Now that we have a good idea which flours can be used in the glutenfree diet, we’ll look at recipes for different mixtures.
From Betty Hagman
Fleatherlight Mix
1 part Rice Flour –say 3 cups
1 part tapioca flour 3cups
1 part cornstarch or 3cups
Potato flour (not potato starch) 1 teaspoon per cup of flours or using the same proportions
3 teaspoons
The next recipe is a particularly good mix for cakes and cookies.
From Lisa Lewis’ Special Diets for Special Kids comes a chocolate chip recipe, which more closely resembles the traditional chocolate chip cookie.
The Best GF Chocolate Chip Cookie
Ingredients
11/2 cups white rice flour
1 teaspoons baking soda
¼ cup Potato Starch
½ cup Sweet Rice flour
2 teaspoons xanthan gum
½ teaspoon baking powder
1-teaspoon salt
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1-cup gf margarine
2 eggs
1-teaspoon vanilla
12 ounces cf chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts
Combine first seven (dry) ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
Cream sugars and shortening until well blended. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla.
Gradually add flour mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
Drop by rounded spoonful on an increased baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes in a 375-degree oven. Cool on a wire cooking rack. Can also made into pan cookies by placing in an 8” square pan and baking 20 minutes or until toothpick test dry.
Try these and see which chocolate chip recipe you prefer. Happy baking.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Autism Group Events
Some doctors who treat our autistic children do not support the idea of recommending gluten free diets for autism. They also have trouble understanding that children of all ages are able to learn. But a new focus is being added to this equation with more emphasis given to the development of children over 8 years of age.
In the past if these children had not responded to a typical therapy program parents had few alternatives. Fortunately now we have organizations such as Autism Speaks encouraging marches and other types of fundraisers with money being designated for more classroom space with the tools necessary to continue to help children who sometimes are left out of the loop. Autism Speaks has a great web site with lots of information about this problem. They list many locations participating in the March for Autism. You can be a contributor on any level, close to learn more about this disorder, be part of a walk or simply donate. I am sure if you wish to participate, there are many ways to make that happen.
Additionally, there are other interesting events with a different type of focus. Over the past several years Camp Ramah Daron has sponsored a special needs program for Jewish children and their families. This is one of the first breakthrough programs of this nature and is such a wonderful opportunity for children to have a chance to see and be with other children with the same disabilities. The children benefit as well as the family members and are able to learn from the staff and each other. Camp Yofi is in Clayton, Georgia about 21/2 Hours drive from Atlanta. There are also other camps in different cities. Susan Tecktiel originated this camp. If you’d like to participate in one of these programs,
In the past if these children had not responded to a typical therapy program parents had few alternatives. Fortunately now we have organizations such as Autism Speaks encouraging marches and other types of fundraisers with money being designated for more classroom space with the tools necessary to continue to help children who sometimes are left out of the loop. Autism Speaks has a great web site with lots of information about this problem. They list many locations participating in the March for Autism. You can be a contributor on any level, close to learn more about this disorder, be part of a walk or simply donate. I am sure if you wish to participate, there are many ways to make that happen.
Additionally, there are other interesting events with a different type of focus. Over the past several years Camp Ramah Daron has sponsored a special needs program for Jewish children and their families. This is one of the first breakthrough programs of this nature and is such a wonderful opportunity for children to have a chance to see and be with other children with the same disabilities. The children benefit as well as the family members and are able to learn from the staff and each other. Camp Yofi is in Clayton, Georgia about 21/2 Hours drive from Atlanta. There are also other camps in different cities. Susan Tecktiel originated this camp. If you’d like to participate in one of these programs,
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Flours for Glutenfree Baking
Flours to be used for gluten free baking
We have talked about the different flours used in baking for the glutenfree diet.
Let’s talk now about each grain is currently being used for this purpose and relay a little about the properties of each one.
Arrowroot flour is a snow-white powder similar to cornstarch and is used basically as a substitute for cornstarch or potato starch. It is tasteless which makes it possible to use this flour when a thickening agent is required,
Bean Flour
There two kinds of bean flours (1) garbanzo or chickpea (2) garbanzo/favabean flour and they can be purchased already mixed. They are both slight yellow in color and both are great sources of protein.
Cornmeal is a good baking ingredient does especially well when combined with corn flour. Usually it is yellowish in color and coarser than corn flour.
Cornstarch is used to lighten baked goods but do not use by itself. Good to use this as a thickener for sauces. Cornstarch is white in color and has no nutritional value.
