A moist low carb gluten-free quick bread made with sugar-free eggnog and drizzled with a dark rum glaze. Plus a last minute gift guide for all the low carbers on your list!
Are you the last-minute type? Do you put off your holiday shopping, thinking you have tons of time, and then suddenly panic a week before Christmas? Do you have trouble finding the perfect gift and so you push it out of your mind, hoping inspiration will strike? Are you way too busy to get to the actual brick-and-mortar stores and find yourself frantically clicking the “purchase” button for online shopping, praying and hoping it gets there in time? Then this last-minute shopping guide is for you!
Honestly, I can no longer afford to procrastinate on my shopping. Because all three of my kids have birthdays in the late fall and early winter, we have to start planning it all out early. October rolls around and it is GO time for us and it doesn’t stop until after my husband’s birthday at the end of December. And since the bulk of my family lives in Canada, I have to ship many gifts. Between the USPS and Canada Post, they usually arrive a little late, no matter what I do but I am trying! So I thought I would pull together a few fun gift ideas for you. And a great holiday recipe too!
Gifts For the Baker:
I recently posted a comprehensive list of all of my favourite bakeware. If you’ve got a die-hard baker on your gift list, you want to check this out! My top picks for great gifts would be the Donut Pan and the Mini Cheesecake Pan.
I don’t hide the fact that my favourite low carb sweetener is Swerve and it makes a great, albeit unusual, gift (trust me, I gifted my mother some for her birthday and she was thrilled!). Right now they have a special for 4 canisters for $20 so get it while it’s hot!
If your low carb baker prefers to use stevia, I recently had a chance to try out Pyure organic stevia sweetener and it’s quite good. I tried both the packets and the baking blend. The biggest reason I am giving it a two thumbs up is because it has no funny licorice-y or bitter aftertaste (at least for me).
Gifts for the Runner:
I am very passionate about my Skora Base runners. Very passionate. They are minimalist/barefoot shoes, but they are stylish and don’t look as goofy as the finger shoes. They are super comfortable and fit true to size and I wear mine for both running and Crossfit. Skora has other models which I haven’t actually tried, but the Base works for me and I put a lot of mileage on them.
I love the small, basic Garmin Forerunner 10, because it has all the GPS functions I need and it’s small enough to wear as a regular watch. Mine is always on my wrist, so you know it’s not too bulky and heavy. It doesn’t tell me my pace in the middle of a mile like the larger models do, but that’s fine by me as I am far too pace-obsessed as it is. And it comes in so many fun colours!
Born to Run is a great book for any runner, from beginner to advanced.I don’t think it’s particularly well-written, but the story is astonishing and inspiring and it makes you want to get off your duff and hit the pavement or the trail.
Gifts for the Cook:
Last year I asked my husband for a new waffle iron. I suggested one model but he did his research and bought me the Cuisinart No Peek Waffle Iron. I can’t tell you how much I love the darn thing! It’s so non-stick it requires no oil, and even with the unconventional ingredients I use, I have no problem removing my waffles. And the timer does a great job of letting me know when my waffles are done to perfection.
If you want to really earn brownie points with your low carb cook, get the Spiceologist Block from SavorX. Gorgeous, functional and flavourful! If you don’t want to purchase the big block of spices, consider their spice rubs. There is even a Rub Of The Month club for the truly devoted.
Is your low carb cook in need of new cookware? I highly recommend the Nouvelle Copper collection from Analon. I was fortunate to win the 10-inch pan when I attended a conference this fall and it’s truly a great pan. As I slowly switch over from my older cookware, I will definitely consider more of these pans.
Kitchen gadgets are all very well and good but if you want a seriously multi-purpose tool, you need to get the 5-Speed Hand Blender from KitchenAid. It can’t replace a good stand mixer or food processor but it comes pretty darn close. You can chop, whip, puree, and beat with it. I use mine more frequently than any other item in my kitchen.
