Gluten Free Apple Spice Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting and Candied Walnuts To answer the question, "Just WHAT in Vanilla is considered Gluten?" I know the answer, but googled it anyway. It all depends on the type of alcohol that is used and if it contains caramel color, both of which may contain some form of grain in their processing. Someone posted on the celiac.com's G-free forum that, "all of McCormick flavor extracts are safe because they use synthetically derived alcohol." I would ere on the side of caution and call the company directly to make sure. I plan on making these cupcakes for my mom for Christmas because she is gluten intolerant.

Cran-Pistachio Cookies I made these two years ago as christmas gifts (along with other cookies from the BC cookie mix cookbook I got at the checkout stand) and they were such a hit that I got a request to make them again this year. I used craisins and shelled my own pistachios and just rough chopped both. I think I will try using green food coloring and drizzling white chocolate over them to make them look more festive this year. I am also interested in trying this recipe with other pudding flavors as someone suggested! Definitely a great recipe!!