Gluten-Free Hamburgers

If there is one thing that I have really missed since switching to a gluten-free diet it is a tasty Australian hamburger with the lot. It's not like I ate them every day, week or month - but when the craving hits there is just nothing like the combination of bacon, beetroot, onions and sauce - magic.

I have to confess that last month I broke down and bought a hamburger at McDonalds Warilla. It was on a day filled with medical appointments and I just caved. I knew what the gluten in the bun would do to me but my restraint had just disappeared. I was riding past the sign for McDonalds when headed to the car park of Warilla Library when I found myself headed into McDonalds instead. Despite the fact I knew what previous visits had triggered (stomach cramps, bloating, irritable bowel, discomfort, brain fog etc) I just couldn't help myself. Sadly the hamburger was very disappointing and I was wishing that it had been a tasty hamburger with the lot.

As I look at the photo I took of the Hamburger with the Lot from Metzi's Tasty Takeaways it prompted me to make a challenge to all takeaway operators in the Illawarra and readers of this blog

MAKE YOUR OWN GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER!

I have found a number of recipes online and online stockists of gluten-free burger buns.



About.com - Gluten Free Burger Bun

Gluten Free bun featuring white rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch and amaranth flour 

http://glutenfreecooking.about.com/od/glutenfreebreads/r/gfburgerbun.htm





Gluten Free Girl - Gluten-Free burger bun recipe

Includes almond and rice flour as well as a pre-bought flour mix

http://glutenfreegirl.com/gluten-free-hamburger-buns/




And for those that don't have the time, I can recommend SimplyWize Crusty Bread mix




Simply Wize Gluten-Free Crusty Bread

Open the box, make up the mixture and bake some of the tastiest crusty burger buns you can imagine. 

Simply Wize has a growing range of gluten-free products to choose from. Ask your local supermarket, health food store or retailer to order some in today.

I have been fortunate to sample many of their products and look forward to trying them all.

Momentum Foods - Simply Wize
http://www.momentumfoods.com.au/products.html


 And after much searching I have found hamburger buns pre-made which could be frozen and kept on hand in home or at a cafe

SOL Gluten Free Hamburger Rolls - pack of  4

SOL Breads Gluten Free bread is famous for both taste and the added health benefits. Our gluten free bread is not only gluten free, but also free from yeast, dairy, soy, additives and emulsifiers.

This is a bag of four rolls each weighing 150g.

Bodhi Gluten-Free Rolls

"A great tasting gluten free loaf that Coeliac sufferers just can't stop talking about. Free of wheat and gluten but still providing an excellent source of Omega 3 without the use of animal fats and preservatives."

Only $5 for a pack of 4 rolls





Do you know of a takeaway or restaurant that offers gluten free hamburgers? Let us know!

Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns from Simply Wize

Recently I tried the delicious hot cross buns from Simply Wize. I thought I would have to forgo this Easter treat but now I can indulge in this steamy hot treat with butter and perhaps some home made plum jam. Yumm!

Gluten is the protein component of wheat, spelt, rye, barley and oats. 
In people with coeliac disease, gluten causes damage to the lining of
the small intestine (villi). As a result, the ability to absorb nutrients is
impaired and people can become very unwell. Following a gluten
free diet doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of delicious
food and proper nutrition.

The buns are smaller than their wheat-based alternatives but I like the smaller portion size because I am trying to shed some kilos ahead of the summer months. It has been proven that Winter can be the best time of the year to lose weight due to the cold as long as you don't indulge in the comfort foods and staying indoors can mean more snacks and meals than when there is warmer weather.

Ingredients

Flour Blend [Maize Flour, Rice Starch, Tapioca Starch, Soy Protein, Egg White, Sugar, Salt, Stabilizers,(461,464), Dextrose, Emulsifier (472(e)), Guar Gum (412), Stabilizer (466)], Water, Dried Fruit (Sultanas, Currants, Mixed Peel), Sugar, Egg, Vegetable Oil, Yeast, Spices, Glaze [Sugar, Water, Glucose Syrup, Pectin (440), Carrageen (407), Citric Acid (330), Sodium citrate (331), Calcium Lactate (327), Potassium Sorbate (202)], Nature Identical Flavours

Allergy Advice

Contains Egg & Soy. May contain Sulphates

 Nutritional Information chart from Simply Wize



Simply Wize products are available in some Woolworths and Coles supermarkets. If they are not available at yours then ask them to order in. Persistence and asking to talk to the person who orders new products is often more efficient than asking one person one time. I get a thrill when I see a new product in the Gluten Free aisle and I am sure you will feel the same way.

Proactive and Persistence wins over Indifference over time is my motto :) Ask nicely and explain that it is such a treat to be able to eat a gluten-free equivalent of your favourite foods helps make life less grey than going without, especially at Easter when you have family visit or take them with you at the next gathering.

So, try out the Hot Cross Buns for yourself and make sure to take a photo of your Easter Fare for a chance to win a basket of Simply Wize treats. Just upload the image to our Flickr group with the tag

"simply wize hot cross buns" and "easter competition" to be in with a chance. Entries close May 1st with the winner announced on the 2nd.

Good luck!

Vanessa Pike-Russell
http://www.vanessapikerussell.com.au

Simply Wize Gluten-Free Crusty Bread

There's nothing like crusty bread just straight from the oven.
Great with a little bit of tahini spread (sesame seeds) and a drizzle of honey. Delicious!

Gluten Free Products: Simply Wize Crusty Bread

I just received an email from Wize foods about their new crusty bread mix. Very soon I will be receiving a sample of their Crusty Bread Mix which I am really looking forward to.  They also have a Bread Stick mix which I am really excited about as I love to make antipasto or mezze platters and have been missing nice crusty white bread for the platter.

Simply Wize Crusty Bread Mix produces bread of excellent quality, flavour and appearance, and is 100% gluten free. Made from the finest blend of baking ingredients, this bread mix has the same texture as conventional dough, and the same deliciouse taste.

After visiting the website I am getting hungry for some crusty gluten-free bread. There is a helpful
video showing how to make the bread and information about Stockists and Distributors.







I also found out a that  Simply Wize Brand is a major Sponsor, alongside Coles Supermarket, of The Ceoliac Society’s upcoming Gluten Free Expo to be held in Sydney on Friday the 6^th and Saturday the 7^th of August.
Definitely something to put in my  Google Calendar.