Clifton—It is customary to eat dairy food on Shavuot for a number of reasons. One reason is that Shavuot is linked to the Exodus from Egypt into the Promised Land, and it is written, “From the misery of Egypt to a country flowing with milk and honey…” (Exodus 3:8-17).

For those on gluten-free diets, the traditional baked dairy foods often served for the Shavuot holiday can present a challenge. Pereg Natural Foods offers this unexpected and delicious gluten-free brownie cheesecake dessert, that the entire family—and guests—will enjoy.

Pereg Natural Foods offers a complete line of gluten-free flours providing consumers with more and better cooking and baking options. Six varieties include: almond, banana, buckwheat, chickpea, quinoa and coconut. All are certified gluten-free and non-GMO, all are 100 percent natural, non-dairy and OU and CRC certified kosher.

Gluten-Free Brownie Cheesecake

Recipe Courtesy of Koshermoms.com and Pereg Natural Foods

Servings: 6 People

Ingredients/Brownie

• 6 oz chopped bittersweet chocolate baking bars
• 5 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/3 cup Pereg Natural Foods gluten-free teff flour
• 1 Tbsp tapioca flour

Ingredients/Cheesecake Topping

• 2 packages softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar plus 2 tsp for swirl
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 Tbsp lemon extract
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup strawberries
• 1-2 drops red food coloring, optional

Instructions/Brownie Layer

1. Preheat oven to 325F. Use an 8 x 8 pan and grease with butter or oil.
2. Melt butter and chocolate in the microwave (careful not to burn it) or use the double boiler method.
3. Remove from the heat and whisk in the sugar, then the eggs and vanilla.
4. Whisk the Pereg gluten-free teff flour, tapioca flour and salt into the batter and stir until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely. Meanwhile, make the frosting.

Instructions/Cheesecake Layer

1. Puree strawberries with 2 tsp of sugar. Strain to remove seeds.
2. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add sugar, eggs, lemon and vanilla extract and beat well.
4. Remove 1 cup of batter and add the strawberry puree. Mix well. If the color is not red enough, you can add red food coloring to provide a nice contrast.
5. Pour regular cheesecake batter into pan and smooth evenly.
6. Pour strawberry batter into pan and make swirl lines with a knife to marbleize.
7. Refrigerate until cool.