I was exciting, my first foray into gluten free bread baking... I had step by step pictures and all... But what came out of the oven was not edible, it was both crumbly and doughy at the same time... It looked raw, even after extra time in the oven... A little research (ala the internet) reveals that firstly my warm water was too cold for the yeast to work, and second I didn't use enough xantham gum (which is a key ingredient due to its ability to mimic gluten without causing inflammatory reactions)... So, now I'm out of flour, iced in (yup Old Man Winter is flexing his muscles), and have nothing remarkable to share, even the restaurant I was hoping to mention that has gluten free options was a bust (as both my Mom & I felt sick after eating there).
About that restaurant, its in Mineola, TX... We found it on a fall foliage expedition (and antiquing, but that's a whole 'nother story). Big banners out front proclaimed "Gluten Free Bread", we were excited, but had already eaten that day, so decided to make another trip later (plus the antique shops). So we got home & I thought I'd give them a quick search, just see whats on the menu... With a name like La Waffalata, I didn't have trouble finding the right spot, but the site links over to their other restaurant (right next door, you can order from either menu) & neither one listed a menu... So, with no idea what sort of food (the sister restaurant is a burger joint, so their menu was pretty obvious) I guessed breakfasty (waffle is in the name)... We got there and there were, guess how many waffle options... I'll wait, go on gimmie a number...
TWO, two waffle options, buttermilk and gingerbread... Now that's disappointing, you'd think there be a dozen options, heck that pancake house that claims global heritage (goes by an acronym, you know the one) has more waffles than that, and they "specialize" in pancakes... But I digress, back to La Waffalata... Now, the menu was actually sandwiches & wraps... A small menu, with one vegetarian option, a wrap with zucchini and cucumbers. I know what you're thinking, sure vegetarian, but vegan & gluten free, no way... Well, I'm of the don't ask don't tell variety, that is if it's at least vegetarian then I don't sweat it... Plain salads and dry potatoes get real old (see life at The Abbey)... So after modifying to be mostly vegan (no cheese, no sauce) I got the wrap on the gluten free pita... It was okay, needed dressing... I got a side of salsa which helped tremendously. Mom got a gluten free burger (not even close to vegetarian, but she is a flexetarian of the Eat to Live variety)... She said it was really good, the bun was soft and fluffy (unlike my attempt)... But we both felt sick after a few hours, we can only figure cross contamination, even though they said that they have a clean area of the kitchen for gluten free orders... I don't know, it may have been unrelated, so if you're in the Mineola area, you might try them for a gluten free option that actually has bread...
When I get more flour, I'll experiment and see if I come up with a decent bread that can't be used as a paperweight... Until then, I do have several recipes to post, just have to get hoppin'!
