Flour Power

Look at all these packages! They need to be combined in very specific ratios to get "flour" with the right consistency and taste. I keep telling myself "Gluten free cooking is an adventure."

Caleb has been adjusting remarkably well to going without wheat. His health is improving, his energy is much higher, and we see so many changes that indicate we are on the right path. As for giving up his beloved rolls and crackers and buttered toast? Most of the time he handles these changes really well, but there have been moments where he was very disappointed and frustrated at not getting to eat a favorite treat. This holiday season, I was determined that Grandma Claudia's annual sugar cookie baking extravaganza would NOT be one of the blessings he had to give up. (She wouldn't have handled it well, either! Haha) Thank God for this Internet. It can be such a resource with things like this-there are so many blogs, articles, forums and message boards with people freely sharing their recipes and information with each other. On a very helpful blog I found this recipe for "flour"... http://glutenfree.wordpress.com/my-gf-flour-blend/ She states you can use it straight-across for regular flour in 99% of recipes. Now we have tried some nasty substitutes for flour so I was a bit hesitant but we placed our order at Bob's Red Mill for all the ingredients, anyway. It was a huge hit in sugar cookies (obviously, or I wouldn't be posting about it!)

Being honest, I tasted one and blech! I could totally taste the potato starch in it...and though I thought it was disgusting, I quickly hid my distaste from the boys because all three? loved it. I assumed it was all the frosting and sprinkle coating over each cookie but when we made pizza crust with the same flour blend? another big hit! All three boys said it was delicious. Anything I can make GF that all three will eat, I am thrilled about that, let me tell ya.With cookies and pizza in his grasp, Caleb has only one more regret...and he asks this at least once a week..."Oh WHY won't Krispy Kreme make gluten free donuts?!"