Gluten Free Baking Flour Mix

I've been cooking gluten free for almost eight years and although, I would not call myself an expert, I've learned a TON about the ins and out of gluten free baking. In fact, I also do not use soy or dairy or anything artificial which adds a level of complexity.

There are many flour mix recipes that can (somewhat) substitute for wheat flour. I've tried many, many different combinations and the following is the best version and can typically be used in place of a regular recipe calling for flour. Of course, in a pinch, you can buy pre-made mixes but they are very expensive.

I like to make a big batch of this mix and keep it in the refrigerator so it's always handy. I use it all the time so not sure exactly how long it will last.

Mix together:

4 cups chick pea flour (or amaranth or millet or I've used a chick pea/fava mix)
4 cups white or brown rice flour
2 cups arrowroot starch
6 cups potato starch

One thing to add, I always like to sift the flour before using in recipes which really seems to help the texture.

Earth Day 2010: Rapid City

This is great news! From Dakota Rural Action


This year Dakota Rural Action West is working with Western Dakota Tech and The Mayor’s Green Cities Task Force to celebrate Rapid City’s first real city-wide Earth Day event. There have been numerous recognitions and celebrations of Earth Day in Rapid City, sponsored by a variety of civic and social groups but the Earth Day celebration planned for April 22nd, 2010 at the Western Dakota Tech Campus will be the composite of all interested groups, city offices, schools, sustainable enterprises, and the public.

The event will feature exhibits from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, showcasing local companies and organizations with information on green jobs, new technology, cutting edge building and construction practices, earth- friendly products, environmental businesses, ecologically safe products, and opportunities for individual stewardship. There will be solar and human powered car demonstrations hosted by SD School of Mines and Technology and a children’s poster contest and green topics video competition.

A Sustainability Summit will follow, sponsored by Rapid City’s Green Cities Task Force and featuring speakers on a variety of sustainability topics, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Dakota Rural Action and members of our West River Small Farms Committee will be giving away copies of the just released 2010 SD Local Foods Directory and other information and goodies at the DRA exhibit. For more information on the event go to www.wdt.edu or call Stephanie at DRA West (605) 718-4957.