Recipes For Someone A Little Different

On this journey through life, one thing that is required is that we eat at least occasionally.  When one has food allergies, intolerance or other special requirements or needs, it can become daunting to try to figure out how to manage in a culture filled with items that one has to avoid.

One of the fun parts of living in my body, is that I get to enjoy a number of dietary restrictions.  I believe it was in 2009 I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease (gluten intolerance), and I have since been asked about what kinds of ways I have worked around the issue.  I must admit, even at that early phase of my restriction list, I remember how many times I would be going down every aisle of the grocery store, having to look at every label and wonder if there were hidden ingredients I couldn't tolerate.  By a few aisles down, I'd often be in tears.

I was given some recipes for gluten-free, individual-sized breads made in the microwave (of all places!). I've tried a couple of them, and have found the Honey Oat Bread to be the best for me.  I have since modified the recipes depending on why I'm making it, as well as whatever I have on hand, and often double the recipe because I like thicker bread and often use it as a breakfast meal, because it comes out more like a muffin that way.  It wouldn't be hard at all to add ingredients such as flavorings, dried fruit, nuts, or even chocolate or other flavored chips, if you're trying to make a cake-like dessert or muffin.

I also often add quinoa flakes and ground flax meal to add nutrients and fiber, and usually just use all-purpose flour, rather than the brown rice flour, as that is what I keep around the kitchen most often.

You will need to have a 2 cup glass baking dish. I was told that if you want the bread to be square then you should try shopping at Ross; they had some for about $6. They were also $12 at Bed Bath and Beyond. If you are ok with round bread then Walmart has had some good glass bowls for about $4.  I've not looked, personally, since I already had dishes I could use.

Honey Oat Bread

1 TBS GF Oats (certified)
1 TBS Water
1 Egg
1 TBS Canola Oil
1 TBS Applesauce
1/16 tsp Salt
1 1/2 TBS Brown Rice Flour
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 TBS Honey

Bake in: a 2-cup SQUARE straight side microwave-safe bowl
1. in a small microwave bowl combine oats and water
2. microwave on high for 15 seconds then set aside
3. in a cup or bowl beat egg until uniform in color
4. add all remaining ingredients including oats and mix well to combine
5. spray 2-cup square straight side microwave-safe bowl with nonstick cooking spray
6. poor batter into bowl
7. tap the bowl on the counter several times to level the batter
8. microwave on high for 2 minutes
9. remove from dish and allow to cool
10. slice in half horizontally

Sandwich Bread

1 Egg
1 TBS Canola Oil
1 1/2 TBS Applesauce
1/16 tsp Salt
2 1/2 TBS Brown Rice Flour
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Sugar

Bake in: a 2-cup SQUARE straight side microwave-safe bowl
1. in a small mixing bowl briefly beat egg until uniform in color
2. add remaining ingredients and mix well
3. spray cooking dish with non-stick spray
4. pour in the batter and tap to level the batter.
5. microwave on high for 2 minutes
6. gently remove from dish and allow to cool
7. slice in half horizontally

Bagel

1 Egg White
1 TBS Canola Oil
1 1/2 TBS Applesauce
1/16 tsp Salt
2 1/2 TBS Brown Rice Flour
1/4 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Sugar

Bake in: a 2-cup ROUND straight side microwave-safe bowl. To make the hole in the middle place a microwave safe shot-glass in the center of the baking dish
1. in a small bowl briefly beat the egg white until frothy
2. add remaining ingredients and mix well
3. spray the 2-cup ROUND straight side microwave-safe bowl with cooking spray and add the shot-glass to the center
4. pour in the batter and tap the base of the bowl to level the batter
5. microwave on high for 2 minutes. It will rise and then settle
7. gently remove and allow to cool.
8. for best crust toast prior to serving.
9. this bagel is best eaten warm

Coffee Cake

1 Egg
1 TBS Canola OIl
3 TBS Applesauce
1/16 tsp Salt
3 TBS Brown Rice Flour
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 TBS plus 1 tsp Sugar
1/8 tsp Vanilla

Topping:
10 GF Animal Crackers - crushed (any crisp cookie can work)
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Brown Sugar

Bake in: a 2-cup ROUND or SQUARE straight side microwave-safe bowl.
1. in a small mixing bowl briefly beat egg until uniform in color
2. add remaining ingredients and mix well
3. spray cooking dish with non-stick spray
4. pour in the batter and tap to level the batter. Set aside
5. combine topping ingredients
6. sprinkle over the top of batter and swirl into batter with a knife some topping will remain on top
7. microwave on high for 2 minutes
8. gently remove from dish, keep cake upright and allow to cool

Dinner Roll

1 Egg
1 TBS Canola Oil
2 TBS applesauce
1/16 tsp Salt
2 TBS Brown Rice Flour
1/2 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Sugar

Bake in: You can use a 1-cup ramming for a smaller dinner sized roll or a 2-cup ROUND straight side microwave-safe bowl to make a hamburger bun size roll
1. in a small mixing bowl briefly beat egg until uniform in color
2. add remaining ingredients and mix well
3. spray cooking dish with non-stick spray
4. pour in the batter and tap to level the batter.
5. microwave on high for 2 minutes
6. gently remove from dish, keep cake upright and allow to cool

Do you have favorite tips, tricks or recipes you'd like to share?  Maybe have questions or comments?  I'm always looking for new information, and I know others would be grateful, too.  I'd appreciate your sharing in the comments below.  Thanks!