Kitchen Basics Three - The Shopping List - Bread, Pasta and Pizza Crust

As you begin exploring markets and shelves you never glanced at before, it will help to know exactly what you need to buy. You will need to replace certain items on your current menu, clearly, BUT the good news is that some of the foods you like may already be gluten free. YEAH! That list you have been making from your daily menu will help guide you along the aisles. You have been making your list, right?

So lets talk "gotta go" foods. What is that list again? This is a test. Okay I will help.....Wheat, rye, barley, malt, triticale and spelt. Oats too unless they are from a dedicated farm. Good job:-) And a critical note, WHEAT FREE does not mean GLUTEN FREE. Be sure you look for GLUTEN FREE or label read to assure it is a safe food.

Bread: There are a few options for replacement. There are three places you will find these in stores, most will be in the freezer or in a mix you can bake at home. There are a few considerations when selecting breads -
Texture: rice and tapioca are a little more "crunchy"
Flavor: each bread has a different blend of gluten free grains and variety of flavors. May
need to try a few to find your favorite. Some make better toast than sandwiches.
Storage: home baked or freezer brands will need  to be kept in the refrigerator or freezer
to prevent/delay mold.

Bread Aisle - Rice or Tapioca based breads, rolls, buns. Most common brand I see is by Ener-g.

Freezer Section - Udi's, Rudi's, Gluten Free Food For Life, Kinnikinnick all with a variety of bagels,breads, english muffins, doughnuts, muffins, buns, rolls

Baking Aisle - Pamela's, Bob's Red Mill, Gluten Free Pantry *for mixing these you need a stand up professional mixer or if appropriate a bread machine. Dough is stiff!* But.....warm bread is always yummy.                            



http://www.ener-g.com/gluten-free.html



http://udisglutenfree.com/

http://www.foodforlife.com/our-products/gluten-free-and-wheat-free

Pasta: Spaghetti and Macaroni and Cheese are NOT gone! Hurray!! We have found wonderful pasta......okay after suffering through some not as good pasta and learning to COOK the pasta. NO it is not complicated, but needs a little more attention than the traditional wheat pasta's. The water will become thick and cloudy from these noodles, not a problem. Best results will come if you FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS:-) *don't overcook as they continue to soften as they cool or are added to dishes* LOTS of options:

Quinoa - big word, no one says this right. One of the healthiest pastas on the planet, high protein and high fiber. Elbows, noodles. Yummy. Ancient Harvest in the turquoise box is our favorite.
Rice - Lots of variety and options here. In the oriental food section you will find A Taste of
Thai or Thai Kitchen. Excellent, quick cooking and can be used with all kinds of long noodle dishes. In the pasta or gluten free sections you will see a variety of noodles and pasta to meet all your pasta needs. Pasta Joy, DeBoles, Lundberg and Jovial are some of the brands you will find. Many options and great texture.

http://www.tinkyada.com/ProP1.htm

http://www.quinoa.net/




http://www.thaikitchen.com/


http://www.atasteofthai.com/             





http://www.deboles.com/products/gluten-free-pasta.php

 Pizza Crust: To wrap up the starch list, which is likely the most critical section, the most popular and statistically favorite comfort food is PIZZA. You will find these in many varieties as well both in the freezer and on the shelf, pre-made and mixes. We have tried them ALL. Each has a unique taste and texture. While we will buy an assortment, we love the bready, soft Kinnikinnick square pizza crust found in the freezer section. Even my gluten saturated husband enjoys this crust.

Freezer: Kinnikinnick square crusts. Soft, thicker, traditional dough. Also on our list includes Udi's, Glutino and Amy's Pizza Crusts.
Baking Aisle: Gluten Free Pantry, Bob's Red Mill, Namaste and many more.
                                   





http://consumer.kinnikinnick.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/consumer.home.html




http://www.glutino.com/our-products/frozen-meals/pizzas/premium-pizza-crusts/





http://www.amys.com/products









Well, if it is not clear yet, there are MANY MANY options to replace those key staples. This is where you can ask questions on the forums or from your gluten free friends about taste, texture, ease of cooking, and of course collecting favorite recipes. You would already do that, and perhaps you have a favorite recipe already for spaghetti, pasta, sandwiches or pizza. Well, now you have a starch to use. So get crackin! Create, taste and make your "favorites" list. You too will have a wonderful kitchen and lots of foods that even your grain ingesting friends will enjoy!

And just for fun, do some online shopping. Each link takes you to a company that has a rich variety of gluten free foods. Most have an allergen or nutrition guide to help you learn more about your new and exciting lifestyle. Some even offer a dietitian, or expert to help answer questions.

Another great bit of fun to consider; once you find some favorites, you can shop online or talk to your local whole foods store and see if you can get a great price ordering in bulk. This has saved us $100's a month so keep this on the list of "to do's". And one last shopping tip, sign up for mailers or coupons from those stores that cater to the gluten free as they often have special events with tremendous savings on those items.

Next time: Kitchen Basics Four - The Shopping List - Snacks, Treats and Dessert