Bread machines are a convenient method of ensuring a steady supply of freshly-baked bread in the house. Useful for regular and gluten-free breads, bread machines allow you to bake your own bread at home for a fraction of the cost of store-bought breads. You can alternately bake regular and gluten-free breads in a bread machine if you clean the machine properly; however, it is best to use a separate machine for gluten-free baking to avoid cross-contamination.
Gluten
Gluten is a small protein found in wheat, barley and rye. This protein has numerous functions in food production, including making dough rise and stick together, adding flavor and making products chewy. While gluten is a common ingredient in breads and baking products, it is also found in a number of less obvious places. Gluten is a frequent additive to processed foods, including sauces, canned goods and frozen-food items
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, is a condition where consuming gluten sparks an autoimmune response in your body. This abnormal immune response causes damage to your intestines, particularly the finger-like protrusions called villi. These villi become damaged and smoothed, no longer allowing for proper absorption of vitamins and minerals. Celiac disease leads to a number of symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea or constipation, flatulence, vitamin deficiencies and neuropathy.
Bread Machines
A bread machine allows you to make fresh bread by the loaf, using a nonstick pan inserted into the appliance and a bread paddle responsible for kneading the dough. Ingredients are placed into the pan according to recipes designed for use in bread machines. These recipes differ slightly in that the bread machine requires different ingredient amounts. Bread machines typically have a removable bread pan, making them easy to clean.
Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination is a significant concern if you have celiac disease. This occurs when trace amounts of wheat, barley or rye go unnoticed, contaminating the product intended to be gluten free. Those suffering from gluten intolerance should use separate butter containers, toasters and cutting boards to avoid coming in contact with gluten accidentally.
Gluten-Free and Regular Baking
If you are baking gluten free as a lifestyle or dietary choice, you can freely use your bread machine alternately for baking gluten-free and regular breads. This machine is easy to clean between uses. Clean the appliance using warm, soapy water, removing both the pan and paddle for cleaning. Even with careful cleaning, however, small amounts of gluten might lead to cross-contamination.
