jeudi 19 décembre 2013

Using Whole Grain Flour Mixes For Baking

By Jeannie Chapman


Everyone knows that one of the secrets to good health is to eat whole grain foods. The more processed the food, the least nutritional value it contains. Using whole grain flour mixes for baking is one way to introduce fiber and nutrients into one's diet.

Mixes can be purchased commercially or even made at home. Most consumers opt to buy mixes rather than make their own because this often saves time versus making them. Usually when someone thinks of flour they think of wheat, but there are many other types of grain which can be used to create flour. Wheat is still a good option for those who have no allergies or other sensitivities and items made with whole wheat taste much better than those made with only heavily processed grains.

Other flours include rye, quinoa, brown rice, millet, and even tapioca. These also offer the added benefit of being gluten-free, for those with those sensitivities. These are also a good option for those with wheat allergies. Many are a blend of several flours, which adds flavor and texture to the mix.

These products are a snap to use, many only need a few things added before baking into muffins, breads, or other delicious products. Many call for added oil, water, or eggs while others need milk. It is also possible to substitute vegan or low fat items for those with particular dietary restrictions, such as low-fat or vegan. It is easier than ever to whip up a great homemade baked item that is much better nutritionally than a highly processed, ready made item from the store shelves.

For those who do a lot of baking, these often require extra moisture in comparison to cooking with white flour. They work best for breads, muffins, pancakes and other items that are not as delicate as most cakes. There are many websites, including those of the manufacturer, that have recipes that use these mixes.

In addition to recipes, there are also many forums and sites that offer tips and recommendations on what works for different people. If one has a particular item they need to avoid or has difficulty in working with whole grains, the answers can be found online. It is likely that if you are experiencing some difficulty with baking with cooking with these products that there is someone out there who has had the same problem. It is much less frustrating to utilize someone else's advice versus spending a lot of time working with it on your own.

These are easy to locate at most grocery stores, many websites, and health food shops. There has been a lot of talk about gluten sensitivities lately, therefore the selection of this type of product have increased exponentially. Compared to the past, it is much easier to find whole grain versions of many products. Most stores even have a gluten free section that stock mixes made with whole wheat and alternative flours. Cooking with these may require some practice and experimentation to find which one works and tastes the best.

Using whole grain flour mixes for baking makes being healthy easier. This is one small way to add additional fiber and nutrients without sacrificing flavor. In fact, the flavor of these grains is often more robust than white flour. Many times something made with these products taste so good, it is easy to forget about using butter or other fattening spreads. These are an excellent addition to any diet program or just the usual items someone eats everyday.




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