Other Fun Ideas:
It might seem strange to suggest that you buy someone a case of flavored drinks. But the Bai5 drinks are not only low carb, they are delicious. I tried them out at IFBC and was seriously impressed. They are sweetened with erythritol and stevia and contain coffeefruit (the fruit that surrounds the coffee bean), which supposedly has anti-oxidant properties. So for the thirsty low carber who wants a break from water, the sampler pack would make an excellent gift and is available on Amazon.com.
One of my favourite stores on the planet, Cost Plus World Market, has some really cute ideas for gift-giving this year that would fit almost anyone on your list. Check out their Create A Gift Basket ideas; you can use one of their themes or make up your own. And they assured me that if you order in the next few days, you will still be able to get it in time for Christmas. If anyone is thinking of getting one of these for me, I’d love the Wine Enthusiast basket!
For the low carb chocolate lover, a company called Lily’s makes some pretty tasty chocolate sweetened with erythritol and stevia. They also make some chocolate chips which are great for low carb baking but I have only seen those in Whole Foods, I don’t think they are available online.
DIY Gifts
If all else fails, there are always homemade gifts. I always do a collection of goodies for friends and family and it’s always well-received. And if you’re lacking in inspiration, Cost Plus World Market also has a great collection of Edible Gift Ideas.
So do I, for that matter. This year, my homemade gift baskets will include mini versions of this Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze, because it’s pretty tasty stuff. But I have a ton of other great low carb quick bread, cookie, bar and candy recipes that would be perfect for gifting. Here are a few other ideas:
Low Carb Chocolate Chip Brownie Bark (a dash of peppermint extract would make these extra festive!)
Low Carb Chocolate Orange Swirl Bread
Low Carb Cranberry Lime Mini Loaves
And although it’s a little late to make a batch of my Homemade Sugar-Free Kahlua or my Homemade Sugar-Free Frangelico in time for Christmas, definitely consider it for next year!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links wherein All Day I Dream About Food will make a small percentage of any sales. It also contains links to products I simply have tried and liked. All opinions are my own.
- 3 cups almond flour
- 6 tbsp unflavoured whey protein powder
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup Swerve Sweetener
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla or rum extract
- 1 cup Sugar-Free Eggnog
- 1/4 cup powdered Swerve Sweetener
- 2 tbsp dark rum
- 1 tbsp water
- Sprinkle of nutmeg
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For the bread, preheat oven to 325F and grease a loaf pan well (best to choose a light-coloured metal pan or use glass or silicone pan).
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In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, salt and nutmeg.
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In a large bowl, beat butter with sweetener until well combined. Beat in eggs and extract.
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Beat in half the almond flour mixture, then beat in eggnog. Beat in remaining almond flour mixture until well combined.
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Spread batter in prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top of your loaf is browning too much, cover with foil partway through baking.
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Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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For the glaze, combine powdered sweetener, rum and water in a small bowl, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over cooled loaf. Sprinkle with nutmeg and let set 15 minutes.
Serves 16. Each serving has 5g of carbs and 2g of fiber. Total NET CARBS = 3g.
189 Calories; 16g Fat (74.1% calories from fat); 8g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 59mg Cholesterol; 212mg Sodium.
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
Fun holiday breakfast idea Carolyn – love how you used your homemade sugar-free egg nog!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
awesome looking! I may make this for xmas morning
Jamie says
You really have to stop posting recipes I want to make for Christmas! Ha!
Alyssa (Everyday Maven) says
What is Swerve Carolyn? Great gift ideas!!
Carolyn says
Swerve is an erythritol-based sweetener (all natural, non-GMO). It’s by far my favourite low carb sweetener.
Alyssa (Everyday Maven) says
Never heard of it! I’ll have to check it out 🙂
Sharon Looper says
I made this today and it is wonderful. My question is can I leave it out or should it be refrigerated?
Carolyn says
It’s fine left for 2 or 3 days. Mine was okay after that amount of time. After that, put it in the fridge.
Dina says
it looks yummy!
Arthur in the Garden! says
Wow!
