Simple gluten-free recipes - yes, they exist!

So, I was reading yet another article about Celiac Disease and Gluten-Free Baking today, and just like so many times before, the persons that were interviewed in this article kept perpetuating the myths about gluten-free baking: 1) that it is difficult and requires special mixing of ingredients and such, 2) that it requires xanthan gum, guar gums, and the like, and 3) that packaged "GF flour mixes" are the answer to cooking GF items.

Well, I have news for all of you that believe these statements to be universally true: they are not. Perhaps in rare cases, but not generally. I bake all sorts of "difficult" recipes like gluten-free biscuits, gluten-free pizza crust, gluten free cake and tortes, gluten free cookies, brownies, biscotti, and a lot more without any added gums, without packaged (and expensive) flour mixes, and without mixing directions that are any different than most regular (wheat containing) recipes. I prove it (and guarantee it) in my new cookbook, which has been taste-tested on my entire neighborhood and even some personal chefs.

The main thing with gluten-free baking is getting the right balance of flours for each recipe. That is the key! This takes quite a bit of trial and error, and this is why I find those pre-mixed / pre-packaged "GF Flour Mixes" are not the right solution. Each recipe takes a different balance of flours to be just right. Granted, it took my wife and I hundreds and hundreds of attempts to perfect our cakes, cookies, and so forth - but the results are worth it. The end products taste just like the real thing -- in some cases better (since we have won baking contests with some of our gluten-free recipes).

Having access to a repertoire of gourmet dessert recipes is a great start at having a normal as a Celiac (especially if you miss all those cakes, cookies, pies, etc.). So, do not let articles convince you that GF recipes are out of your realm, difficult to produce, or require a whole lot of effort above and beyond what normal recipes do. Quality Gluten-Free Recipes are available.