INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all of the ingredients in a large jar or plastic container
with a lid. Mix thoroughly. I use my hands for mixing because I find
it's most efficient. There are usually a few nooks and crannies of
flour that stubbornly refuse to mingle with their neighbors. By using
my hands I can seek out these rebellious pockets and convince them to
hang out with the rest of the crowd. Use this blend in any recipe
calling for Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour.
FURTHER INFORMATION
In gluten free baking it's necessary to use a combination of flours
to replace wheat flour. Rice flour, the most common gluten-free
flour, usually makes up the base of gluten-free flour blends. By
itself rice flour can make dense, gritty, dry baked goods. Other
flours are added to help mimic the properties of wheat flour. Soy
flour adds browning, sweetness and helps emulsify batters. Cornstarch
keeps the mixture smooth and light. Potato flakes keep baked products
moist and add a slight amount of weight or heft to the finished
product, much like gluten does in wheat flour.
The flours I chose for this blend are inexpensive when compared to
most gluten-free specialty flours. Another plus, they are available
in many supermarkets or can be made at home with a coffee mill. To
make you own rice flour simply grind rice in a coffee mill, about
1/2-cup at a time, until it has the consistency of flour. If you
don't already have an electric coffee mill you may find it a worthy
investment, especially if you plan to use much rice flour.
Commercial rice flour is inexpensive at Oriental and Mexican
food stores. Some natural food stores and Co-ops sell it in bulk. At
my local market the rice flour is in the Mexican food section. Home
ground rice flour costs about 1/3 of store-bought flour. Grinding
flour can be tedious, but is a great chore for a kid who is bored and
needs something to do.
And above
all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall
cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another
without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so
minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold
grace of God.--1 Peter 4:8-10
