Happy New Year to all who are reading this.
This year has got off to a good start.
One holiday booked at a hotel in Cornwall.
One weekend away booked in a Bed and Breakfast for my Parents Golden Wedding.
One Afternoon Tea, yet to be booked, but a lovely gift from friends for our Silver Wedding (and yes they did check for me)
Out to lunch on Boxing Day, went to Ask Italian (Fab GF Pasta) all went well (this was in Dorking) unlike the walk up Box Hill, which never happened because of the temperature and the weather!!
Christmas was good fun as well and apart from one hiccup where I was ill the Friday before Christmas everything went well. After a bit of investigation we think I may be sensitive to sulphites in wine, as that is the only logical explanation we could come up with.
I feel really good, the diet is under control.
Freego is worth looking at if you want GF food all in one place,with minimal delivery cost, but fast delivery I have been very impressed with them and will be using them again.
This post is a bit disjointed but I think it covers the salient points.
Wednesday 14 January 2015
Wednesday 10 September 2014
Finally......
After what seems like a very long and drawn out process, last week I had my annual blood tests done.
Finally after nearly two years of having the dreaded B12 jabs my results for this came back normal, which means I do not need to have them anymore!! YAY!! I was absolutely ecstatic at this news as even though I have been whittling them down slowly from 4 to 2 and now 0, they are very painful and it wasn't something I wanted to go on. What I had accepted though was, that it might be necessary to go on, but my body for once has done what I expected!!
Still awaiting results for the TTG levels and I'm hoping they too will be zero, but I am aware that the drop may not be as dramatic as last year as 28-9 was an amazing drop, so although 9-0 shouldn't be that difficult I believe that it may have slowed down a little so I may not have dropped that last 9 antibodies, I could have gone down to five or so.......but who knows anything is possible.
Had my results back yesterday from the TTG test, not quite what I was expecting but there is a sensible explanation. Last year my results went from 28 -9 as I said above, yesterday I was told my results for this test were 10 (Gone up! Definitely what I wasn't expecting) however having said that I was very ill a few weeks ago after having glutened myself with a packet of M and M's so therefore the antibodies are likely to still be around. I believe over the summer I also may have been unintentionally glutened but it wasn't as bad as the time before. So if you think about it the antibodies still being there makes sense, and the number is suggestive that I have my diet under control to a certain degree. Overall I am really pleased with what I have managed to achieve in the last year, so let's keep going how we mean to go on.
Next stop I hope, a well earned holiday (somewhere other than here, but I still need to build up my confidence).
Finally after nearly two years of having the dreaded B12 jabs my results for this came back normal, which means I do not need to have them anymore!! YAY!! I was absolutely ecstatic at this news as even though I have been whittling them down slowly from 4 to 2 and now 0, they are very painful and it wasn't something I wanted to go on. What I had accepted though was, that it might be necessary to go on, but my body for once has done what I expected!!
Still awaiting results for the TTG levels and I'm hoping they too will be zero, but I am aware that the drop may not be as dramatic as last year as 28-9 was an amazing drop, so although 9-0 shouldn't be that difficult I believe that it may have slowed down a little so I may not have dropped that last 9 antibodies, I could have gone down to five or so.......but who knows anything is possible.
Had my results back yesterday from the TTG test, not quite what I was expecting but there is a sensible explanation. Last year my results went from 28 -9 as I said above, yesterday I was told my results for this test were 10 (Gone up! Definitely what I wasn't expecting) however having said that I was very ill a few weeks ago after having glutened myself with a packet of M and M's so therefore the antibodies are likely to still be around. I believe over the summer I also may have been unintentionally glutened but it wasn't as bad as the time before. So if you think about it the antibodies still being there makes sense, and the number is suggestive that I have my diet under control to a certain degree. Overall I am really pleased with what I have managed to achieve in the last year, so let's keep going how we mean to go on.
Next stop I hope, a well earned holiday (somewhere other than here, but I still need to build up my confidence).
Saturday 23 August 2014
Goodness me, and those snacks I posted about!!
Have I really been away that long, I was absolutely amazed that I hadn't posted on here since Christmas. And again I have to say is it really the middle of August.
