Homemade Gluten Free All Purpose Flour Recipe!

Update:  Caboose has put his official seal of approval on the bread! I also used the same flour mix to bake him a batch of his favorite peanut butter cookies. I really think the tip about refrigerating the cookie dough before baking was a huge success! I simply rolled out the balls of dough, put them on the cookie sheet and stuck them in the refrigerator for a couple hours, then criss-crossed them with the tines of a fork and baked, as usual.  The GF cookies looked and tasted exactly like their original wheat counterparts!I believe the "thumbs up" Caboose gave me while stuffing them into his grinning mouth was a good sign! Now, Mom, what about your Black Bear Brownies, hint hint.  I may have created a monster!
This is the link to the original flour recipe I found: <http://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/better-than-cup4cup-gluten-free-flour-blend-d-i-y-how-to/>

My notes are printed in red:
Prep time: 10 minutes       Cook time: none       Yield: 580 grams (4 cups + 20 grams) all-purpose GF flour blend

Ingredients
80 grams finely ground nonfat dry milk
180 grams superfine white rice flour
105 grams cornstarch
100 grams superfine brown rice flour (I substituted oat flour, which is simply rolled GF oats 
ground fine in my blender)
85 grams tapioca starch/flour
20 grams potato starch 
10 grams xanthan gum

Directions
1. In a blender or food processor, grind the nonfat dry milk into a fine powder. Place all ingredients in a large bowl, and whisk to combine well. Store in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to use. (I keep mine in a gallon sized zip bag in the refrigerator)
2. The recipe can be halved or used in multiples easily. Just be sure to whisk fully in a large enough container. It makes a total of 580 grams, which is 20 grams more than 4 cups.

 Weighing the flours when creating this mix is non-negotiable, in my opinion.  It gets the proportions right.  I bought a kitchen scale for less than $10.00 at Wally World and use that.
When using this mix, you can SPOON the mixture into a measuring cup and lightly level it off with a knife, but under NO CIRCUMSTANCES do you use the cup to scoop it out! Packs the flour down too much and you will end up with a paperweight!
For anyone traveling down the GF path, I wish you much success! Let me know how this recipe works for you!

My Journey into the World of Gluten Free Baking

I've been dabbling in Gluten Free for a while, now. At first, it was just a lark, to vary our diets by using some of the healthier, ancient grains like Teff, Millet and Quinoa. Avoid notorious "manufactured and altered franken-food". Not a fad, I've been cooking from scratch for a VERY long time, now. Just learning more as I go along.
 My first attempts using alternate grains produced some tasty, if crumbly,Teff  peanut butter cookies.  Quinoa Pudding was a hit, made like a rice pudding. Next, I produced some pretty tasty millet waffles! And almond flour pancakes, too! Yeah, that's right, I ground the flours myself in my trusty coffee bean grinder!  The Pilot loved them, as did the Monkey. (truthfully, she sweetly says "Mmmm"-even if she grimaces- no matter what we stick in her mouth.) But, they were moist, crispy on the outsides and sweetened with real maple syrup, and they were Mmmmmm. I froze waffles and Caboose would enjoy them for a hurry up breakfast, as well.

 Now, anyone who knows me knows I like to bake, especially bread, Our favorite family recipe is a "Sourdough" bread, made with yogurt! I make quite a few variations of it: plain, savory, cheesey and whatever the variation, it doesn't last long around here! But horror stories of GF bread disasters kept me from even attempting them. So, I didn't.

Then, the unthinkable happened! Caboose, after suffering for quite some time, was recently diagnosed with gluten intolerance! We immediately told him to go with grilled meats and fish, (no breaded anything and yes, that includes those potato crusted fishsticks!) fruits and veggies, until we could figure something out.

Yeah, right. This is a full time, working, college kid, who lives on sandwiches, pastas, cereal, and burritos and whatever healthy frozen meals I would send home with him. Occasionally, he would cook, but 60 plus hour weeks often precluded such frivolity.

Since gluten is snuck into almost everything, it is very frustrating for him to try grab something on his 30 minute lunch break.What was he supposed to do, ask for a burger without the bun? No spaghetti?????? But he's ITALIAN!!  Meatballs without the pasta is almost heresy! Wait, meatballs have breadcrumbs in them??? Say it isn't so!!! Salads without the croutons or crackers??? Check the salad dressings for included flours??? HUH??? I ask you, how long can a young man live on rabbit foods?
But, remember,I said this guy can cook! In fact, he's a GREAT cook, when time permits. He just needs to learn to do it a different way, now. He needs to heal and he's willing to try whatever.
The question was  asked: Can I help him?

So, my lark has now become a journey in earnest to figure out how to really do this thing right! Foods he likes, created from scratch, that will heal and nuture him now, and in the future. Things he can make ahead, eat on the run, etc. I accepted the challenge.

Brave Caboose is my guinea pig. He tries everything I  attempt. He loves the GF version I created of our families homemade granola. That was easy.  He happily microwaves my instant cinnamon/apple "GF oatmeal packets", which I have been making him for years. Just make it with certified GF oats, now. Uh, huh, some oats are NOT certified gluten free. Ok, that fixed the cereals issue.

