First day gluten free is off to a strong start with a spinach omelet. I honestly don’t think I could ever give up eggs. They are probably on my top 5 list of favorite “foods” (In quotation because I am giving myself many more options by distinguishing between a “food” and a “dish”). Anyway…moving on….
Last night I said my final (not final final, but for the duration of this challenge…which I suppose I haven’t clarified. How about the rest of the winter? OK, done) goodbye to gluten. I went all out, even substituting my regular whole wheat pasta with white. Delish!
I also did some shopping at the Natural Food Pantry to stock my cupboards with gluten-free fare. I have to admit, I was pretty impressedwith the gluten-free selection they had at the store. Almost two full aisles labeled gluten free.I’ve heard that most of the “substitute” products taste and feel like cardboard, and if that wasn’t enough to dissuade me from trying them the prices sure would. Holy crumbs! Gluten-free is not cheap!
Please forgive the poor quality of my phone's camera...
I guess I am fortunate that I love to cook and bake, because my first mission is replacing bread. I simply can’t afford to experiment with the expensive substitutes out there, so I’m just going to make my own. I’ve been looking for a good reason to use the new Kitchen-aid mixer anyway. Plus I heard a rumor that baking gluten-free bread is actually easier than regular bread. No kneading? Count me in!
I now have an assortment of flours and other ingredients that I have noticed in a few gluten free recipes. Buckwheat flour, tapioca cereal, guar gum (because I heard I could use it instead of xanthan gum, and it was less than half the price), millet flour, arrowroot flour, pumpkin puree, honey, egg whites, coconut milk and vegetable shortening. I also purchased a “Super Bar” because I tend to like most things in bar form, and was curious. Cranberry-Raisin Crisp, I will see you this afternoon for snack-time (yes, it will come right after nap-time, no lie, I live the schedule of a 4 year old).
Today I will attempt gluten free bread, and gluten-free/dairy-free pumpkin chocolate-chip cookies. I’m even making half the batch of cookies without the chocolate chips, just to be on the safe side for my guest tomorrow, who actually does suffer from Celiac Disease.
Tonight I will face my first major challenge. Fletch has a show, which traditionally means: BEER. Now, I’m not a huge beer drinker, and for most of the year giving it up would pose no challenge. For me it’s all about the social aspect. I like to share a pitcher of beer and some good conversation. Especially on a patio with good friends on a hot summer day. I also DO NOT like cider…but maybe it’s time to give it a second chance.
Oh well…there’s always rum & coke…
Check back tomorrow for pictures and commentary on my first gluten-free baking attempt!
