Friday, December 13, 2013

Use Whole Grain Flour Mixes For Baking

By Jeannie Chapman


One of the many ways to achieve optimum health is to have a diet that consists of whole foods. The more a food is processed, the least amount of nutrients it contains. Using whole grain flour mixes for baking is a great way to add fiber and increase the nutritional value of one's diet.

These mixes can be bought commercially or prepared at home. Most people choose to purchase mixes since this is faster than creating them from scratch. The standard for flour is usually wheat, however, there are many different types of grain that can be used in these products besides wheat. Whole wheat is still a great option for those who have no allergies or other problems with wheat, and a whole wheat mix tastes so much better than ones that contain white flour.

Other used can include brown rice, tapioca, quinoa, millet and even rye. These are gluten free, allowing those with sensitivities to still enjoying yummy baked goods. This is also a viable option for people who have wheat allergies. Often several flours are blended, adding texture and flavor to the mix. It can be fun to experiment with different types and find one that tastes the best.

These products are a snap to use, many only need a few things added before baking into muffins, breads, or other delicious products. Many call for added oil, water, or eggs while others need milk. It is also possible to substitute vegan or low fat items for those with particular dietary restrictions, such as low-fat or vegan. It is easier than ever to whip up a great homemade baked item that is much better nutritionally than a highly processed, ready made item from the store shelves.

For those who do a lot of baking, these often require extra moisture in comparison to cooking with white flour. They work best for breads, muffins, pancakes and other items that are not as delicate as most cakes. There are many websites, including those of the manufacturer, that have recipes that use these mixes.

Along with recipes there are many forums online that can offer recommendations and tips on baking with these products. There is a chance that if one needs to avoid a particular food item that someone else does as well and they can offer ideas on how to cook without items such as eggs or oil. It is easier to utilize this advice, it saves a lot of time versus experimenting.

These are found at many grocery stores, online, and health food stores. There has been a lot of talk about gluten-free foods lately, so the types of healthy mixes has grown. It is much easier than in the past to find whole-wheat options for many products which were usually made with white flour. Most stores now have special sections for gluten-free items. Using these items for baking can require some practice and experimentation to find the best one in terms of taste and ease of use.

Using whole grain flour mixes for baking makes being healthy easier. This is one small way to add additional fiber and nutrients without sacrificing flavor. In fact, the flavor of these grains is often more robust than white flour. Many times something made with these products taste so good, it is easy to forget about using butter or other fattening spreads. These are an excellent addition to any diet program or just the usual items someone eats everyday.




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