I have a strange, sincere, new appreciation for affordable gluten free flour. This is no joke- although it does come from a hilarious story. During my last week in India, I asked the family I had been staying with what meal they would like for me to cook them and got an enthusiastic “PANCAKES” vote. Since one of the other students had a gluten sensitivity, finding a celiac friendly flour became a fun mission in the bustling streets of Dehra Dun. Luckily, we stumbled upon some not-so-affordable-conveniently-packaged stuff in kilogram bags, and my pancake pusher instincts led me to buy two. Somehow surprised by the amount left over and rushing to pack for my impromptu trip to Thailand, I shoved the remaining KILO of flour into my backpack to be lugged around on my shoulders over the course of the next month. How could I waste such a luxury commodity?! (My prevailingly stiff shoulders may beg to differ).
And that brings me to my joy in discovering affordable Authentic Foods Almond Meal Flour. At $6.55 for 8 oz packages, you get a discount when you order more and save yourself the bulk-backache since it comes to your door! SWEET RELIEF, literally. I don’t know if founder Steven Rice knew how much happiness he would bring gluten and non-gluten eaters alike, but his biochemistry and culinary expertise have produced the perfect product for baking some sneaky treats. You would never guess how much protein and fiber you could slip in while skipping the gluten and making your taste buds happy all at once! I really liked incorporating some into these Gluten-Free Spiced Sweet Potato Baked Donuts (several lucky friends did too). If you are one of the many already eating gluten free, starting an elimination diet to check for sensitivities, or just want a delicious baking product packed with nutrients, check out this great great company that uses only high-quality ingredients.
As for that relic kilo of flour, my very last day in Thailand I finally found a kitchen to take over and cooked myself and the British bed and breakfast owner one greatly anticipated brunch.
Until next time, Lauren
References:
Trevey, L. (2013). Gluten-Free Spiced Sweet Potato Baked Donuts. Retrieved from http://www.brightboldbeautiful.com/2013/11/27/gluten-free-spiced-sweet-potato-baked-donuts/
Rice, S. (n.d.) Letter from the Founder. Retrieved from http://www.authenticfoods.com/aboutus/letter
