Baking Gluten Free

[SLB5757]

I am 5 days on the Gluten free diet - and while I still have an occasional pain here or there - I can't believe how much better I feel!! Wow. I can't even articulate what a difference there has been in my life. You do not realize how bad you were/had gotten until you are actually feeling semi-normal again. I have multiple food allergies/intolerances that I haven't eliminated completely yet - but just eliminating gluten has helped tremendously. Anyhowwwww...on with my actual question.

Can anyone provide any tips for baking gluten free bread in a regular bread loaf dish. I am a complete novice and relied on convenience foods pre-gluten free. If I cooked it was very basic things and it was never baking because my oven really isn't the best. My mother bakes all the time and could make my breads if I asked her for help.

I have been sticking with Potatoes, Rice, Fresh meats only, eggs, steamed veggies, and Chex cereals so far. I have not ventured out to buy any gluten free products at the store. ( Wait...I bought some De bale or something like that Rice pasta and Spaghetti at WalMart because I didn't see the Tinkyada brand there, and a Rice bread loaf....yuck!!).

I am really looking to see if I can have something resembling a sandwich bread, or even maybe a french bread or itialian bread that is crustyish. Even a cornbread recipe would be great. If I could fins some sort of bread or cracker that is gluten free that I like and could make quick sandwiches with to take to work I would be thrilled. I tried a rice loaf at the store, and it had the oddest texture I had ever tasted. The tast wasn't horrible and I really tried to finish it - but wow. I toasted it and it was just very odd to be that everythig but the crust had this hard gel/puddinglike texture. It was moist-like even after toasting. Just very odd and almost eggy tasting too. I know I am not going to find bread that is like real bread (because it isn't) - but what is everyones favorite bread company as far as something that is pre-made or a boxed type of mix. I may be too unskilled to mix my own flours even if it is cheaper.

I have stores near me like ( Kroger, Meijer, and WalMart) . We have one local health food store that is locally owned called "Apple-A-Day". The HealthFood store is very helpful and carries some items but it is very pricey.

If you folks would post what you feel the best tasting bread mix is, or the best pre-made bread is I will go on a mission to find it

Thanks guys!!

(craving bread in Ohio)

[purple]

Try this fast bread/bun:

https://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=56641

There are lots of tips/alternative ideas on how everyone tried theirs...I recently tried it with no cocoa powder and added a handful of cheese.

One large egg + 1/4 cup of 'powder' in a greased cereal bowl=1 bun

[mamaw]

Hello

I think you are in Big Ben territory!!!!! I'm not familiar with your area but a day trip you could find gluten-free foods in Cinni at Jungle Jim's. The Raisin Rack is located in two cities, Columbus & Canton.. Bakeries in Miamisburg, Toledo area. Nothing I know tha tis at your doorstep, sorry.

Many of us do mail oeder since shopping isn't close. I go to shopping about 2-3 times a year o overnight areas to stock up oon gluten-free baking essentials . I had to bu a freezer for just this reason.

We love Anna's bread mix. Pamela's is good. On this site in my recipe section Lorka has a good bread recipe...

There are several magazines that have excellent recipes. Living Without & Delightful & gluten-free living.

My favorite cookbooks are Annalise Roberts Baking Classics, Elizabeth Barbone has 2 cookbooks. I use these books the most.

If you google gluten-free recipes it will keep you busy for months... even on here there are so many wonderful recipes...

Gluten free pantry & Pamela's have a cornbread mix that is good.

If you want to just buy your things here are a few wonderful places..

Bristol Buns , Everybody Eats ( baguettes, & ficeille rolls) Joan's gluten-free great bakes ( bagels & Eng Muffins) pizza too..

Celiac specialities Donuts & more.

Conte's pierogi, ravioli, pizza

Gary West Meats jerky & meat sticks

Zing protein bars.

Stocking your pantry gluten-free. Open Original Shared Link has a great flour blend & great receipes on site as well...Authenic super fine rice flours, this is a very good flour . your finished product will not be gritty using super fine gluten-free flour....

Domata Living FLour has several flours all good. I love there seasoned flour for breading fish.

Betty Hageman flours are good as well, an older flour blend but still loved by many. Featherlight & four bean flour.

Jules Shepard has a gluten-free flour blend as well. These are the better flours......

good luck

mamaw

[jerseyangel]

I like The Gluten Free Pantry French Bread Mix--it's very easy! I mix it up in my stand mixer and bake it in a loaf pan in the oven.

Since I'm the only one eating it, I let the loaf cool completely, slice and freeze.

