There was a time when it was a challenge to get your hands on a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour, let alone one that could be substituted flawlessly in any
gluten-full original recipe. Luckily, those days are over and a unique blends are
hitting store shelves internationally to meet our ever-growing needs.
In the Taste Test column of our current November/December issue, we’re bringing you some of our favorite gluten-free flours and breaking them down a bit to help
you choose which ones you’ll want to bring into your pantry. And while this issue is live, we’ll be bringing you behind the scenes with some of the creators of the
brands. And just because it’s the holidays, they’re sharing some of their favorite festive recipes to help you make the most of your holiday table!
Today we welcome Naomi Poe and Better Batter back to our Easy Eats blog.
Be sure to come back next week to meet Jules of Jules Gluten-Free!
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Chef: Naomi Poe
Position: Owner of Better Batter
Recipe: Gingerbread People
Social: Facebook, Twitter
Naomi Poe is one of those gluten-free goddesses we’re thankful for – especially this time of year. After recognizing how big a part a gluten-free diet was to the health of her two sons, she developed her own gluten-free baking flour, which quickly gained popularity amongst her friends. Thanks to such caring, hard-working mothers like Naomi, it’s now a bit easier for us to bake up our favorite holiday treats for our
special loved ones.
Now Naomi’s line spans to cake and brownie mixes along with specialty gluten-free flour blends. We’re excited to be giving away 10 gift baskets from Better Batter tomorrow! Until then, Noami’s sharing some tips for getting the most out of our baking. And head into the magazine for what we loved about Better Batter in our Taste Test!
What inspired you to start a line of gluten-free flour?
My sons and I (and many family members) are gluten free due to both Celiac and autism. At the time there were no good flour mixes available, and it was so frustrating! I needed to be able to make my mom’s recipes, without adjustment,
and I needed them to taste and feel real.
What had been missing for you in the gluten-free flour world before you took on the challenge?
At the time? EVERYTHING!! My has that changed! There was at the time no real, cup-for-cup mix that also was allergen free.
What complications arose when creating your blend? How did you overcome them?
I was blessed in this regard – I went to bed, had a dream, and woke up with the formula in my head. I scribbled it down, went to the kitchen, and made a pie. Now I do have a food science and nutrition background, but really I had a very easy time
of it.
What excites you nutritionally about your blend?
It’s allergen, corn, and GMO free – these are all super important to me as a cancer survivor and mom of an autistic boy. It’s also got some whole grain components, which add essential micronutrients – not a whole lot of other blends incorporate whole foods. We are planning on releasing our whole grain mix in the next year or
so, which will be super nutritious, and I’m pumped about that.
What recipes have you loved using your blend?
I use my great-grandma’s recipes a lot… Martha Stewart, Food Network. I love that
I’m not limited.
What’s coming up on your gluten-free holiday menu?
Well, we are just finishing Chanukah – so latkes, sufganyot (jelly donuts), and bimuelos (honey puffs) featured heavily! Christmas is also celebrated in my house
so we’re planning Gingerbread houses, pumpkin bread, pies (lots of pies), stuffing, and a great big Plum Pudding!
Any advice for those new to working with gluten-free flour?
Buy the best brands in the biggest bulk sizes you can find, as direct from the manufacturer as possible – with truly affordable, truly cup-for-cup flours available in bulk now, it makes no sense financially and time-wise to do it yourself unless you have exceptional dietary needs. One more thing: once you have a great cup-for-cup brand, don’t be afraid to use your own, real recipes! If the products are truly cup-for-cup, your recipe should work without a hitch.
