Gluten gives elasticity to dough helping it to rise and to keep its shape. It is found in many staple foods in the Western diet. It is a protein composite, found in wheat and other grains, including barley, rye and other foods that are processed.
Gluten is not naturally occurring in corn, rice, or oats, but may be cross-contaminated by facilities that also process wheat, barley, or rye products.

What is gluten sensitivity?

Gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance cause a spectrum of disorders, including celiac disease and wheat allergy, in which gluten has an adverse effect on the body. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal discomfort or pain, diarrhea, muscular disturbances and bone or joint pain. It can also cause other unexpected symptoms such as headaches and vertigo, among many others.
Of the many people who can suffer gluten sensitivity can be those who are Autistic or suffer with Asperger’s and IBS (Irritable Bowl Syndrome).

If you do suffer with the allergy to gluten, but love and crave your sweet desserts, than I have the dessert for you; Almond Flour Honey Cake.

Here is what you will need…

Step 1:

For the Cake

1 ½ cups whole almonds, toasted (see Tip below)
4 large eggs, at room temperature, separated*
½ cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt

And not shown but needed for the topping is
4 tbsp. honey
¼ cup sliced almonds

Step 2:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

We just want to mention that the eggs need to be room temperature for the proteins to separate and support the cake's crumb. Either set the eggs out on the counter for 15 minutes or submerge them in their shells in a bowl of lukewarm water for 5 minutes before using.

Step 3:

To toast whole almonds, spread on a light colored baking sheet and bake at 350°F, stirring once, 7 to 9 minutes or until they start to smell fragrant. When you smell the fragrance of the almonds and continue to roast them, they will have a burnt flavor.

The 7 to 9 minutes depends on the calibration of your oven. Hint: gas ovens will roast faster than an electric oven.

Remove and cool before blending to make flour. Once cooled put almonds into a food processor and process until ground fine like flour.

Step 4:

It is important that you roast the almonds. As seen here in the image the almonds ground on the right side were not roasted. The flour is not fine and it is sticky, The nut oil is still in the nuts. Roasting the almonds as was done on the left side removes some of the oil allowing the grinding of the almonds to be a fine flour.

You can buy roasted almonds at your local market if you wish. But two things: 1.They will cost you more than raw almonds.

2. Who can say how long the roasted almonds have been packaged setting on the market shelve or in the bulk section.

It is better to buy them raw and roast them yourself.

Step 5:

Make sure you have your egg yolks separated from the whites before you begin. Here is a fast and easy way to do so (watch short video).

Step 6:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Line the bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan with parchment paper (or a 9 inch round cake pan). Set aside.

Process whole almonds in a food processor or blender until finely ground.

As per the first image: Beat 4 egg yolks, ½ cup honey, vanilla, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined. Add the ground almond flour and beat on low until combined.

As per the second image: Beat 4 egg whites in another large bowl with the electric mixer on medium speed until very foamy, white and doubled in volume, but not stiff enough to hold peaks, 1 to 2 minutes.

It is important that there is no hint of yolk in the whites or they will now whip up. The bowl cannot have any water in it or oil as well as the attachments to the electric mixer. The whites will not whip up.

As per the third image: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the nut mixture until just combined. Scrape the batter into the prepared spring-form pan.

Bake for 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cake should have the appearance of golden brown. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan and gently remove the side ring. Let cool completely.

Step 7:

Place cake onto a large dessert platter and drizzle the top of the cake with honey and spread out with the back of a tablespoon. Sprinkle with sliced almonds. Plate and serve.

Did you know the benefits almonds for a man are: Higher Testosterone Levels, Increased Libido, Heart Health, Bone Health, Increased Energy and Weight Loss (published March. 13, 2013 Health Diaries).

The benefits for a woman are: Skin and hair, including benefits when a woman is pregnant. It also helps her with heart health, bone health, energy and weight loss ( Glam Check .Com).

All of these benefits and more with only 23 raw almonds a day.

Thanks for viewing and check out more great recipes you can turn into food creations for your family as well as health information on food and your health. All this and more at -Savor the Food and Your Health-.

Claim your FREE e-book while you are there.

Recipe from EatingWell.com