First things first the snacks of crisp and crunch etc. Here is the promised recipe.
1 Glutafin Baguette
1 bottle of Good quality Olive Oil ( you won't need all of it!!)
Salt to taste.
Heat the grill to around 160c
Take the baguette and slice into wafer thin slices. Cover the slices with the olive oil (until they are the golden colour. Sprinkle with salt.
Place the slices on the grill on foil, and bake for around 5 mins. Take out and put in bowl. Enjoy.
As I am very greedy I managed half a baguette on my own!!! but the other half I did put in the freezer.
Be Warned: They are habit forming!!
I have been away from the blog for a lot longer than I thought, but to be honest there are several things going on there. One is I have now got my head back into it's rightful place, and I needed to be away from here in order to deal with this. Also thanks to some very 'old' (for that read long term) friends, I am not so afraid to go out of my comfort zone to eat now, and I am not afraid to ask questions.
You are the customer, therefore they should be helping you. A certain lady by the name of Jude reappeared in my life when I was quite low and invited me out for a drink, my old personality resurfaced and I said yes, just to go to the pub outside of my normal (read nowhere, here) haunts. She then contacted me again and said she would meet me in town for lunch if I picked the place, as I would need to ask all the questions etc. I took her up on the offer and I had a fab experience at Nando's who couldn't have been more accomodating. This was back in February, and I said to Jude then, had she asked me 6 months earlier the answers would have either been excuses not to go, or a straightforward NO. Thanks to her, my confidence has soared and I am again becoming more adventurous, and therefore back to my normal 'pre-coeliac' me!!
My Friends and family if you are reading this you have been so good, even when I've been grumpy or a little 'I don't want to do anything....ish' have been absolutely fantastic. Invited to the Marie Curie Cancer Care Garden Party one Chocolate Gateau that was set aside for myself and one other Coeliac attending, that was of restaurant quaality. We were even given lunch made with help from myself in the form of instructions of what to do, so I didn't have to take any food with me. Thank You Kay.
A Lemon Drizzle Cake delivered on the Doorstep whilst I was out. First attempt at Gluten Free. Guinea Pig Yes....But 'Hey' it was free cake for me! Thank You. Marianne.
Several trips to lunch, and pubs and an awful lot of laughing, with the Jude mentioned above and many more to come I hope! THANK YOU.
And to Nic for arranging a shopping trip to Reading to go Christmas Shopping, turning up with gluten free Cake on the station, so that we could use any of the cafes and know that I could have something to go with it while we were out, we then had the nicest surprise when I discovered a street vendor who understood Coeliac and I had lunch out that I wasn't expecting (so I carried my sandwiches all around town that day in my bag!) Thank You, that meant a lot to me.
Recently I seem to have people crawling out the woodwork. Dinner with Jude and a HUGE pud in my Facebook profile pic, with a lot of laughter and a couple of bottles of wine later, for starters.
Then a School Friend who I had not seen since before we picked up our Exam certificates, and myself finally managed after two years to get together. Again much laughter and talking about people I hadn't heard about for years.(and the obligatory bottle of wine.)
Another shopping trip with Nic and out to lunch this time at Bella Italia....that was an amazing experience, it's not often I get told 'we know all about Coeliacs I'll let the chef know' end of conversation. I think Nic must be my good luck charm!
Before you all say, gosh you eat out a lot, yes, but this was my previous life it has been modified but that doesn't mean I enjoy it any less. Then when both my girls were away at Camp, DH and I had a few days to ourselves. We went down to Southsea for the day, and I took a GF cone with me. Well you have to have ice cream at the seaside don't you!! We had a lovely day, came home and then went to checkout a little pub that advertised outside that it did, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan food. I asked for the menu and was told I could have Burger in a BUN....wow....with Chips and Cheese plus any relish I would like......well you can imagine I had died and gone to heaven at that point......no contest. We are due back in October for a family celebration of our Silver Wedding.
