Gluten-free? No Problem! Stratford University Dishes Up Tasty Tips

Increasingly, people are opting for gluten-free meals and products when dining out or doing their grocery shopping. This is because gluten sensitivities and intolerances are becoming more well-known to the public. In fact, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation, one in every 133 people is affected by celiac disease. Problem is, 97 percent of those experiencing it are still undiagnosed. And those who are aware of the issue and are try to avoid gluten may not know where to start, when it comes to cooking for the family.

"Trying to cook gluten-free can seem like a daunting task at first, but it's really not that difficult," explains James Sinopoli, a culinary instructor at Stratford University. "Whether cooking for your family or for a guest who needs to avoid gluten, it's a lot easier than you may think."

Those who have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance will need to maintain a gluten-free diet. Gluten is a protein found in many products, including wheat, rye and barley. If people who have celiac disease consume gluten, there is an immune-system response, and the body begins damaging the small intestine, according to the National Institutes of Health. Because of this, it is important to make sure that those with celiac disease do not come in contact with gluten, and that there is no cross-contamination of products when preparing foods.

You can prepare a tasty home-cooked meal for your family that is completely gluten-free. Start by trying these tasty recipes:
Gluten-Free Pizza

Sauce
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 to 2 teaspoons sugar, to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt
Toppings of your choice

Crust
3/4 cup warm milk (110�) or non-dairy liquid
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 cup sorghum flour*
1/2 cup tapioca flour
2 teaspoons xanthan gum*
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
White rice flour for sprinkling
Shortening for greasing pan

Preparation for Sauce
Combine all ingredients in small saucepan and bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes, while Pizza Crust is being assembled. Makes about 1 cup.

Preparation for Crust
Preheat oven to 425�F. In small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in milk. In medium mixer bowl, beat flours, xanthan gum, salt, and seasoning on low speed. Add yeast-mixture, 1 teaspoon of the oil, and vinegar and beat until blended, about 30 seconds. Dough will be soft.

Put dough on lightly greased 12-inch nonstick pizza pan and liberally sprinkle with white rice flour. Press dough to edges of pan, continuing to sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking to your hands. Make edges thicker to hold toppings.


Gluten-Free Foccacia

Bread
3/4 cup warm water (110�)
1 teaspoon sugar or honey
2 large eggs*
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
1 cup brown rice flour or garbanzo/fava bean flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder
1 1/2 teaspoons xanthan gum
1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
3/4 teaspoon salt

Topping
1 1/4 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
Parmesan cheese (cow, rice, soy)-optional

Preparation for Bread
Combine warm water, sugar (or honey), eggs, oil, and vinegar in medium mixer bowl. Beat dough with mixer (using regular beaters, not dough hooks) until very, very smooth. Add yeast, flours, gelatin powder, xanthan gum, rosemary, onion powder, and salt. Beat for 2 minut