Bread machines - part 2

I made some bread in our bread machine!!  I found the manual, which helped give me confidence and direction. :) And, I also used a mix, so it was pretty darn simple.   The mix I used was Inspiration Mixes Millet Oat bread.

I think it is pretty tasty, but it does suffer from the typical gf issues of heavy denseness.

As I've said before, bread really is the hardest thing to do gluten free when you are imagining a gluten-filled version.

I'm including two photos...

Bread machines

Am I the only one intimidated by a bread machine?  I think they are a wonderful idea (put stuff in and have bread come out).  But, we can't seem to find the instruction book, and when I plugged it in and it started beeping, I immediately unplugged it and switched to a new project.  It is interesting because I don't think of myself as a techno-phobe.  And, in general, I like to just try buttons to make things happen.  But, this contraption without a manual is a bit overwhelming.

From a brief search on the internet, I learn two things 1) it is very common to lose manuals, and 2) I am not alone in my feelings. :)

What to make...

I spontaneously have some time on my hands and am thinking of baking something that will suit this rainy and cold, but beautiful, Fall afternoon.  We still have a whole pumpkin we can do something with, and muffins are always good since they are an easy, quick breakfast.  Or, perhaps I'll take a nap (another rare thing).

I'm going to an interesting-sounding event tomorrow.  It is an event where there is a medical doctor/gluten-free specialist/singer-songwriter coming to Corvallis.  (Who says you can't do it all!)  Sound unique?  I heard about it from a friend at work, and we're going together.

Facebook, contests, and gluten-free goodies

Using Facebook is an amazing way to learn about gluten-free products, recipes, blogs.  It is also a way to meet others who are interested in the topic.  But, lately, it has also been a way for me to go a little crazy and enter into a bunch of contests for free bread, cookbooks and more.  I haven't won anything yet, but hope springs eternal!

new bread to try

I had to work today, so I went to the Co-op on the way home to pick up some things for this week.  While there, I saw a new type of gluten-free bread in the bread section (rather than the freezer section), so I decided to try it out.  I believe this company had some samples at the Gluten Free Fair that I went to in Salem in September.

Anyway, I got the Gluten Free Multigrain Bread from Tarte Desserts & Bakery in Eugene.   I had it for dinner (toasted and with a bit of butter) with some chicken and rice soup that Geoff made.  It is good, and I like the poppy and other seeds they have used in it.  As is expected, it is a bit on the expensive side.

Local gf bread

Here's a picture of it to show you what I'm talking about. (I'm also making use of my cool new birthday present from my sweeties!).

Cinnamon rolls for breakfast - Udi's-style

Udi's gluten-free cinnamon rolls were on sale at the Co-op, so I bought some.  Wow are they good!  Heated for about 20 seconds in the microwave, they are scrumptious!  They are not too sweet and have a great texture.  You can actually peel them apart just like the gluten-filled kind.

I didn't like their frosting very much, so I have been eating them "plain" (though they hardly taste plain with all that good cinnamon sugary stuff on the insides).  However, Geoff made me some delicious frosting for them to use this morning.  It was a great breakfast. :)

Spanish gluten free and other blogs

I just found a blogger after my own heart...someone who writes about gluten-free Catalan and Spanish food at The Sensitive Epicure. I haven't gone through all of her blog, but was enticed by her opening line in a post entitled A Sampling of Spanish Tapas where she writes "Yes, I miss Spain" and then goes on to talk about Barcelona and Catalunya, and some of the typical delicious dishes there (but made gluten-free!).  Apparently, there is even a Catalan Celiac Association.   I'll have to keep that in mind for my next trip (whenever that may be!)

It's amazing how fast you can go down the "rabbit hole" on the internet.  I was looking on Gluten Freeville's website because I clicked a link from their Facebook page yesterday about a Pesto Veggie Pizza.  Anyway, once I was on their website, I thought I'd check their recipe page for a quiche recipe, as I was in the mood to make a quiche, and there in the Appetizers section it listed a recipe for Tortilla Española with Spicy Aioli (gluten free, vegetarian) that had been posted by Erin Swing. That sounded even better, and I know how to make a tortilla espanola (thanks to my friend, Lucia), but wanted to check out her recipe and the spicy aioli part!  Hence, this is how I ended up on the Erin Swing's blog called The Sensitive Epicure.

I have really been enjoying emails and posts regarding savory, rather than sweet, gluten-free foods.  Last week, I got an email from Jules GF about Broccoli-Cauliflower Soup, which sounded good, too.  I got the ingredients and hope to make it tonight or early this week. Perhaps it is because it is Fall, or perhaps it is because I just started Weight Watchers at work, but I am more interested in the main courses rather than desserts right now.   Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a good gluten free dessert (especially with my birthday coming up), but it is not what I want to focus energy on right now.