May is Celiac Awareness month and we’d like to share a top 10 list that guest blogger and summer intern, Haylan wrote for us last year!
We’ve also included a delicious recipe for Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Pancakes that you could make for breakfast, lunch or even a quick dinner.
*Note that this post was re-blogged from May 2013
Top 10 rules for a gluten free kitchen
As someone who has to be strict about staying away from gluten, it is sometimes hard for me to eat food prepared by other people. It can be easier to say “no thank-you” and avoid getting sick than to take the risk.
Each gluten free eater follows different rules that suit their body and individual needs. This list of rules that I follow in my kitchen ensure that I maintain a gluten free lifestyle so that I can be the healthiest version of myself.
1. Go “crumb free”
In my house, there are “crumb free” labels on everything that could potentially contain crumbs: jam, margarine, peanut butter, mayonnaise, etc. This means no double dipping your knife into the jar after it has touched a piece of gluten containing bread! Another option is to have “gluten free” containers of jam, margarine, etc. in the fridge.
2. Avoid cross contamination
This can be done by storing your gluten free products in a different cupboard from your regular flours and pantry products, and use a separate utensil for each product.
3. Two toasters
In my house, I have two toasters: one for me and one for the gluten-containing bread. If you don’t want to buy the extra toaster, you can use the oven for your gluten free toasting.
4. Purchase gluten free products
Oats, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soya sauce, beef/chicken/vegetable stock, etc – that are automatically gluten free. This way, if you do use them in a recipe you know your ingredients are safe.
5. Read the labels
Some people who are gluten intolerant/sensitive or celiac may not eat a product if the label reads “may contain traces of wheat,” or, “made in a facility that also uses wheat.” Be aware that words like “vinegar,” “maltodextrin,” and “spices” may all contain gluten, and products that are “wheat free” are not necessarily “gluten free.” Labels with signs that say “gluten free” are always a safe bet.
6. Gluten free comes first
Quite often when I am cooking or baking at my house I make a gluten free recipe first and then a regular recipe. If you make the gluten free version first then you are going to avoid cross contamination. This rule is especially useful if you are baking (wheat flour can be so dusty!) or frying.
7. Ask questions
Are you having people over? Ask your guests if they have any dietary restrictions. Read them your recipes and ingredient lists so they can approve the menu. Some people who have a gluten-free life may also have other restrictions. For example, I am intolerant to both gluten and lactose. Your gluten free guests will appreciate that you asked, and more than likely offer to bring a gluten free food item to share.
8. Be Prepared
For the most part, gluten free products freeze really well. By keeping some gluten free muffins, cookies, or bread in the freezer, you are always prepared for hosting a gluten-free friend!
9. Do your research
There is always new research being published regarding celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Understanding the complexities of going gluten free will help when you are cooking.
10. Be understanding
Everyone with allergies/intolerances are required make concessions in their day-to-day lives, especially in the kitchen. If you are cooking for someone with an allergy or severe intolerance to gluten, they will appreciate you going the extra mile by making sure that the food they are eating is safe for them!
It’s an adventure…Haylan
We hope that you have enjoyed learning with us during Celiac Awareness Month. We have shared our best recipe for Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Pancakes below.
This recipe is from our latest Be Well Magazine, Gluten Free edition that is available for you to order complimentary from us.
Eariler this month we also shared:
–Gluten Free Sesame Bread recipe and information on gluten intolerance and Celiac Disease.
–Gluten Free Fudge Brownies recipe and information on gluten free flours
We look forward to sharing more gluten free recipes with you throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook, sign up for our Be Well newsletter and visit us here on our blog to stay connected and get the latest from our test kitchens.
Live Well & Be Well…Jenn