Potato starch has excellent properties for baking but does lump easily so be sure to stir before measuring. The color of potato starch is also white with a powdery in texture, which is different from potato flour which heavier and used very little in glutenfree baking.
White Rice flour is dry and gritty when used alone so is best when used NO more than 2/3 of flour mixture. Rice flour is white in color and mild tasting.
Brown Rice flour is very mild and produces a great product. The color is a little darker than white flour but is only slightly darker when finished.
Soy flour is excellent workable flour but does better in combination with the rice flours. The color is yellow with bland flavor and does combine well with fruit and nuts. Also you must remember that many people have sensitivities to soy.
Sweet Rice flour is different from white rice flour although it may be similar in appearance. It can only be used in small amounts in a recipe. The main use of this flour is that it acts as a thickeners or binder.
Tapioca is a white velvety powder with one apparent flavor but is excellent used in baked goods with 25-50% total flour. It lightens baked goods while adding chewiness and it browns quickly. All of these flours should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and dry place.
There are different mixtures that I will continue to post but feel to experiment with your own blend.
We have talked about the different flours used in baking for the glutenfree diet.
Let’s talk now about each grain is currently being used for this purpose and relay a little about the properties of each one.
Arrowroot flour is a snow-white powder similar to cornstarch and is used basically as a substitute for cornstarch or potato starch. It is tasteless which makes it possible to use this flour when a thickening agent is required,
Bean Flour
There two kinds of bean flours (1) garbanzo or chickpea (2) garbanzo/favabean flour and they can be purchased already mixed. They are both slight yellow in color and both are great sources of protein.
Cornmeal is a good baking ingredient does especially well when combined with corn flour. Usually it is yellowish in color and coarser than corn flour.
Cornstarch is used to lighten baked goods but do not use by itself. Good to use this as a thickener for sauces. Cornstarch is white in color and has no nutritional value.
Potato starch has excellent properties for baking but does lump easily so be sure to stir before measuring. The color of potato starch is also white with a powdery in texture, which is different from potato flour which heavier and used very little in glutenfree baking.
White Rice flour is dry and gritty when used alone so is best when used NO more than 2/3 of flour mixture. Rice flour is white in color and mild tasting.
Brown Rice flour is very mild and produces a great product. The color is a little darker than white flour but is only slightly darker when finished.
Soy flour is excellent workable flour but does better in combination with the rice flours. The color is yellow with bland flavor and does combine well with fruit and nuts. Also you must remember that many people have sensitivities to soy.
Sweet Rice flour is different from white rice flour although it may be similar in appearance. It can only be used in small amounts in a recipe. The main use of this flour is that it acts as a thickeners or binder.
Tapioca is a white velvety powder with one apparent flavor but is excellent used in baked goods with 25-50% total flour. It lightens baked goods while adding chewiness and it browns quickly. All of these flours should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and dry place.
There are different mixtures that I will continue to post but feel to experiment with your own blend.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Gluten Free Mix
It seems everyday there are more and more people participating in some aspect of the glutenfree phenomenon. In the early days of my gluten free experience, there were only a few sources to help. One of early leaders was Bette Hagman, the author of the Gluten Free Gourmet Series. The first book was entitled The Gluten Free Gourmet followed by the Gluten Free Gourmet Bakes Bread and several others.
I feel one of the keys to making good gluten free bread is using the best possible mix. The one I found that does the best for most of my baking chores is entitled Wheat like Flour Mix:
Mix together
5 cups brown rice flour
4 cups white rice flour
1 cup corn flour
1 cup arrowroot
1 cup tapioca flour (or tapioca starch)
1 cup potato starch
1/3 cup corn bran
5 1/3 cups milk powde (may be soy or Vance' Dairy free powder is a good product and can purchased on line or in most health food stores)
1/3 cup sugar or sugar substitute
4 tablespoons xanthan gum
4 tablespoons egg replacer-Do not need to measure generously as would in making cakes or bread.
4 teaspoons salt
Mix well and store in large container with a tight lid. This mix can usually be substituted cup for cup instead wheat flour. If you have the time or inclination, doing your own mix is the least expensive way to go. One more tip, Use a whisk and then shake the container to mix the flours well. An electric mix also does a good of blending the flours. Let me know how this works for you .Bob’s Red Mill is the originator of this mixture and their products can be purchased from their website http://www.bobsredmill.com/ or find them in many supermarkets and health food stores.
