bread Archives - Loreeebee

Did you know that sweet potato slices make a great alternative to bread for those of you on a gluten-free diet? Even if you are not eating gluten-free, slices of sweet potato make a much healthier and lighter alternative than bread.

Simply slice a sweet potato lengthwise as thin as you can slice it, pop the slices in the toaster (keep the slices long enough so you do not lose them in the toaster), toast until they soften, and start to turn brown at the edges and voila! You could also roast them on a BBQ rack or mat. I brush them with olive oil and crushed garlic before BBQing them. Of course, I omit this oil step if using a regular toaster to prevent a fire in my toaster!

I made a hamburger last weekend:

As the meat portions of the hamburgers were cooking on the BBQ, I made my “bun.” I cut the meat patty in half to accommodate the shape of the potato slices. The results were delicious!

I also tried some toasted slices topped with peanut butter and jam for breakfast recently. I was so eager to eat my concoction, I forgot to take a picture!

I am addicted now and can’t wait to make:

toasted tomato sandwiches
pizzas
wraps and any other kind of sandwich
eggs benedict
egg mcmuffins

I would love to hear any other ideas; please share your suggestions!

There are many alternatives to wheat on the market these days, many are available in your grocery store. Listed below are a few wheat-free products that I have tried:

Arrowroot

Arrowroot is the starch of a root from tropical plants. It is easily digestible, and flavorless (unlike cornstarch). It can be used as a thickening agent in soups, gravies, cookies etc. Simply mix it with cold water before adding it to hot liquids to prevent clumping.

Quinoa

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a grain-like (but NOT a grain, so wheat-free) crop mostly grown for its edible seeds. The plant is related to beets and spinach, although the greens are not widely available. The seeds are easily digestible and are high in protein, fiber, magnesium, amino acids, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. They should be cooked and used like rice.

Buckwheat, Another Wheat-free Product

Buckwheat is a grain-like (but NOT a grain) plant grown for its seeds, related to rhubarb and sorrel. It is a gluten-free, and wheat-free product, although it can be a potent allergen by itself. Buckwheat is high in protein, amino acids, iron, zinc, selenium, and antioxidants. It has been known to reduce cholesterol levels, body fat, and cholesterol gallstones. It has also been shown to strengthen capillary walls in chronic venous insufficiency and is currently being studied for use in treating type II diabetes. Noodles made of buckwheat are known as soba in Japan, pizzoccheri in Italy, and guksu in Korea. Buckwheat flour or farina is used in breakfast foods like porridge, as well as a thickener in soups, gravies, dressings, bread, and pasta. Buckwheat is also used in the making of honey and a gluten-free beer.

Finding Wheat-Free Products

Wheat-free products are out there, you just have to look a little harder to find them. Read your food labels! I promise though, the effort will be worth it!