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Gluten-Free Cooking

Try these recipes for cakes, breads, pies and more

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— Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images

Of all the digestive health troubles, gluten intolerance can be one of the most challenging. Its uncomfortable symptoms are triggered by a protein found in widely used grains, including wheat, barley, rye and oats. This makes most breads, cakes, cookies, cereals and crusts completely off-limits. What’s more, gluten can be hiding everywhere: in processed cheese spreads, ice cream, flavored teas and soft drinks, burgers, sausages, soups and sauces — even the coating of frozen french fries.

See also: 10 superfoods for health

The good news is that there are many excellent gluten-free products on the market now, and the list seems to be growing constantly. But while cooking from scratch isn’t always practical, it is still the best way to ensure wholesome, gluten-free ingredients. With a few pantry essentials such as rice, buckwheat and potato flour, you won’t have to cut out all of your favorite comfort foods. Following are some recipes to get started.

Gluten-Free Baking
Almond Orange Cake

There is no butter or flour in this cake, which makes it a tasty option for gluten-free or other restricted diets.

Red Velvet Cake
An allergy-free version of a Southern favorite.

Banana Bread
Use ripe bananas for this soft and moist sweet bread. It’s great for muffins, too.

Rosemary's Savory Pastry

Rosemary’s Sweet Pastry
Gluten-free flours take a little bit of practice to master but are well worth the effort. Try these basic sweet or savory pastry-dough recipes for pies, tarts and quiche.

Pizza Dough
There’s no need to give up pizza with this universally appealing recipe for pizza dough. Add your favorite toppings.

Salads and Entrées
Kasha and Beet Salad With Celery and Feta

Kasha, which is toasted buckwheat, is satisfying and gluten-free.
 
Spicy Eggplant Lasagna
An excellent recipe to prepare ahead of time and then reheat.

Sauces and Gravies
Gluten-Free Roux

This gluten-free thickener works as effectively as flour for thickening gravies, soups and sauces.

Gluten-Free Béchamel Sauce
This basic sauce is a base ingredient for casseroles, crepes, soufflés, and more.

Also of interest: Pain-fighting foods

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