[SLB5757]

Thank you all for your answers!! I will certainly look for these items. I actually travel to Columbus attimes because my sons father lives there. We usually meet half way every other weekend - but I could make a full trip and make that my shopping day at their "whole foods" store or what have you I guess. Toledo is close enough as well and I have friends there. I hear they have a "Ginos" pizzeria with Gluten free pizza!!! Yay!

I think I will try the french loaf first and the microwave rolls. I am so pressed for time - I do not know if I have the ability to do the research and shopping it takes to get all of the flours and actually prepare bread.

I work full time, go to school, and have two children (10 and 4). The 10 year old is in Soccer, Dance, Cheer, Softball, and Theater...so evenings are just booked as I am shuttle service. I really need easy to prepare items so that I can still be available for all of the motherly duties after I get off work at 5. I can't see spending much time in the kitchen except on weekends when we don't have games and recitals and what have you. Its too bad life doesn't slow down a little when you get an illness like this. lol.

Thanks again for all of your help. I will certainly try these items out as soon as I can pick up the flours/mixes.

Stacy

[daphniela]

Mejiers sells The Gluten Free Pantry Sandwich Bread.

[GFinDC]

Another thing to maybe try is corn tortillas. I use the Mission brand corn tortillas sometimes.and they work ok for small roll ups. I like Kinickkinick bread and Whole Foods has pretty good bread also. Not that I eat bread very often though.

[bbuster]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents...

You already have some good responses.

The fast bread/bun recipe already listed is surprisingly good, and you can do it in about 5 minutes in the microwave.

I would suggest you buy several bun-sized Corelle or Pyrex baking dishes with lids. I have some white Corelle rounds that are maybe 5 or 6 inches diameter, and some Pyrex that are slightly smaller. I use those in the microwave for that recipe above.

For a beginner, I would suggest buying prepackaged bread mixes. Most I have tried are good. But I have been doing this awhile and now I mostly make bread from scratch. I am a working Mom too, so baking bread is truly a weekend project. My favorite is Bette Hagman's featherlight recipe. She also has a great pizza crust recipe. I mix up the flour blend in big batches and always have on hand to save time. Whenever I make pizza, I always make the double crust recipe, and I make several personal size crusts - bake them without toppings, then cool and freeze. You could also use these for a "pita" style bread.

The other thing I do is that whenever I make a loaf of bread (any kind), I save enough for 1-2 buns and put them in my Corelle/Pyrex dishes with a lid and freeze. If you want an individual bun, move from the freezer to the refrigerator in the morning, then you can bake it in a toaster oven in about 20 minutes. In a pinch, you can defrost in the microwave and then bake.

One final note about bread. If it does not come out quite right, don't throw it out. You can always use for toast, croutons, bread crumbs, etc.

You also asked about crackers - I have found these at Sam's Club: Crunchmaster

[Wonka]

Here are a few recipes that I rely on.

GLUTEN FREE FRENCH BREAD

2 tablespoons active dry yeast

1 tablespoon sugar

1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110 degrees)

3/4 cup sorghum flour

1 3/4 cups potato starch

1/2 cup tapioca flour

1 teaspoon xanthan gum

1 teaspoon guar gum

1/4 cup powdered milk

1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

4 large egg whites, at room temperature

Line a two-baguette French bread pan with parchment paper or coat with cooking spray.

In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar and water and stir until dissolved. Set aside for 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the flour, potato starch, xanthan gum, guar gum, powdered milk, salt, butter, cider, 3 of the egg whites and the yeast mixture.

Beat on low to blend. Once blended, beat on high speed for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The dough will be soft. Transfer half of the dough to each side of the prepared pan.

Use a wet spatula to smooth each into a 12-inch loaf.

Lightly beat the remaining egg white, them use a pastry brush to lightly coat the top of the loaves. Use a knife to cut 3 diagonal slashes (about 1/8 inch deep) across each loaf.

Place the pan on the middle rack of a cold oven. Set the oven to 425 degrees and bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until nicely browned. Remove the bread from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Makes 2 loaves.

---- Adapted from Carol Fenster's "Gluten-Free Quick & Easy" (Avery,

2007)

***

With this recipe, it's best to use a pan specifically designed for French bread. They are widely available online and at kitchen stores for about $20. Carnation brand powdered milk is not recommended for this recipe because it is more granular and less dense than other powdered milks. The differences between the two ingredients can cause this recipe to flop. And be sure not to preheat the oven; this recipe relies on the slower start.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gluten Free Sandwich Bread

Ingredients:

[samcarter]

I just discovered Chebe mixes, and I really like the all purpose. I had rolls tonight for the first time in a year! They were so good. A little chewy, very tasty.

