No need to skip baking when going gluten free

Millions of people across the globe adhere to a gluten-free diet. While gluten must be avoided by people who have been diagnosed with Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestines, roughly 70 percent of the people who have adopted gluten-free diets do not have the disease.

Where there once was a dearth of gluten-free foods just a few years ago, today many mainstream retailers have entire aisles filled with gluten-free offerings. And people who used to eschew various baked goods, including breads and desserts, now have many options at their disposal.

A gluten-free diet requires avoiding flours made from wheat, barley and rye. In such instances, people can choose from flours made from rice, tapioca starch or potato starch. Some carefully tested and blended flours use a combination of various flours to produce just the right consistency.

For those who desire a traditional golden cake, try this recipe for “Gluten-Free Yellow Cake” courtesy of King Arthur Flour.

 

Gluten-Free Yellow Cake

Yield: Two 9” cake rounds

 

21⁄4 cups King Arthur Gluten-Free Flour or brown rice flour blend

1 teaspoon xanthan gum

2 tablespoons gluten-free King Arthur Cake Enhancer (optional)

13⁄4 cups sugar

16 tablespoons (1 cup) soft butter

1 teaspoon salt

2 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoon gluten-free vanilla extract

4 large eggs

1 cup milk, at room temperature

 

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Whisk together the flour or flour blend, xanthan gum and Cake Enhancer, if using.

In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the sugar, soft butter, salt, baking powder, and vanilla for 45 seconds at medium-high speed, until smooth.

Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. Still using the mixer, beat in the eggs one at a time; the mixture should become quite fluffy. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl again.

Continuing to use the mixer, mix in the milk, at low speed, alternately with the dry ingredients, adding about 1⁄3 of each at a time, and ending with the dry ingredients. The batter will look curdled after the milk addition; that’s okay, it will come back together once the final addition of flour has been mixed in for 30 to 45 seconds.

Scoop the batter into the prepared pans. Bake the cake for about 32 to 36 minutes, about 3 to 4 minutes past the point where the cake springs back when touched lightly in the center, and a cake tester (or toothpick) inserted into the middle comes out clean. The finished cake’s internal temperature should be 210 F.

Remove from the oven, and cool for 5 to 10 minutes before turning out of the pan to cool on a rack.

Top with desired frosting, berries, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.

Note: You must use a stand mixer or electric hand mixer to prepare the batter. Mixing by hand will not do a thorough enough job.

SportsPlus

LBW Community College

LBW will host gallery featuring Ozark artist Jeffrey Babine

News

CCCAC presents seventh annual Cowboys for Kids Rodeo this weekend

News

Governor awards funds for highway safety

News

Covington County United Fund launches annual fund drive

News

Commission closes roads, approves vehicle purchases

News

Andalusia resident killed in Tuesday morning crash involving motorcycle

News

ACS honors legacy of McCalman in pregame ceremony

News

County completes road project that replaces Pigeon Creek Bridge

News

Chantilly House holds grand opening, joins Andalusia Chamber

News

River Falls Police Department recognizes Anderson as most dedicated employee

News

Opp Chamber holds ribbon cutting for Small Town Donuts

News

W.S. Harlan principal Joy Jones nominated for statewide award

News

Andalusia Public Library offers new digital service

News

PUZZLE QUEEN TURNS 100: Longtime Andalusia resident Rebecca Kinard hits the century mark

News

Voter registration deadline set for Monday, Oct. 21

News

Opp woman receives life sentence for 2020 murder

News

Expert will lead ‘Mushroom Hike’ at Open Pond on Sunday, Oct. 13

News

Cattlemen collect items for recent hurricane victims

News

Tuberville names Vick ‘Veteran of the Month’ for October

News

Andalusia BOE members complete training

News

Pilot Club members create special gift for autistic youth

News

County school students prepare for ‘Matilda’ next February

News

Covington County Schools receives funds from ADC

LBW Community College

LBW plans annual Camellia Classic golf tournament