Gluten-free Saturday desserts
The perfect Saturday dessert doesn’t need wheat. There are many delicious gluten-free desserts from simple to decadent that you can safely enjoy! With a little creativity and experimentation, sweet satisfaction is on the way.
When choosing an alternative Shabbat dessert, consider whether you’re trying to create a gluten-free version of a recipe or looking to make something that doesn’t call for wheat at all, for example, are you trying to make the perfect gluten-free cookie that has all the characteristics of a wheat flour cookie or will you be satisfied with a mango sorbet?
If you risk downside, go with the recipe that never calls for wheat. Choose fresh fruits, smoothies, mousses, or meringues. This is a no-fail method. You won’t miss gluten because it wasn’t supposed to be there. You can make your own or buy ready-made sundaes and sundaes (they must be dairy-free if you eat after a meat meal).
Another option is to purchase gluten-free baked goods from a specialty bakery.
You can also make gluten-free cookies, brownies, and brownies from the special mixes, and you’ll need to make sure the mix and all ingredients are dairy-free if you plan to serve the item after the meat (vegetarian) meal on Saturday.
Frozen gluten-free products can be a lifesaver for a quick Saturday dessert. Simply fill and bake.
Are you really adventurous? Are you ready to take the risk of baking gluten-free? While there is more effort involved, the results can be very rewarding. Choose your recipes wisely, and look for many great reviews whenever possible. Do you have the necessary ingredients in your kitchen? If not, do you know where you can get it (healthy section of the supermarket, specialty store, order online)? Experiment with different flours until you find the desired taste and consistency you’re after (be patient and keep trying). Alternative flours can be made from: amaranth, arrowroot, corn, fava, hemp, quinoa, rice, corn, soybeans, and tapioca. A flour mix usually works best.
Passover recipes can be a treasure trove because many people avoid wheat (along with matzah) during the holiday. If the label says non-gebrokts, it is gluten-free. If the recipe calls for a matzo, farfel, or matzo cake meal, all bets are off. You’ll want to stock up Easter time on your favorite gluten-free products (great idea for soy and corn allergies, too).
If you have many types of food allergies, be aware that just because a food is wheat-free does not mean it is safe for all food allergies. Conversely, many gluten-free baked goods contain nuts and eggs. Check allergen ingredients before choosing a store-bought recipe or product. Look for phrases that may also contain phrases that could refer to cross contamination, trace allergens, or shared equipment. There are a few companies that actually have dedicated facilities and do not manufacture any allergenic products. Keep in mind that you will be paying a premium for these specialized products.
Whether you choose a ready-made gluten-free dessert for your Shabbat meal or make your own, the results can be delicious. The only limits are your imaginations.
