may be substituted by strawberries, blackberries, etc. 

Makes 1 regular loaf

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 C oat flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 C melted coconut oil (or other neutral oil)
• 1/2 C milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 egg+1 egg white
• 3/4 C pure maple syrup
• 1 C fresh blueberries

Ingredients for Cheesy Swirl

• 4 wedges of strawberry Laughing Cow cheese
• 1 tsp milk
• 2 TBSP powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.  If you don’t have parchment paper you may spray the pan with oil.
2. Put the cheese wedges and milk in a cup and microwave for 15 seconds.  Stir with a fork and repeat the heating process about 2 more times or until it’s smoother in texture.  Add the sugar and mix.
3. Mix all of the dry ingredients from the first list in a large bowl.
4. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, and maple syrup together, then add the coconut oil last and whisk vigorously so that it doesn’t harden up.
5. Pour the wet ingredients and blueberries into the large dry ingredient bowl and gently mix it up without overbeating.  It’s okay to have a few clumps remaining.
6. Run the cheese mixture through the batter with a fork or spatula to create swirls.
7. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for approximately 70-72 minutes depending on your oven.  Do not open the oven or the heat will escape!
8. Let it cool on a rack before cutting into it, if you can wait.

Greg and I ate this bread for three mornings in a row and enjoyed a slice or two with a little bit of jam, almond butter, and some good old fashioned butter for the mister.

Now that’s what I call a “French” inspired breakfast or snack!    At least that’s the way it works in my mind, hehe.

Words I [Try to] Live By

As I make this very smooth transition to my next subject matter…I would like to share with you my love for quotes, biblical verses, and words that ooze with TRUTH.  These words have been uttered by famous men who were known for their infinite–and sometimes finite—wisdom from decades and centuries past.

Everyday I wake up with a strong desire to live life to the fullest, and to me that means living it for God in every way that I possibly can.  I can assure you that if I start my day without that very intention in my heart and in my mind, I start off on the wrong foot and everything is more prone to go downhill from there.

[Source]

[Source]

[Source]

[Source]

[Source]

[Source]

[Source]

[Source]

What quotes or sayings of wisdom drive you everyday?

Are you satisfied with where you are in your character or in life in general?

-I am honestly content in knowing that I am a work in progress.  There are days when I truly wish I could change 180 degrees, but I am always reminded that God is molding me as if He were the potter, and I am the clay.  We’re all progressing towards something!

Love,

Ellie <33

Tagged as: baking, desserts, Gluten Free recipes, God's grace, gratitude, life