Wheat breads contain gluten, a protein present in wheat grains that helps bread rise and hold its shape. The Canadian Celiac Association lists wheat, rye, barley and oats as each containing a form of gluten. If you are allergic to, or intolerant of, wheat, the CCA suggests avoiding all of these grains that make up the bulk of breads and cereals available on the market. Fortunately, there are alternatives.
Wheat-Free Flour
The Canadian Celiac Association lists a number of grains and flours that are suitable for wheat-free breads and cereals. When using most of these grains for bread, they may require a binding agent such as eggs or gums to replace the lack of gluten that keeps it from crumbling. Types of gums include guar gum and xanthum gum. Grains and flours listed by the association that you may use include tapioca, amaranth, buckwheat, corn, millet, quinoa and soy. Oats may also be used if they are pure and uncontaminated. When buying breads, look for these flours.
Soda Bread
Soda bread is made without yeast and uses bicarbonate soda for leavening, as the name suggests. Rice flour is the main ingredient. It is a heavy loaf but has a good flavor. WheatFree.org offers the recipe for one loaf.
Mix 450 g of rice flour with a level tsp of baking soda, a heaping tsp of cream of tartar and a pinch of salt. Rub in 25 g of margarine or butter until the lumps are gone. Beat 250 ml of milk and one egg together and add to the flour mixture.
Turn the dough out onto a flat surface, knead for about two minutes and then shape into a mound. Place on a baking sheet covered with parchment and cut a deep cross into the loaf without cutting all the way through. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This bread is best served warm.
Breadmaker Gluten-Free White Bread
CookingBread.com offers this white bread recipe that is wheat-free and great for use in your breadmaker.
Mix 1 egg and 1 1/3 cup of water, and add to breadmaker. Follow with 1 Tbsp of honey, 1/4 cup melted butter and 1 tsp of lemon juice. In a bowl combine 1/2 corn flour, 1 Tbsp of xanthum gum, 1 1/2 tsp of powdered gelatin, 1 cup tapioca flour, 1/2 cup of potato flour, 2 cups rice flour, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 Tbsp of sugar and 4 Tbsp of powdered milk. Add to the breadmaker and sprinkle 1 Tbsp of dried yeast on top.
Set your breadmaker to 2 lb. and the basic setting. When loaf is done, let cool in your machine for about 10 minutes and then remove to finish cooling on a wire rack.
Cereals
Many brand name manufacturers are now carrying lines of wheat-free or gluten-free cereals. General Mills offers Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Honey Nut Chex, Chocolate Chex and Cinnamon Chex. Nature's Path Organic products include Amazon Frosted Flakes, Fruit Juice Sweetened Cornflakes, Panda Puffs and Mesa Sunrise Flakes.
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