I feel one of the keys to making good gluten free bread is using the best possible mix. The one I found that does the best for most of my baking chores is entitled Wheat like Flour Mix:
Mix together
5 cups brown rice flour
4 cups white rice flour
1 cup corn flour
1 cup arrowroot
1 cup tapioca flour (or tapioca starch)
1 cup potato starch
1/3 cup corn bran
5 1/3 cups milk powde (may be soy or Vance' Dairy free powder is a good product and can purchased on line or in most health food stores)
1/3 cup sugar or sugar substitute
4 tablespoons xanthan gum
4 tablespoons egg replacer-Do not need to measure generously as would in making cakes or bread.
4 teaspoons salt
Mix well and store in large container with a tight lid. This mix can usually be substituted cup for cup instead wheat flour. If you have the time or inclination, doing your own mix is the least expensive way to go. One more tip, Use a whisk and then shake the container to mix the flours well. An electric mix also does a good of blending the flours. Let me know how this works for you .Bob’s Red Mill is the originator of this mixture and their products can be purchased from their website http://www.bobsredmill.com/ or find them in many supermarkets and health food stores.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Glutenfree Passover recipes
I have been busy celebrating a very important birthday this week with family and friends. But I’ve found a few moments to share some more about GFCF and Passover which starts next week. I was lucky to hear from Nadine Gilder who is the author of the gfcf Passover guide and has many more helpful tips on this subject. Additional information can be found on her website
http://www.autismeducationalservices.net/index.html
You can also order her book at:
http://www.gfcfpassoverguide.com/index0.php
She reminds us that the kosher markings on products immediately alert us whether a product contains milk or meat. Nadine is an autism education specialist and runs her own counseling service.
Below are more Gluten-free Passover recipes that can be made for the holiday or any other time.
Banana Nut Cake
7 egg yolks
1 cups sugar or ½ cup sugar blend Splenda for baking
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed bananas
¾ cup potato starch sifted
1 cup nuts (chopped) optional
7 egg whites (stiffly beaten)
In large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks until thick; add sugar and salt and beat until fluffy and lemon colored. Stir in the bananas, potato starch and nuts. Fold in egg whites. Pour into tube pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean.
Broccoli Soufflé
2 packages of frozen broccoli
3 tablespoons margarine
2 1/2 tablespoon potato starch or potato flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon mushroom soup mix
1 teaspoon onion soup mix
2 eggs separated
Cook broccoli in microwave for about 5 minutes or until tender.
Drain. In mixing bowl, add all other ingredients except egg whites.
Beat egg whites until stiff and add to vegetable mix. Put in casserole dish and bake in 350 oven for about 30 minutes.
Hope you have good luck with these.
http://www.autismeducationalservices.net/index.html
You can also order her book at:
http://www.gfcfpassoverguide.com/index0.php
She reminds us that the kosher markings on products immediately alert us whether a product contains milk or meat. Nadine is an autism education specialist and runs her own counseling service.
Below are more Gluten-free Passover recipes that can be made for the holiday or any other time.
Banana Nut Cake
7 egg yolks
1 cups sugar or ½ cup sugar blend Splenda for baking
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed bananas
¾ cup potato starch sifted
1 cup nuts (chopped) optional
7 egg whites (stiffly beaten)
In large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks until thick; add sugar and salt and beat until fluffy and lemon colored. Stir in the bananas, potato starch and nuts. Fold in egg whites. Pour into tube pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean.
Broccoli Soufflé
2 packages of frozen broccoli
3 tablespoons margarine
2 1/2 tablespoon potato starch or potato flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon mushroom soup mix
1 teaspoon onion soup mix
2 eggs separated
Cook broccoli in microwave for about 5 minutes or until tender.
Drain. In mixing bowl, add all other ingredients except egg whites.
Beat egg whites until stiff and add to vegetable mix. Put in casserole dish and bake in 350 oven for about 30 minutes.
Hope you have good luck with these.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Passover Foods for Glutenfree Diets
Passover Products for Glutenfree Diets
Many think of Passover as a holiday when you are asked to give up many of your favorite foods. However, now that we are using a gluten free and soy free diets, we see that during this time we can obtain many prepared foods that our kids enjoy and are not available during other times during the year. Observing Passover has become popular with the glutenfree community since there is a tremendous variety of almost any kind of food that you could want and many of the big grocery chains carry a large selection, which means these foods are easily available.
A few years ago Nadine Gilder from New Jersey became active in getting information out to parents so they can take advantage of this time of year. Items are on shelves and freezers ecause no grains ae allowed during the Passover season except for matzo and its derivatives uch matzo meal, arfel, matzo cake flour. In 2007, Passover starts on the evening of April 2. But many stores already have their Passover products out—so it’s a great time to stock up.
