Gluten Free Baking- It Can Be Easy!

Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease.  While I was adjusting to a gluten free diet and educating myself on Celiac Disease, I quickly learned three things. Firstly, wheat is the devil.  All those years of indulging on french bread and chocolate cake ended up doing way more damage than the mental guilt of extra calories.  How wrong I was thinking whole wheat pasta was the healthier choice. 

Secondly, about 3 million Americans have Celiac Disease, but that number is expected to be higher due to all of those still undiagnosed.  I can relate- I was having major tummy troubles for about a year before I finally went to the doctor.  After all, it’s so easy to write off; “Oh I ate something… It’s that time of the month… I’m really stressed out at work.”   And I’m lucky enough to have symptoms! 

The third thing I learned was that many people with Celiac Disease are symptom free.  Seriously?  I could not imagine a doctor telling me that pizza and bagels are off the table when I’m feeling just fine. 

As I incorporated the gluten free diet into my way of life, I found that the best way to cope was to use my love of food to get excited about how to make gluten free dishes fun and delicious.  I found that what I missed most from my gluten-ized past was baked goods.  However, when I look at these recipes, it’s crazy! They call for up to 15-20 ingredients and it could cost up to $40-$50 to get everything.  For that money, you might as well get something already prepared!  Baking is supposed to be fun.  Baking is a way to put love into something sweet to share with others.  I am determined to show that gluten free baking can be simplified and fun.  Whether it’s taking a recipe and breaking it down to cut out some ingredients while keeping the recipe an enjoyable dessert or just posting a simple sweet treat that I’ve found along the way. 

This is a part of my gluten free journey, and I hope it will be helpful to others as well!