It has taken a long time and I am still discovering things and finding things either aren't for me or have been taken off the menu, but the good thing is my old 'normal' if different approach self, is beginning to resurface. It's never going to be quite right but the acceptance bit is now happening. I have a lot more confidence now, and am not afraid to vote with my feet when things aren't quite right. Fun with food is creeping back in and on the whole most places are fairly accomodating.
Jason at Oslar Coffee deserves a mention here, as because I asked him to, he now has wraps to go (GF), Crisps, Biscuits, Cake Bars and Ice Cream (I've yet to give him the info for small amounts of GF cones, instead of the bulk order he can't afford atm) Having said that the tubs and spoons are there and all the Ice Cream is GF. As a result I am a very regular and loyal customer....He listened to what I would like and other people have benefitted from my comments, to the point that quite often he never has any wraps for me when I want them!! Thank You.
Communication is the key, and some friends like the ones I am very lucky to have. It takes time and don't expect to be able to deal with everything at once, you won't.
Because my confidence has grown, and knowing that the best way to learn and to help myself is to help others I have volunteered with CUK as a Mentor on the Member2Member programme. Re engaged with my love of reading, and as a consequence have also become a volunteer with a local charity that helps Children rediscover and gain their confidence back with reading, from may be not being where they ought to be in their reading, for a variety of different reasons. Can't wait to get started on that, next term.
As for my Scouting, I have stopped doing weekly meetings which has helped enormously and now hold the unenviable position of District Cub Scout Leader (although I'm one of 6!) which means 2 visits a term and a little bit in between. so therefore I am not being pulled in several directions at once. I have a mostly administrative role, but I am also a Training Advisor to new leaders. Which is a better balance than I had before
Yes in a sense I will miss the Cubs, however as I am a Lollipop Lady I get to see the kids everyday anyway and the volunteering during the day with the reading charity will mean I will see them then too. I realised that doing things in the evening (apart from spontaneous fun) was not agreeing with me and I needed to change some things. I work far better in the afternoon than I do in the evening. I also find that six week chunks is more manageable for me as I get the rest during the holidays that at present my body is telling me I need. It's understandable really, I have spent years doing all these things running on empty and under par. Now everything is starting to sort itself out my body is definitely saying at the end of term, you need to stop and recuperate. This time I'm listening!!
Yes mistakes happen and I do get ill, last time was the worst as it laid me up for a week (steer clear of M and M's) with excruciating pain. But my recovery is much quicker than it was to start with, and it's easier (even if it did take me 3 days) to work out what has caused the problem. I have the medication here to deal with it if the need arises.
At present I am trying to fend off a head cold which has invaded my sinuses. Given time it'll go.
I am now nearly the 'real' me again and much happier for it. Thank you to all my friends mentioned above and several others I haven't mentioned (you know who you are) who have been there for me when I least expected it. This journey is ongoing, but it has been made easier by your willingness to learn with me and listen for hours on end to me prattle on about food, and how complicated life is, and probably bore you stiff!
First things first the snacks of crisp and crunch etc. Here is the promised recipe.
1 Glutafin Baguette
1 bottle of Good quality Olive Oil ( you won't need all of it!!)
Salt to taste.
Heat the grill to around 160c
Take the baguette and slice into wafer thin slices. Cover the slices with the olive oil (until they are the golden colour. Sprinkle with salt.
Place the slices on the grill on foil, and bake for around 5 mins. Take out and put in bowl. Enjoy.
As I am very greedy I managed half a baguette on my own!!! but the other half I did put in the freezer.
Be Warned: They are habit forming!!
I have been away from the blog for a lot longer than I thought, but to be honest there are several things going on there. One is I have now got my head back into it's rightful place, and I needed to be away from here in order to deal with this. Also thanks to some very 'old' (for that read long term) friends, I am not so afraid to go out of my comfort zone to eat now, and I am not afraid to ask questions.
You are the customer, therefore they should be helping you. A certain lady by the name of Jude reappeared in my life when I was quite low and invited me out for a drink, my old personality resurfaced and I said yes, just to go to the pub outside of my normal (read nowhere, here) haunts. She then contacted me again and said she would meet me in town for lunch if I picked the place, as I would need to ask all the questions etc. I took her up on the offer and I had a fab experience at Nando's who couldn't have been more accomodating. This was back in February, and I said to Jude then, had she asked me 6 months earlier the answers would have either been excuses not to go, or a straightforward NO. Thanks to her, my confidence has soared and I am again becoming more adventurous, and therefore back to my normal 'pre-coeliac' me!!
