Gluten-free breads and tortillas are, arguably, the peskiest of all gluten-free foods. They look like a great idea in the package and, chances are, you’ve been looking forward to having your turkey wrap all day. You approach the counter, grab your tortilla, spread your hummus, stack your lettuce, place your tomato and turkey – beautiful. Now, the moment of truth: the wrapping of your wrap. Will you succeed? Or will your sandwich transform into an embarrassing pile of gluten-less pieces?
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The reason some pre-made gluten-free foods, like breads, tortillas and muffins, are so difficult to work with is because they lack the “glue” that holds your favorite baked goods together. (Fun Fact: Gluten is the Latin word for glue. Tell your friends.) Don’t worry, you will eat a satisfying sandwich again! Here are some tricks you need to know.
1. Shop around
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Like snowflakes, no two gluten-free foods are the same. You’ll have to try a few and find your favorite. A tasting party may not be a bad idea. Invite all of your friends, gluten-free and gluten-eaters alike. They’ll be able to compare your options with what “normal” tortillas and breads taste like (you’ve probably forgotten by now). Whip up your favorite sandwiches, wraps, fajitas, eggs, or whatever you’d want on your tortilla or bread. Each of you can rank your favorites. Just make sure to write down the awful ones so you never buy them again.
2. Turn up the heat
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Toasting gluten-free breads before piling them high will make them less likely to fall apart. For tortillas, warming them in a frying pan or on a quesadilla maker makes them more pliable for wrapping and rolling.
3. Make your own
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If you’re feeling adventurous, you can put on your apron and try one of the many gluten-free recipes on informational blogs online. Most of these have specific reviews from other gluten-free connoisseurs and dabblers, so you’ll have an idea of what you’re getting into. You can choose if you want to make gluten-free sandwich bread, Italian bread, bread with seeds, pizza, biscuits or hamburger buns. The possibilities are endless.
Take a stand against the crumbs, and never sacrifice the life of a wrap again.