Going gluten-free doesn't have to wipe out your bank account. Here are a few kitchen goodies that will make cooking and baking a cinch.
Vitamins that make your skin soft as a baby's ass, a slice-and-dice kitchen tool that would make Edward Scissor Hands drool and booty-shaping gizmos that promise to make your tush as hot as a hungover Bradley Cooper.
But when it comes to gluten-free cooking, sometimes a girl needs a few gadgets. Despite news articles claiming that eating g-free is a "fad," the truth is it's a real problem for a bunch of sweet peas just like you.
So Why Should I Care?
Celiac disease–an autoimmune response to gluten–currently affects 1 in 133 people. Here's the short of it: When people with CD eat foods containing wheat, rye, barley and triticale (i.e. gluten!), their immune systems cop an attitude and create a toxic reaction that causes damage to their small intestines, making them feel like crap. What's more is that gluten intolerance and sensitivity are plaguing people left and right with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to straight up I'm-in-hell misery. And even if you're not in the GF club, chances are you know someone–or cook for someone–that is.
Hot and Heavy in the Kitchen
So, for cupcakes who are kicking off their transition into a gluten-free lifestyle, the switch can be tricky. Not only are you left comparing brown rice to chickpea flour and learning how to read nutrition labels, but the kitchen becomes a whole new territory. What tools do I need? Why the eff does buckwheat have the word "wheat " in it if it doesn't contain wheat? No worries, princess. Gluten-free cooking and baking doesn't have to be as scary. Here are a few tools that will keep your gluten-free life sane:
Washable cutting boards. They are a simple investment, but these handy guys are especially important if you have a non-gluten-free housemate. Cutting boards are used for a number of tasks (i.e. chopping vegetables and slicing bread) and ones that are tough to clean leave room for gluten to lurk and make its way into your food.
A mini blender. Sure, expensive high-speed blenders like the VitaMix are da bomb, but a small blender (like the Magic Bullet) is perfect for making smoothies and other blend-ables when you're on the go. It's not uncommon for people with gastrointestinal issues to have a tough time digesting raw veggies, so tossing spinach, kale and other greens into a smoothie can be a great way squeeze in nutrients that are broken down before they hit your tummy.
A waffle iron. For about $30, this kitchen tool will make your gluten-free world a happy one. Designate it as a gluten-free gadget and pour in waffle, corn bread and even brownie batter for a taste of wheat-, barley-, rye- and oats-free glory.
Mandoline. Yes, gluten-free pastas are aplenty these days, but they can be a bit pricey. A mandoline is nice for making thin slices of veggie "pastas" that work as awesome substitutes in lasagna and other dishes.
Silicone baking mat (or parchment paper). Gluten-free baking means you'll be working with a variety of different flours and, perhaps, textures you've never whipped up before when making a batch of cookies. The average gluten-free cookie can be a tad bit temperamental, so a silicone baking mat helps keep dough in place and makes it easier to remove cookies from a baking sheet.
Keep in mind, lovely, that one of the most important rules in the gluten-free kitchen is to avoid cross contamination. If you fly solo in your home, then go ahead and live it up like the single, gluten-free goddess you are. But if gluten-containing items are kept in your kitchen, then steer clear of problem areas. Work at a separate, clean section of the counter and thoroughly wash all shared tools. Don't be afraid to keep your kitchen items in their own little universe and even take the extra step to mark them as dedicated gluten-free kitchen tools. Wrap a piece of colored tape around your utensils or invest in silicone spatulas and spoons that are easy to wash. And please, honey, don't share a toaster.
Got any other gluten-free gadgets you love? We want to hear! Leave a note in the comments section below.
Caroline Shannon-Karasik, Contributing Writer
Caroline Shannon-Karasik is the founder of The G-Spot Revolution , a gluten-free, healthy living blog built upon the premise that there is not a one-size-fits-all prescription for total wellness. Whether you call it your personal health "spot", or ooo-la-la recipe, that serendipitous life balance is yours to define –– and The G-Spot was created to help you do just that. Standing behind her mission to share health information through her writing, Caroline is a freelance writer for several publications, including REDBOOK and Breathe magazines. Follow her on Twitter @TheGSpotRev or read more at www.carolineshannon.com.
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