Homemade GF Chex mix was a hit with him, especially when I sprinkled on cheesy nutritional yeast! (I didn't tell him what it was until AFTER he tried it). That replaces the croutons and crackers for salads. And makes a nice crunchy snack as well.  Heh-heh. This isn't so hard, now, is it?

I made a GF batch of my famous Gringa Green chili and he snarfed that as well.  Then, the GF tortillas recipe I found  resembled pancakes, haha, but he ate them. Dipped them in the green chili. Kinda chewy, but,  Ok, so now I'm getting sassy!

What the heck! Let's try bread, I mean, really, how bad can it be? Famous last words. Full of myself, I made my very first GF whole grain loaf of bread (ok, so what if it resembled a brick, it smelled good). Caboose, always the polite one, tried it, then gently pushed aside  the brick, er bread, and said it was a "bit dry". I tried a bite and, Oh my, the horror stories were true!  It was bad, with a CAPITOL B. Crumbly, dry, bland and heavy! The wind was sucked right out of my sails!

So, Caboose continues munching on waffles,and pancake-y tortillas, desperately using them like slices of bread for his packed lunch sandwiches, but, the poor guy misses bread, real bread, and he especially misses MY sourdough bread!

Then, I had an Epiphany!  I decided to try something different. Instead of going with  GF Bread/doorstop recipes I found online, I would attempt to modify my own recipes!  Everything else I had previously modified came out WAY better! Duh!  I researched the chemistry of these flours, their properties,which ones retained moisture, which ones sucked it out, who crumbles, etc. etc. Finally, I found this amazing  all- purpose GF flour recipe, plus TIPS on working with yeast breads, on http://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/better-than-cup4cup-gluten-free-flour-blend-d-i-y-how-to/.  And I only modified one ingredient! Remembering the flour properties and using the provided yeast bread tips, I am proud to say:
Today, I created a GF version of my "Sourdough" Bread!!! AND IT WAS A SUCCESS! Moist, good crumb, tangy, sliced well, freezes well and best of all, it's Mmmmm!!!  Caboose will be pleased!

ATTENTION CHOCO-HOLICS

HOW TO MAKE

BLACK BEAR SYRUP

 a REAL CHOCOLATE SYRUP

(not that "chocolate flavored" stuff)

Real chocolate syrup, no artificial ingredients or high-fructose corn syrup.



Here's a Quick, Simple and YUMMY recipe right from the kitchen of our Lodge.

Place 1 cup of unsweetened baking cocoa and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar in a saucepan. Stir it up to mix. Add 1 cup cold water. Bring mixture to a slow simmer (you know, when it just starts kind of boiling). Turn the heat down and continue to simmer for 3 minutes. Be sure you are gently stirring during this time. After 3 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.  Allow the mixture to cool, then pour it into a squeeze bottle, or jar.  (The syrup thickens as it cools.) Makes aprox 2 cups of delicious, REAL CHOCOLATE Syrup, perfect for topping ice cream or stirring into milk, drizzling over pancakes and waffles and, and, well, perfect for anything that you want to use it with!

Badge Reel Bling!

Yes, you HAVE to wear an ID badge, but it doesn't have to be boring!  Add some style to your workday outfits with these cute BADGE REEL BLINGS! Discs can be changed to match the seasons, or your mood!

The 4 Seasons Starter set comes with a Badge Reel and 4 seasonal discs. 



4 Seasons Starter Set  $15.00 plus S&H

 Additional discs available, separately for $3.50 each, plus S&H. Contact us for special requests!

Ambulance

Halloween Discs



Medic



Ornament 1

Monogrammed Discs also Available!

SOME LIKE IT HOT!!!

If that describes you, then this drawstring backpack is for you!  Made of 100% cotton, black background with orange/green/red Chili Peppers. Double seamed for added durability. Bag is aprox. 15x16" and can be machine washed/dryed.
Special Price: $15.00 plus S&H
Limited Quantities

Order your bag, today by clicking on the Call Me button on the top right of the page, or by email at hanging_tree_lodge@yahoo.com

Spring is Here with our new Blooming Headbands!

Your little one will look absolutely adorable in one of our "Blooming Headbands"! Each crocheted polyester band is uniquely decorated, so no two will be exactly the same.  One size fits infants/toddlers.  Choose from a bouquet of colors!   Choose from a bouquet of Colors

Made to order!

Celebrate your favorite jeans by adding a Raggedy Patch!  You don't need to worry about sewing them on neatly! Just do a quick running stitch all around and they will ravel as you wash them!  We'll custom make one for you!  Drop us an email with your request of size and design. We'll let you know if we can do it!

Prices will vary according to size/stitch count
For the more traditional look, choose a standard sew-on patch/applique.
We even have a selection of "specialty patches".  Star of Life is shown.
contact@hangingtreelodge.com

We Love Cake!

We love CAKE up here at the Lodge. 

Here's an easy, inexpensive and portable recipe you can make at home, or even at work! Just throw the cake mix into a ziplock bag and whip this up in the breakroom microwave! Your co-workers will drool in envy!

