We are Jewish…We Love Our Bread!

Hi and welcome back! Thank you for all your comments. I appreciate your interest in Gluten Free Living as well as any input you have that can teach me something new.

When we first learned that we would have to give up those breads, bagels, and baked goods, we felt lost, confused and a little deprived. But luckily, in the 21st century, gluten free living is pretty easy.

Here are some products that we have used and enjoyed to replace our old ‘flour-laden stand-bys.’ Although today I bake most of our foods from scratch, it is not always easy to make baked goods all the time, especially for bigger families.

• Udi’s Handcrafted Foods has a whole line of gluten free products that are quite tasty. Among these are breads, muffins and pizza crusts.  Udi himself is Israeli-born. At the new Udi’s Bread Café in Louisville (185 S 104th St, #A), all sandwiches are available on gluten free bread. They also have an online gluten free store.
  
• Kinnickinnick is a company in Canada that specializes in gluten free, peanut free and tree nut free products. With over 200 products to choose from, they can be found in most health foods stores and local grocers.
• Chebe’s is a unique bread product based on the Brazilian “pao de queijo” or cheese bread. I have made bagels, flat breads and even tortilla wraps using this simple mix. It can be found in your local health food or grocery store.
• Sweet Escapes Bakery in Longmont specializes in gluten free/casein free baked goods. Their products range from hoagie rolls to English muffins to pizza crusts. Their public hours are limited, so call ahead before you visit.
• Finally, one of my favorite companies is Outside the Breadbox Bakery, located in Colorado Springs but stocked in Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers around the greater Boulder area with gluten free baked goods. They have products ranging from gluten free cheese crackers, to breads, bagels, bread crumbs, and even graham crackers.

Although I have only listed a handful, there are many more great gluten free products for you to try at home.  Please share your favorites using the comment box below!

I would like to introduce you to a bread that has become a staple in our household just within the last few months. It is a gluten free, soy free, dairy free bread that can be made in your own bread machine. This recipe was inspired by my friend and favorite Gluten free guru Alison Yacht.

White Bread for Bread Machines

Ingredients: Make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature before you start.

3 eggs
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 cups plain rice milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon xanthan gum
1/3 cup arrowroot
1/2 cup potato starch
¼ cup ground flaxseeds
¼ cup almond flour
1 cup white rice flour
1 cup brown rice flour
1 tablespoon active dry yeast

Place wet ingredients at the bottom of the pan. Place premixed dry ingredients in the pan next. Then sprinkle the yeast on top. Select the sweet dough cycle. This cycle should be about 3 hours and 40 minutes. When the bread is finished, let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before removing from pan. I like to slice this bread right down the middle (top to bottom). Then turn it crust side out, onto a bread board and slice each half into ¼ inch slices. I put these all directly into my freezer, and thaw out a portion when ready to eat. Yummy toasted with peanut butter or jelly, or make into your favorite sandwich!

Next week:  an overview of symptoms related to gluten sensitivities as well as a Gluten Free Pancake and/or Waffle Recipe your whole family will love.