15: when it's cold outside, bake!

It is still cold here, although most of the snow has thawed, there is still a thick hoar frost which seems to stay all day.  A real 'earth cold'.

I have spent 3 out of the past 7 days feeling really unwell and on my back as a result of eating 'wrong' things. For a number of years I have cut out wheat from my diet which made a major difference to my health, waistline and energy, but in recent months I have discovered that things such as spelt, rye, barley are also too strong for me, as are most baking products such as non-glutenfree baking powder or big doses of bicarb of soda!  

Because of these recent episodes where I thought the cake on offer looked ok, that I now cannot chance this without checking ingredients very carefully.  One was made of rice crispies but a cheaper brand perhaps, as they were puffier - so probably also contained wheat or barley.  A polenta cake yesterday, may have unknowingly had non gluten free baking powder in it - or maybe the waiting staff didn't know if it also included flour.

So from now on I am going to have to be careful - and I have thought of sharing with you through the remainder of my advent posts, incase you do have friends or family who cannot eat wheat or gluten, or have some other intolerance - a few recipes, and best buys that I have experienced, incase you would like to bake or cook for them over christmas and new year.

Let it be known I am not one for fiddly baking - so the recipes I will share will be simple and hopefully fairly fool proof!  In addition, N is dairy intolerant, so the recipes/best buys will also be milk free, although may contain eggs.

To start with, here are some basic shopping items you will need if you want to bake gluten-free.  These are tried and tested, and for me have worked as the best combination.

1. Doves Gluten/Wheat Free Plain Flour is available in nearly every supermarket and health food shop now.  There is also a self-raising version, but I find the plain works best with 1tsp of baking powder to every 4oz of flour.  It also means you can use the flour for pastry and pizza bases.

2. Dr Oetker Gluten Free Baking Powder  This is the best! even better than 'Doves' own.  Now stocked by ASDA and Sainsburys.  Tescos do their own which is made from rice flour and is also good.

3. Doves (or Suma) Xanthan gum This is not essential - basically it makes the mix a little stickier so things like pastry/pizzas are less dry and crumbly.  I just put a pinch in (not very technical!) but improves the mix.  Can be bought in Sainsburys and health food shops.

I hope to post some recipes for shortcrust pastry (sweet + savoury), a basic failsafe sponge mix, a steamed pudding and a list of where to buy the best freefrom christmas and baked goods!

Comments

[Bella Bheag]

Gosh - has it always been thus? Hope you are feeling better today. If you're thinking about baking I guess you must at least have your appetite back. x

[Gina]

I hope you are feeling better soon. I put a link here:

http://ginaferrari.blogspot.com/2010/11/carrot-cake.html

to an excellent gluten free cake.
Thank you for my beautiful cards and tags - I've been using them this week.