Cream of the Crop
Over the last few years, we’ve been geting more and more requests for gluten-free recipes, not just from those people with celiac disease who have to avoid gluten, the protein in wheat, barley and rye, but from others who suspect that wheat might be at the root of their digestive problems. Wheat does happen to be one of the most common food allergies, perhaps because it’s been so genetically altered over the years, making it tough for the body to deal with. And in fact, more people than you think are intolerant or allergic to wheat, but they just don’t know it yet. It’s a common problem.
While we haven’t yet created any gluten-free recipes (Greta’a been slacking again!), I’ve checked out quite a few of the products now available in stores just so I know what’s out there, and I’m happy to say there are a lot of options for the wheat-free crowd. Here are a couple that stand out, both of them great breakfasts: Have you had a comforting, steamy bowl of Cream of Wheat lately? My Mom always scored big points when she made it for me as a kid (just a couple of years ago!) Well, you can imagine my delight when I discovered “Cream of Buckwheat” by Pocono brand at a recent jaunt to the health food store. Buckwheat is a nutritious, wholesome choice, not only for those who can’t eat wheat, but even for those who can, and I really think you’d love this cereal. It’s creamier and nuttier and more flavourful than regular Cream of Wheat. (This brand’s also organic–bonus!) I added cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, raisins, and a titch of brown sugar, and I’m tellin’ ya, Julia Child wouldn’t have been able to create a tastier, heartier feast to start the day. (Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but you get my drift.)
The other product I’m fond of on the buckwheat front is Lifestream’s Buckwheat All-Natural Waffles (with real berries). Really solid ingredients. No weirdo stuff at all, and very, very tasty. Again, even if you are not intolerant to wheat, you’ll love these, and besides, it’s good to have variety in your diet, right? The waffles are yummy with blueberries or raspberries on top. Most of the time I slather them with almond butter and little bit of honey. Or, you can go for the gusto (and calories) by smothering them with butter and maple syrup. Either way, they’re quick and delicious. You’ll find Lifestream Waffles at most health food stores that have a freezer section, but I also found them at Loblaws in the Natural Value section.
Top o’ the morning to ya!
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