When you check the ingredients on a Passover approved food, you know that any product that does not any of these specific items (matzo meal, arfel, matzo cake flout) is most likely to be gluten free. There are chicken nuggets, stuffed cabbage, meat balls in tomato sauce as well as full meals such as pot roast, baked chicken, or even brisket. It can make mealtime much less stressful when you buy a whole meal ala ready for the oven. There are also many other sensitive ingredients that have been eliminated from products that are only available this time of year.
During Passover no legumes or other grains are allowed other than the ones I have already mentioned. Normally desserts such as ice cream can be made with soy or milk but this is not the case during Passover. There are also cake mixes ,margarines, milk and cream substitutes that really can be used in so many different ways. In my next posting I will give some examples of how these recipes and products can add to meal variety.
Many think of Passover as a holiday when you are asked to give up many of your favorite foods. However, now that we are using a gluten free and soy free diets, we see that during this time we can obtain many prepared foods that our kids enjoy and are not available during other times during the year. Observing Passover has become popular with the glutenfree community since there is a tremendous variety of almost any kind of food that you could want and many of the big grocery chains carry a large selection, which means these foods are easily available.
A few years ago Nadine Gilder from New Jersey became active in getting information out to parents so they can take advantage of this time of year. Items are on shelves and freezers ecause no grains ae allowed during the Passover season except for matzo and its derivatives uch matzo meal, arfel, matzo cake flour. In 2007, Passover starts on the evening of April 2. But many stores already have their Passover products out—so it’s a great time to stock up.
When you check the ingredients on a Passover approved food, you know that any product that does not any of these specific items (matzo meal, arfel, matzo cake flout) is most likely to be gluten free. There are chicken nuggets, stuffed cabbage, meat balls in tomato sauce as well as full meals such as pot roast, baked chicken, or even brisket. It can make mealtime much less stressful when you buy a whole meal ala ready for the oven. There are also many other sensitive ingredients that have been eliminated from products that are only available this time of year.
During Passover no legumes or other grains are allowed other than the ones I have already mentioned. Normally desserts such as ice cream can be made with soy or milk but this is not the case during Passover. There are also cake mixes ,margarines, milk and cream substitutes that really can be used in so many different ways. In my next posting I will give some examples of how these recipes and products can add to meal variety.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Preparing ahead for Glutenfree cookies
One of the reasons I like the chocolate chip recipe I posted last week is not only the ease of preparing it but also the many ways to prepare ahead. I first made a mix of all the dry ingredients packaged as a cookie mix like you buy in stores. All I had to do was add the wet ingredients and the cookie mix was ready.
Then I discovered it was possible to make up the whole mixture to freeze without altering the texture of the cookies. But once they were baked and frozen the cookies were like fresh when thawed and served.
It is very easy to substitute ingredients in order to accommodate different food allergies. For instance many people have a problem with eggs. The powdered potato product, Egg Replacer, can be used successfully for most baked products. The directions on the package recommend 11/2 tsp for each egg. I found I get a much better result with 1full tablespoon per egg and I/4 cup of water for each egg. A normal egg will usually give ¼ cup liquid per egg. However don’t try to substitute for more than 3 eggs in one recipe because it usually does not yield a good result.
It is also possible to decrease the sugar intake by using brown Splenda or other sugar sources; that is sugar derived from concentrated fruits like, dates, mucadines, or molasses. These are still sugars but since they are so concentrated the amount can be reduced by half and still work well. Many children or adults on the gfcf diet do have issues with too much sugar.
Then I discovered it was possible to make up the whole mixture to freeze without altering the texture of the cookies. But once they were baked and frozen the cookies were like fresh when thawed and served.
It is very easy to substitute ingredients in order to accommodate different food allergies. For instance many people have a problem with eggs. The powdered potato product, Egg Replacer, can be used successfully for most baked products. The directions on the package recommend 11/2 tsp for each egg. I found I get a much better result with 1full tablespoon per egg and I/4 cup of water for each egg. A normal egg will usually give ¼ cup liquid per egg. However don’t try to substitute for more than 3 eggs in one recipe because it usually does not yield a good result.
It is also possible to decrease the sugar intake by using brown Splenda or other sugar sources; that is sugar derived from concentrated fruits like, dates, mucadines, or molasses. These are still sugars but since they are so concentrated the amount can be reduced by half and still work well. Many children or adults on the gfcf diet do have issues with too much sugar.
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