The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Is tasty artisan bread still possible? (coeliac disease)

Laura T.'s picture
Laura T.

Is tasty artisan bread still possible? (coeliac disease)

This year I became very interested in artisan baking. I started making bread and adored every bit. I hadn't previously eaten much bread as it had made me a little bloated. Recently this got much worse and I saw a doctor. Yesterday I found out I have coeliac disease. I have decided that for my health and for purposes of healthy conception/pregnancy in a couple of years time, I need to follow a strictly 100% gluten free diet. As a vegetarian I've never missed meat and when I stopped buying sliced bread a couple of years ago I never missed that. When I switched to gluten free pasta and all purpose flour several months ago for general health that was fine. The one thing I know I will really miss is my home made bread. I just feel so down about the diagnosis.

My question to you guys is this - can I continue with my love of baking? Can gluten free loaves ever live up to expectations? My first few attempts hav not been great but I have not bought as many specialist flours yet as I would like.

clazar123's picture
clazar123

http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/32708/glutenfree-sourdough-progress

This is the best I have seen so far. She may be able to help you. Actually, an update on her original thread would be nice for everyone.

Laura T.'s picture
Laura T.

I believe she now sells gf bread mixes so perhaps she won't be sharing her secrets so much anymore :(

I did find a great article on her website about mixing my own flour and have ordered the supplies to do so. I wasn't aware that rice flour wasn't too great for making bread, so that's an eye-opener. Hopefully sorghum and millet will provide a better result!

clazar123's picture
clazar123

I have been lurking in the gluten-free world just out of curiousity. I have also made wheat based batter breads so your information made complete sense to me. Thank you!

Laura T.'s picture
Laura T.

Gosh I am terrible at checking this forum :S

Thanks for the tips all! I'm feeling a lot more confident about gf baking now and am currently attempting a ciabatta (it's proving now - I only seem to post when bread is proving for some reason!). I'm hoping it will turn out well and if so I'll share my recipe.

Laura T.'s picture
Laura T.