My Friends and family if you are reading this you have been so good, even when I've been grumpy or a little 'I don't want to do anything....ish' have been absolutely fantastic. Invited to the Marie Curie Cancer Care Garden Party one Chocolate Gateau that was set aside for myself and one other Coeliac attending, that was of restaurant quaality. We were even given lunch made with help from myself in the form of instructions of what to do, so I didn't have to take any food with me. Thank You Kay.
A Lemon Drizzle Cake delivered on the Doorstep whilst I was out. First attempt at Gluten Free. Guinea Pig Yes....But 'Hey' it was free cake for me! Thank You. Marianne.
Several trips to lunch, and pubs and an awful lot of laughing, with the Jude mentioned above and many more to come I hope! THANK YOU.
And to Nic for arranging a shopping trip to Reading to go Christmas Shopping, turning up with gluten free Cake on the station, so that we could use any of the cafes and know that I could have something to go with it while we were out, we then had the nicest surprise when I discovered a street vendor who understood Coeliac and I had lunch out that I wasn't expecting (so I carried my sandwiches all around town that day in my bag!) Thank You, that meant a lot to me.
Recently I seem to have people crawling out the woodwork. Dinner with Jude and a HUGE pud in my Facebook profile pic, with a lot of laughter and a couple of bottles of wine later, for starters.
Then a School Friend who I had not seen since before we picked up our Exam certificates, and myself finally managed after two years to get together. Again much laughter and talking about people I hadn't heard about for years.(and the obligatory bottle of wine.)
Another shopping trip with Nic and out to lunch this time at Bella Italia....that was an amazing experience, it's not often I get told 'we know all about Coeliacs I'll let the chef know' end of conversation. I think Nic must be my good luck charm!
Before you all say, gosh you eat out a lot, yes, but this was my previous life it has been modified but that doesn't mean I enjoy it any less. Then when both my girls were away at Camp, DH and I had a few days to ourselves. We went down to Southsea for the day, and I took a GF cone with me. Well you have to have ice cream at the seaside don't you!! We had a lovely day, came home and then went to checkout a little pub that advertised outside that it did, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan food. I asked for the menu and was told I could have Burger in a BUN....wow....with Chips and Cheese plus any relish I would like......well you can imagine I had died and gone to heaven at that point......no contest. We are due back in October for a family celebration of our Silver Wedding.
It has taken a long time and I am still discovering things and finding things either aren't for me or have been taken off the menu, but the good thing is my old 'normal' if different approach self, is beginning to resurface. It's never going to be quite right but the acceptance bit is now happening. I have a lot more confidence now, and am not afraid to vote with my feet when things aren't quite right. Fun with food is creeping back in and on the whole most places are fairly accomodating.
Jason at Oslar Coffee deserves a mention here, as because I asked him to, he now has wraps to go (GF), Crisps, Biscuits, Cake Bars and Ice Cream (I've yet to give him the info for small amounts of GF cones, instead of the bulk order he can't afford atm) Having said that the tubs and spoons are there and all the Ice Cream is GF. As a result I am a very regular and loyal customer....He listened to what I would like and other people have benefitted from my comments, to the point that quite often he never has any wraps for me when I want them!! Thank You.
Communication is the key, and some friends like the ones I am very lucky to have. It takes time and don't expect to be able to deal with everything at once, you won't.
Because my confidence has grown, and knowing that the best way to learn and to help myself is to help others I have volunteered with CUK as a Mentor on the Member2Member programme. Re engaged with my love of reading, and as a consequence have also become a volunteer with a local charity that helps Children rediscover and gain their confidence back with reading, from may be not being where they ought to be in their reading, for a variety of different reasons. Can't wait to get started on that, next term.
