Have you ever wondered what all of the different gluten free flours are for? Read on and find out! Brown Rice Flour - Brown rice flour is made from ground unhulled rice kernels and contains healthy bran. It has a richer, nuttier flavor than wheat flour and is the most common of the gluten free flours. Brown rice flour is quite heavy and very fibrous. It works well as a breading or a thickener, but is usually combined with other [...]
Gluten can be sneaky! Cross Contamination - Cross contamination is a problem that can plague even the most experienced Celiac. Depending on your level of sensitivity, cross contamination can happen even when using a clean surface and clean utensils. Porous surfaces such as wooden cutting boards or cast iron pans should not be trusted; always make sure to keep these items strictly gluten free. Condiments - Condiments can often be treacherous to the gluten free. Glutinous crumbs are easily transferred [...]
Long term gluten consumption in the gluten intolerant can take a serious toll. Gluten Ataxia - An autoimmune disease that is brought on by the consumption of gluten in people with a genetic predisposition. Symptoms of ataxia include the inability to control the speed or power of movements, inability to speak or form words, and poor coordination. Fertility Problems - Though the link between fertility problems and being gluten intolerant is contested, studies have shown that gluten exposure may be [...]
Nothing chases away winter dreariness like the rich decadence of chocolate cake! By adding in the bitter warmth of coffee and the brightness of orange, this recipe takes an old stand-by and breathes new life into it. This is a truly superb cake that will be an utter delight for any occassion! The candied orange peel on top was festive and fun, but the dark richness of the cake was the true stand out. I handed my friend a slice [...]
Thinking about eliminating gluten from your diet? Make sure you're well informed before making the change! Your Personal Reason for Going Gluten Free - Choosing to cut gluten from your diet is a deeply personal and serious choice. It’s often labelled as a fad diet or a quick fix, but being successfully gluten free takes long term dedication and commitment. That it is the Right Choice for You - It is not easy to go gluten free! It is a [...]
Is going gluten free right for you? 10 Great Reasons to Go Gluten Free Gluten Allergies and Intolerances - Many of us have Celiac disease or a gluten intolerance and are unaware; in fact, one in 100 people have Celiac disease and most do not know! Wheat is a top-eight allergen, one of eight major allergens that make up 90% of food allergies, and though no one knows for sure what percentage of the population is intolerant to gluten, it is [...]
With summer officially over and the school year in full swing, I'm already missing our beach trips and lazy river days. Fortunately, I can close my eyes while eating these pineapple coconut scones and imagine hot, sunny, summer days at least for a moment... Gather all of your ingredients and mix the coconut flour and almond flour together. Mix in the sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the shredded coconut, yogurt, milk, pineapple, eggs, coconut oil, and the coconut extract (for [...]
I love this time of year. With my tomato and pepper starts planted, my house is transformed from a deep winter bunker into a springtime botanical garden. The days are getting longer and my german-polish roots have me looking forward to Easter dinner and the pierogies that accompany that meal! And yes, although I know I have my polish ancestors shaking their heads disapprovingly when I use the term “pierogies” (the plural of pierogi is pierogi and the singular actually [...]
Christmas isn't Christmas without decorating cookies! This year I've slowly been converting all my favorite childhood recipes to gluten free versions and this Christmas gingerbread cookies were on the list. We rolled these out to about an 1/8 of an inch thick and decorated with royal icing. The great thing about this recipe is that the dough is firm and easy to work with and the cookies hold their shape beautifully while being baked! Enjoy! In a pinch a plastic sandwich bag works [...]
Happy Holidays from all of us at Columbia Gorge Gluten Free! It's that time of year again. Time for wreaths, Christmas trees and gingerbread houses. This year, because - let's face it - it's hard to find a gluten free gingerbread house kit, I decided to get creative and make my own! With some geometry and a little...bordering on a lot of "gingerbread house glue" it was a success! I made my own gingerbread house pattern and used skittles and spice drops for [...]
