Gluten Free Flour Mixes

Gluten allergies or intolerance can have serious affects on the body.  Not only can it cause gas, bloating, diarrhea or abdominal pain, studies have also linked it to skin issues, certain forms of arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia and other autoimmune disorders.  With this being said, going gluten free for a week or two to see how you feel is worth your time. 

To help get you started I have listed some mixes to try.  There are several different GF mixes to use depending on how sweet, savory or nutty tasting you want your recipes.  If you live near Whole Foods you can find all the GF flours you need and most are priced reasonably.  Kroger carries a few, but the prices can get high for some items.  Another option is to stock up and order through Vitacost.com, the prices are extremely reasonable.  If you order $50 or more, shipping is free (and they carry all kinds of things so you can get other items you might need as well).  There is also Amazon.com, prices are fair and the order may qualify for free shipping. 

The following mixes are what I use, but play around with them for yourself and see what works for you.  With the exception of the cupcakes/cakes, these are done by 1 cup mixes.  If something calls for 2 or 3 cups then you'll need to adjust accordingly. 

Pancakes/Waffles:
1/4 c Tapioca Flour
1/4 c  GF Certified Oat Flour or Sweet Sorghum Flour
1/4 c Amaranth Flour or Millet Flour
1/4 c Quinoa Flour

Cookies:
1/4 c Tapioca Flour
1/4 c Sweet Sorghum Flour
1/4 c Amaranth Flour
1/4 c Garbanzo Bean Flour

or

1/4 c Tapioca Flour
1/4 c Sweet Sorghum Flour
1/4 c Almond Flour or GF Oat Flour
1/4 c Quinoa Flour

Cupcakes/Cakes (makes 12 cupcakes or one 9 inch single layer cake):
1/4 c Tapioca Flour
1/3 c Almond Flour
1/2 c Sweet Sorghum Flour
1/2 c Quinoa Flour

For all recipes I have eliminated xatham or guar gum.  Instead, I use 1 Tbsp. flax meal with 3 Tbsp. water and mix until thick, you can use a mixer, blender or food processor.  This is also a great substitute for any recipes calling for eggs (this would equal one egg).  Have fun playing with recipes and take notice how you feel after avoiding gluten for awhile.  I am certain even those that don't suffer from Celiac will still feel positive changes.