As for my Scouting, I have stopped doing weekly meetings which has helped enormously and now hold the unenviable position of District Cub Scout Leader (although I'm one of 6!) which means 2 visits a term and a little bit in between. so therefore I am not being pulled in several directions at once. I have a mostly administrative role, but I am also a Training Advisor to new leaders. Which is a better balance than I had before
Yes in a sense I will miss the Cubs, however as I am a Lollipop Lady I get to see the kids everyday anyway and the volunteering during the day with the reading charity will mean I will see them then too. I realised that doing things in the evening (apart from spontaneous fun) was not agreeing with me and I needed to change some things. I work far better in the afternoon than I do in the evening. I also find that six week chunks is more manageable for me as I get the rest during the holidays that at present my body is telling me I need. It's understandable really, I have spent years doing all these things running on empty and under par. Now everything is starting to sort itself out my body is definitely saying at the end of term, you need to stop and recuperate. This time I'm listening!!
Yes mistakes happen and I do get ill, last time was the worst as it laid me up for a week (steer clear of M and M's) with excruciating pain. But my recovery is much quicker than it was to start with, and it's easier (even if it did take me 3 days) to work out what has caused the problem. I have the medication here to deal with it if the need arises.
At present I am trying to fend off a head cold which has invaded my sinuses. Given time it'll go.
I am now nearly the 'real' me again and much happier for it. Thank you to all my friends mentioned above and several others I haven't mentioned (you know who you are) who have been there for me when I least expected it. This journey is ongoing, but it has been made easier by your willingness to learn with me and listen for hours on end to me prattle on about food, and how complicated life is, and probably bore you stiff!
Wednesday 4 December 2013
What is the difference?
After several conversations with different people it became clear that there was a necessity to define three things:
Allergies
Autoimmune:
Immunodeficiency:
Coeliac Disease is the Second of these three. Lets start though with the definition of an Allergy.
When you have an allergy it is because your body overreacts to otherwsie harmless stimuli, causing uncomfortable and sometimes harmful symptoms.
When you have an autoimmune disease (as I do, Coeliac Disease) your body essentially attacks itself, causing damage to your digestive system, respiratory system, or muscles for example.
An immunodeficiency disorder is when your body stops protecting you from foreign stimuli like viruses, toxins, bacteria and tumors.
So the difference between gluten sensitivity (allergy) and Coeliac disease (autoimmune) is this:
With Coeliac Disease gluten triggers an autoimmune response that causes serious harm to the digestive system. People who have Coeliac Disease MUST cut all gluten products from their diet (hence 'strict' gluten free diet), if they don't it can cause irreparable damage to the digestive system. If you have problems when eating bread, cakes or crackers it doesn't mean you are Coeliac. You may have gluten sensitivity which means that your body produces histamines whenever it detects gluten in your system (allergy).
'A little bit won't hurt' statement as, you can see here, could not be more dangerous as it WILL cause damage, and make the Coeliac ill.
That is not to say that gluten sensitivity can cope, as they are more likely to be prone to anaphylactic shock. Which needs an Epipen and immediate medical attention i.e 999 emergency.
The current NICE guidelines (UK only) on the diagnosis of IBS, is before your Doctor confirms a diagnosis of IBS you should be screened for Coeliac Disease first. This consists of a blood test, if positive then you will need confirmation, if negative then IBS can be considered (www.coeliac.org.uk/health)
Allergies
Autoimmune:
Immunodeficiency:
Coeliac Disease is the Second of these three. Lets start though with the definition of an Allergy.
When you have an allergy it is because your body overreacts to otherwsie harmless stimuli, causing uncomfortable and sometimes harmful symptoms.
When you have an autoimmune disease (as I do, Coeliac Disease) your body essentially attacks itself, causing damage to your digestive system, respiratory system, or muscles for example.
An immunodeficiency disorder is when your body stops protecting you from foreign stimuli like viruses, toxins, bacteria and tumors.
So the difference between gluten sensitivity (allergy) and Coeliac disease (autoimmune) is this:
With Coeliac Disease gluten triggers an autoimmune response that causes serious harm to the digestive system. People who have Coeliac Disease MUST cut all gluten products from their diet (hence 'strict' gluten free diet), if they don't it can cause irreparable damage to the digestive system. If you have problems when eating bread, cakes or crackers it doesn't mean you are Coeliac. You may have gluten sensitivity which means that your body produces histamines whenever it detects gluten in your system (allergy).