Mock “Warm Delights”

Cost to buy at the grocery: about $3.00 for 2.

Cost to make your own at home  is 1 box of cake mix which you can get for as low as 75 cents when they are on sale. 

  

How to:

Take  4 Tbsp dry cake mix (any kind) and 2 Tbsp water. Mix in a microwavable cup and microwave for 30 seconds. I can get 10-12 of these desserts from 1 box.

 Hanging Tree's hint:  Drizzle with warmed chocolate syrup, or other ice cream topping!

And if you would like CALORIE-FREE CAKES for your head,  Click here!

 

                                             "Nutritional data and images courtesy of www.NutritionData.com."

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR SALE ITEMS

New sale items posted, today! Some are limited quantities, so act fast!

Great Sale now through December 5th!

Hanging Tree Lodge says:
Save Save Save with our Week Long Holiday Gift Sale!


Now through December 5, 2010, you can save BIG on select items in our Original Fine Art Gifts ! * No coupon needed! Shop today for holiday delivery!





*These items do not qualify for our Free Shipping Offer.

Here's a fun project that will help stretch your school clothes budget!

Why pay outlandish prices for decorator shirts when you can make them, easily, yourself?  Even the artistically challenged among us can make their own tie-dye, or watercolor look designer shirts!

What you will need:

1. 1 plain white cotton t-shirt (I buy mine in 3 packs in the men's section!)
2. Your choice of colors of permanent  fine point markers
3. A small spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol
4. Iron and Ironing Board
5. Rubber stamps (optional)
6. T-shirt board (available at craft stores in a variety of sizes. Choose the one that fits YOUR shirt)

Directions: 

1. Prewash and dry your t-shirt. Don't use fabric softener.
2. Work in a well-ventilated area!
3. Insert the t-shirt board into your shirt. this will keep the ink from bleeding through to the other side.
4. Begin drawing your designs right onto the dry t-shirt (or, color your rubber stamp with the markers and stamp designs onto shirt).
5. Mist the designs with the rubbing alcohol.  The ink begins to spread, creating a "watercolor", or tie-dye effect
6. Let the front of the shirt dry, then turn over and repeat on the back of the shirt.
7. For sleeves, put some paper towel topped aluminum foil between the layers to prevent bleed through.
8. When you are finished, remove your board and foil and  iron your shirt, with a hot, dry iron, for aproximately 4 minutes to set the ink. Keep moving the iron so you don't scorch anything!

Helpful Hints: You can put coloring pages under the shirt, first, and lightly trace them onto the fabric with a pencil if you need some help with designs.  For tie-dye, simply draw outlines of circles, bulls-eyes, funky flowers, etc onto the shirt and spray. They will bleed into each other and create a retro look! For "watercolor" look, lightly fill in your designs. 

Shirts can be machine washed and dried with like colors. No bleach!

Easy Care Scrub Tops are Here!

All your favorite childhood characters grace this easy-care jersey knit scrub top! Features raglan sleeves for comfortable fit, 2 patch pockets with pen slot and side vents.

Sizes Small to Xtra large, your choice, $25.00 Colors and prints subject to change. Contact us for available prints by email, today! contact@hangingtreelodge.com, or phone: (719)924-5825

New Arrivals

http://hangingtreelodge.com/product.sc;jsessionid=B598F57FB60E955353C7B8187EFCFE0C.qscstrfrnt02?productId=27

Here's a set of button on kitchen towels to brighten your day!  Appliqued strawberries and embroidered blueberries are being visited by some cute ladybugs!  These towels have been especially designed to hang from a towel rod, such as the handle on your stove!  Made of 70% Polyester/30% Cotton, these towels are naturally antibacterial and do not leave lint!  Machine wash cold, gentle cycle with like colors. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low, remove promptly.  Do not iron.  Set of 2 towels for $15.00, plus S&H.

Make it even MORE personal!

Here at the Lodge, we can personalize many of the items we make. Feel free to email us with your request at contact@hangingtreelodge.com.

Become a Fan & Save!

Become a fan of Hanging Tree Lodge on Facebook and get FREE SHIPPING on your order of $50.00 or more! Offer valid through May 31, 2010. Offer valid only for shipping to 48 lower United States Enter code: FBFRIENDS at checkout.

How to get the best price on anything

Hi, everyone. I found this little video on how to negotiate for the best price when shopping. In today's economy, it's more important than ever to spend wisely. Enjoy!

Welcome Spring!

Spring arrives this week! Welcome your feathered friends back with this adorable tree spirit bird feeder! Hand crafted by our very own woodworker, it will keep your feathered friends visiting all year long! Handcrafted of 100% cedar for durability. Top is removable for easy filling. Limited quantities, so order, today!

More Products Being Added, Daily!

Hi,everyone!
We've been creating up a storm here at the Lodge. More embroidered items, Not Your Grandma's Hot Water Bottles...Stop by, today, and see our new items!

Shown: "Soup's On" embroidered apron-Special Order Only contact@hangingtreelodge.com
Not Your Grandma's Hot Water Bottle-available now in our online store.