HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN ALL PURPOSE GLUTEN-FREE FLOUR MIX

tata'S ALL PURPOSE GLUTEN FREE FLOUR MIX RECIPE

I recommend Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten-free baking mix for all your gluten-free baking needs.  However buying a pre-made Gluten-free flour mix can be expensive (Bob's is about $9 for 5 cups!).  You can make your own for a lot less money and it is super easy!  I have provided two of my favorite recipes.  The first recipe is one I typically use for making cookies, cakes or any other goody that you can substitute the traditional flour for equal parts of this gluten-free mix.  The second recipe I provided I typically use for bread making, tortillas etc.  Experiment with both recipes and let me know what you think.  My gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe uses the first version of this recipe.  

First I want to explain a couple of common mistakes that are made when trying to convert traditional baking recipes to gluten-free.

1. You cannot simply substitute gluten flour for gluten-free.  It will not bind together and has different density and properties.  You must use a blend.

2. Not all gluten-free flour is equal.  The different types of flour have different protein contents and some are heavier than others.

3. When making gluten-free bread/baked goods people often make the mistake of adding more "gluten-free" flour to thicken it.  Don't do that.  When baking gluten-free bread your dough will look VERY different than gluten dough.  Gluten-free batters tend to be more runny than traditional ones.

4. Improper measuring.  When working with gluten-free flours you must measure exactly!  I use the scoop and level with a knife method.  Never pack or pat down gluten-free flour.

5. You cannot use only one type of flour when making gluten-free bread.  You must use a combination of gluten-free flours.

6. And specifically when using yeast you must make use the yeast is good and that it bubbles up correctly.  If it does not--don't use it.

7. Lastly Potato starch is different than potato flour etc.

8. One last technical tip: When slicing homemade gluten-free bread make your slices just slightly larger than normal.  This will help your bread slices to not fall apart.

TATA'S ALL PURPOSE GLUTEN FREE FLOUR MIX RECIPE

This will make 2 ½ cups of Gluten-Free Baking Mix

Ingredients

·         1 1/2 cups brown rice flour

·         1/2 cup potato starch

·         1/4 cup white rice flour

·         1/4 cup tapioca flour

·         1 tsp xanthan gum

Instructions

1.       Blend together and store in a secure container in a dry place (I prefer a large mason jar).

2.       In general, you can use this in place of all purpose or whole wheat flour in a 1:1 ratio. For extra binding (since there is no gluten) you can add a pinch of xanthan gum depending on the recipe, but I don't find it necessary.

Tata's All Purpose Gluten Free Flour Mix Recipe #2

INGREDIENTS

4 ½ cups brown rice flour

4 ½ cups white rice flour

4 ½ Cups sweet rice flour

4 ½ cups tapicoca flour (aka tapioca starch)

2 ½ tbs xanthan gum

INSTRUCTIONS

1.    Pour all of the ingredients into an extra large bowl and mix until well incorporated. This will take about 2 minutes. 

STORAGE

1.    Store flour in an airtight container. Large glass mason jars with lids work well. 

SUBSTITUTIONS
If you are sensitive to the Tapioca Flour/Starch, you can replace it with Potato Starch (NOT Potato flour).

Enjoy!

Love, Tata