'A little bit won't hurt' statement as, you can see here, could not be more dangerous as it WILL cause damage, and make the Coeliac ill.
That is not to say that gluten sensitivity can cope, as they are more likely to be prone to anaphylactic shock. Which needs an Epipen and immediate medical attention i.e 999 emergency.
The current NICE guidelines (UK only) on the diagnosis of IBS, is before your Doctor confirms a diagnosis of IBS you should be screened for Coeliac Disease first. This consists of a blood test, if positive then you will need confirmation, if negative then IBS can be considered (www.coeliac.org.uk/health)
Sunday 1 December 2013
A very useful site if you are going away................
The link below will take you to a very useful site if you are going abroad or even if you are just staying at home, I have used the English restaurant card for my stay in hospital and it was worth it's weight in gold and I now always have one in my bag and because you can give them out to Staff in restaurants or anywhere that may need to feed you they are a good tool and save a lot of embarrassing awkward questions. They are free and all they ask is if you cannot donate please post their address on your blog, this is what I am doing now as I've just printed off another 3 to make sure I'm safe over the Festivities when going out with friends.
www.celiactravel.com and go to the Gluten Free Restaurant Cards section, then select the language you wish.
Have Fun.
www.celiactravel.com and go to the Gluten Free Restaurant Cards section, then select the language you wish.
Have Fun.
Monday 25 November 2013
Choclate Tray Bake recipe
Here is a recipe for a chocolate tray bake, which is brilliant for Birthday Parties. Before you ask, no I haven't tried this with GF flour, but have confidence and see what happens, if you've got small ones they'll probably enjoy it no matter what it looks like!!
12oz SR Flour
3 tbsp Cocoa Powder
8oz Caster Sugar
8oz Soft Margarine
4 Eggs beaten
4 Tbsp Milk
1 3/4 oz Milk chocolate Chips
1 3/4 oz Dark Chocolate Chips
1 3/4 oz White Chocolate Chips
Grease a 13x9x2" cake tin. Place all the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a bowl and beat until smooth. Beat in the Chocolate Chips. Spoon the mix into prepared cake tin and level the top. Bake for 30-40 mins at 180c until risen and springy to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin. Once cool cut into squares and serve. For a great dessert serve with whipped cream. This serves around 15.
Rather than buy the little packs of choc chips, by the cheapest safe bars of chocolate of each flavour break off the right amount from each bar and place in plastic bag, take out your frustration with a rolling pin to break into smaller pieces, it can be better than the chips because you end up with different sized chunks in the cake (and it's cheaper and goes further!)
If you test this out before I do please do let me know how it turns out.
12oz SR Flour
3 tbsp Cocoa Powder
8oz Caster Sugar
8oz Soft Margarine
4 Eggs beaten
4 Tbsp Milk
1 3/4 oz Milk chocolate Chips
1 3/4 oz Dark Chocolate Chips
1 3/4 oz White Chocolate Chips
Grease a 13x9x2" cake tin. Place all the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a bowl and beat until smooth. Beat in the Chocolate Chips. Spoon the mix into prepared cake tin and level the top. Bake for 30-40 mins at 180c until risen and springy to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin. Once cool cut into squares and serve. For a great dessert serve with whipped cream. This serves around 15.
Rather than buy the little packs of choc chips, by the cheapest safe bars of chocolate of each flavour break off the right amount from each bar and place in plastic bag, take out your frustration with a rolling pin to break into smaller pieces, it can be better than the chips because you end up with different sized chunks in the cake (and it's cheaper and goes further!)
If you test this out before I do please do let me know how it turns out.
Have Confidence in yourself
Many People find that trying to cook Gluten Free is going to be really complicated, and this applies to Cakes more than anything else.