Ann says
When making the eggnog for this recipe, do you go ahead and add the whipped cream? Or is that just when drinking it?
Carolyn says
Yes, add the whipped cream. It gives it a better thickness and the bread will have a better consistency.
Glynnis says
Thanks for the great recipe Carolyn! I made this on Christmas eve and it was a big hit with our whole family. No one had any clue it was gluten and sugar free until they started asking for the recipe!
Carolyn says
Wonderful!
Kim Alexander says
Hi Carolyn, I know you’re a runner. I’ve been a runner for 20 years now. And a low-carber for 12 years. But when I run, I need to raise the carbs, adding in some sugar, otherwise I feel terrible. And I make sure I’m in fat-burning mode/ketosis. And I still feel bad. How do you do both? What do you eat after you run? How much running do you do? I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, but I miss running 🙁 I’d rather give up running, than go all the way back to heavy carbs. Help!
Carolyn says
Hi Kim. What I say here is only what works for me. Everyone is different! And please keep in mind that I don’t do ketosis, I just try to stay within the 50 to 70g of net carbs per day to manage my blood glucose.
For long runs, I actually find I am better when fuelled mostly on fat and protein. I ran my best half marathon an a 2 egg omelet with cheese about 2 hours prior to the race, and PR’d it at 1:44. I felt amazing the whole time and needed nothing else.
But for shorter, faster runs, I too find I need a bit of carbs to fuel me. If I am going to go all out in a a 5k race, I still fuel up with fat and protein a few hours before, but then maybe 30 to 15 minutes before the race, I have half a banana or similar. About 15 g of carbs. I find I also need to do this when I am doing an intense Crossfit workout. A bit of carbs help me feel strong and capable. If I go without, I get intensely hungry and weak feeling in the middle of the workout.
I don’t know what this would do if you were trying to keep yourself in ketosis. I think you’d have to play with it. My guess is that there is an optimal amount of carbs for you for a run…a little bit but not too much. You have to find the sweet spot, so to speak but it will take some experimenting.
Kim Alexander says
OK, thanks for your input. It sounds about what I typically do. I’ll keep on trying ;). Thanks Carolyn! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Ary says
Any recommendations on making this more of a rum bread, so what could I replace the egg nog with?
Carolyn says
any liquid will do but eggnog is thick so you want only about 1/2 to 3/4 cup if you use milk or almond milk.
Ary says
Absolutely delicious!! I used 3/4 coconut milk instead of the egg nog and I added a run sauce that I soaked the bread in! OMG!!!! I’m a rum lover so let me tell you it is to die for!! Next year I’m going to make a few loaves and give out as presents!! Thank you for this delicious recipe!
Anne o says
Your…eggnog…recipe…is…divine!!!!
This bread is delicious but the star of this show is the eggnog. I made it a week ago and have enjoyed the eggnog cold, with coffee as a latte and it is heaven. Takes time and patience but well worth it.
The icing on the bread was too strong (rum) for me ( funny cuz I’m a drinker) and it did lighten up on the run flavor as the bread aged a day, so I’ll use a brown butter icing next loaf. All in all two winners here. Thanks!
Carolyn says
So glad you liked it!
Rhonda says
Can you make multiple mini loaves from this recipe? (Like 4 miniloaves) If so, baking time should be about…what?
Thanks, Carolyn! I’ve been working through your Everyday Ketogenic Kitchen. Everything is delish!
Carolyn says
I am sure you can but have no idea of the baking time. I do have another mini loaves recipe…do a search on my blog and use that as a guide.
Meredith B says
Last night I made this egg nog dessert loaf and it was DELICIOUS and made my house smell like the holidays! I went low carb 9 months ago after having weight loss surgery and have lost 120lbs with only 10 more to go! This is the third recipe of yours that I have made since going low carb 9 months ago and all of them have turned out perfectly. Thank you for what you do! You brought Christmas cheer to my sugarless kitchen and I’m so grateful.
Carolyn says
Thanks, Meredith! Congrats on your weight loss, that’s awesome.