[taweavmo3]

Our favorite, before we cut out dairy, is the Gluten Free Pantry sandwich bread and Anna's Breads. Both excellent breads, and super easy. I bake my bread from scratch now, but mainly b/c we are all gluten free, so it saves money. I'm still not a huge fan of bread baking from scratch, lol. If it were just me, I'd go for a mix....for one person, a loaf could last a while. For lunches, I also make extra at dinner so I have some leftover. This was what saved me from starving when I was still working. You certainly have alot of on your plate on top of learning how to live gluten free! Good luck, and welcome!

[QUANITA55]

I am 5 days on the Gluten free diet - and while I still have an occasional pain here or there - I can't believe how much better I feel!! Wow. I can't even articulate what a difference there has been in my life. You do not realize how bad you were/had gotten until you are actually feeling semi-normal again. I have multiple food allergies/intolerances that I haven't eliminated completely yet - but just eliminating gluten has helped tremendously. Anyhowwwww...on with my actual question.

Can anyone provide any tips for baking gluten free bread in a regular bread loaf dish. I am a complete novice and relied on convenience foods pre-gluten free. If I cooked it was very basic things and it was never baking because my oven really isn't the best. My mother bakes all the time and could make my breads if I asked her for help.

I have been sticking with Potatoes, Rice, Fresh meats only, eggs, steamed veggies, and Chex cereals so far. I have not ventured out to buy any gluten free products at the store. ( Wait...I bought some De bale or something like that Rice pasta and Spaghetti at WalMart because I didn't see the Tinkyada brand there, and a Rice bread loaf....yuck!!).

I am really looking to see if I can have something resembling a sandwich bread, or even maybe a french bread or itialian bread that is crustyish. Even a cornbread recipe would be great. If I could fins some sort of bread or cracker that is gluten free that I like and could make quick sandwiches with to take to work I would be thrilled. I tried a rice loaf at the store, and it had the oddest texture I had ever tasted. The tast wasn't horrible and I really tried to finish it - but wow. I toasted it and it was just very odd to be that everythig but the crust had this hard gel/puddinglike texture. It was moist-like even after toasting. Just very odd and almost eggy tasting too. I know I am not going to find bread that is like real bread (because it isn't) - but what is everyones favorite bread company as far as something that is pre-made or a boxed type of mix. I may be too unskilled to mix my own flours even if it is cheaper.

I have stores near me like ( Kroger, Meijer, and WalMart) . We have one local health food store that is locally owned called "Apple-A-Day". The HealthFood store is very helpful and carries some items but it is very pricey.

If you folks would post what you feel the best tasting bread mix is, or the best pre-made bread is I will go on a mission to find it

Thanks guys!!

(craving bread in Ohio)

[SLB5757]

Wow - so many great ideas - a sincere THANK YOU to everyone who responded.

Turns out my father had a breadmaker he wasn't using (Breadman Plus), so I inherited a great gift this weekend I went to my local Meijers and bought a "Gluten Free pantry" sandwich bread mix. It actually turned out good in my breadmaker the very first time. I had to try it fresh out of the breadmaker it smelled so good. I had some trouble cutting it right - but hey I am not complaining. It was extremely easy to make but did take 3 hours for the kneading and rising and baking. I am just thankful that I have the machine to help me because I seem to burn everything in an oven I am a bad cook who is being forced to become a good cook and actually cook every meal. Definitely a learning experience.

I bought many Gluten free items at Meijers this weekend and I really wasn't impressed. There were two different Gluten free crackers - and I liked one but not the other. There were gluten free oreo type cookies and those weren't very good either. I think I have learned to eat more whole foods and to stay away from the pre-prepared expensive store bought gluten free items because I just do not like them anyhow.

This site has been amazing - again thanks for the responses. I hope I can soon offer my own advice here and little tips and tricks that may help someone starting out:)

Hugs to everyone!!

[taweavmo3]

It can get discouraging in the beginning when you try a few of the bad gluten free packaged items, and believe me, there are alot out there! But there are also some really good things too, so don't lose hope. It's hard at first, b/c you are used to the gluten equivalent, and nothing really tastes quite as good (except homemade). There is alot of trial and error at the start.....but you'll find the good stuff, it is out there!

Have you tried the Kinni-Toos by Kinnikinnick? They are like Oreos and are delish...I've tasted a few other brands that don't even come close, but these do. I've been pleased with everything I've bought from Kinnikinnick, especially their mixes. You can order online if you can't find them locally. After a while, you'll probably start making most baked goods from scratch, but it's nice to have some good mixes while you get your feet wet. Good luck!

[ek327]

Make the "whole foods" run in Columbus, it will be worth it!!!. They have their own dedicated gluten free bakehouse, and many of their items will be in the freezer. Almond Scones are especially yummy.

Cookbook: Carol Fenster's "1000 Gluten Free recipes".