If you have baked regularly before, have confidence in your ability. Things can go wrong with a Gluten Free Cake just as much as they can with an ordinary cake. I discovered this last week!! I made a sponge cake with a script mix, which normally wouldn't have caused me any problem BUT I was in a hurry, and I rushed putting in the raising agent and didn't measure it out properly. Result a sponge that spilled all over the cooker took longer to cook and wasn't particularly nice to eat, but hey it was Cake and it was a waste to throw it away.....so I ate it!!
Yesterday I got baking again and I made sure I used the Juvela script mix, as my Christmas Cake trial only needed plain flour, so no raising agent at the last minute. I used an old recipe that I've used before and it came out fantastically well......moral, make sure you have time, and don't rush things. I also made another sponge cake and used the Gluten Free Doves Farm Self Raising Flour...this time no problems at all, partly I suggest because the flour altready had the raising agent in it.
All baking to a point is to do with confidence, just think how you thought about baking before, if you were confident when using ordinary flour, be the same with the GF flour. I hate the Gluten Free recipe books as many of them use this, that and the other flour mixed together, when really all you really want is the two bags of flour you used to have in the cupboard i.e. One SR and one Plain. Then use as you would ordinary flour with all the recipes you already have at home.
Scones is the one I have problems with. Juvela fixed my gingerbread for our gingerbread house as my recipe didn't work, due to the lack of gluten in the flour, but once you add an egg, no problem.
If you have a simple recipe that you have been using for years with no problem, I would just say substitute the flour and see what happens, but have the confidence that it will work, because 98% of the time it will.
Don't doubt yourself, we've all had sunk cakes (I've just made a ginger cake, and usually it sinks, this time with GF flour, it hasn't!!) and made mistakes, when I forgot to put any flour at all into Nigella's chocolate marmalade cake!!
Gluten Free flour (Doves Farm is the best) is not as difficult as everyone makes out. Trial and error is the order of the day, I have only had one thing not work quite as it should and that was the Gingerbread, but now I can make gingerbread men
I can understand why you are nervous, but who isn't the first time they take on something new, but have confidence and try things, is it really going to be that bad if your cake isn't quite what you expected?
If you have baked regularly before, have confidence in your ability. Things can go wrong with a Gluten Free Cake just as much as they can with an ordinary cake. I discovered this last week!! I made a sponge cake with a script mix, which normally wouldn't have caused me any problem BUT I was in a hurry, and I rushed putting in the raising agent and didn't measure it out properly. Result a sponge that spilled all over the cooker took longer to cook and wasn't particularly nice to eat, but hey it was Cake and it was a waste to throw it away.....so I ate it!!
Yesterday I got baking again and I made sure I used the Juvela script mix, as my Christmas Cake trial only needed plain flour, so no raising agent at the last minute. I used an old recipe that I've used before and it came out fantastically well......moral, make sure you have time, and don't rush things. I also made another sponge cake and used the Gluten Free Doves Farm Self Raising Flour...this time no problems at all, partly I suggest because the flour altready had the raising agent in it.
All baking to a point is to do with confidence, just think how you thought about baking before, if you were confident when using ordinary flour, be the same with the GF flour. I hate the Gluten Free recipe books as many of them use this, that and the other flour mixed together, when really all you really want is the two bags of flour you used to have in the cupboard i.e. One SR and one Plain. Then use as you would ordinary flour with all the recipes you already have at home.
Scones is the one I have problems with. Juvela fixed my gingerbread for our gingerbread house as my recipe didn't work, due to the lack of gluten in the flour, but once you add an egg, no problem.
If you have a simple recipe that you have been using for years with no problem, I would just say substitute the flour and see what happens, but have the confidence that it will work, because 98% of the time it will.
Don't doubt yourself, we've all had sunk cakes (I've just made a ginger cake, and usually it sinks, this time with GF flour, it hasn't!!) and made mistakes, when I forgot to put any flour at all into Nigella's chocolate marmalade cake!!
Gluten Free flour (Doves Farm is the best) is not as difficult as everyone makes out. Trial and error is the order of the day, I have only had one thing not work quite as it should and that was the Gingerbread, but now I can make gingerbread men
I can understand why you are nervous, but who isn't the first time they take on something new, but have confidence and try things, is it really going to be that bad if your cake isn't quite what you expected?
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