The Promised Foodie Review

I mentioned last week that I might do a food review during ICLW, so here you go, on the last day of ICLW!

Last weekend we were invited to another couple's house for dinner, and I offered to bring dessert.  I had a box of Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Brownie Mix on hand, so I decided to whip that up and take it along.  Good thing I started early, because it was an epic fail. However, I don't think it's a bad mix.

Let me explain.  I didn't follow the instructions to a T, and I made one modification to the recipe.  Here's a list of the things I think might have gone wrong, and how I'd like to change them for the next time I attempt to make this mix.

Possible Issue #1--In addition to all his more run-of-the-mill allergies, Daniel is also allergic to eggs.  So, that means I have to get a little more creative when I'm baking.  I had some Ener-G egg replacer on hand, so I decided to use that in place of the eggs.  Next time, I think I might try something like applesauce. I've done that in cakes before, and it has worked just fine.

Possible Issue #2--Our oven's temperature is off by as much as 50 degrees.  We are aware of this issue, and we know how to compensate for it.  But, it might just be that this particular GF mix is not forgiving enough. Next time I think I might try to get my hands on an oven thermometer.

Possible Issue #3--You're supposed to test it with a wooden toothpick.  I don't have any.  So, I did what I always do with all my baking, and tested it with a metal knife.  It never did come out clean, even though the top got hard and crispy.  Next time I'll use a match if I have to!  :P

Possible Issue #4--I left my pizza stone in the oven while it was baking, like I always do.  But again, I'm wondering if the GF mix is just too finicky for that.  Next time I'll take the pizza stone out.

Possible Issue #5--I used a glass pan.  The instructions call for a non-stick or dark pan.  I have neither (nor would I want to.  Teflon and heavy metals? No thank you!).  I won't be changing anything about that.

So... there you have it.  Five possible reasons why my gluten-free brownies didn't turn out last weekend.  I will say though, that the batter tasted just fine (no eggs, remember?), so I think that the mix itself is still good, it's just my baking process that may need a little tweaking.

I did turn up some reviews on Amazon of other bakers that had similar issues with this mix and Ener-G egg replacer.  I do not recommend using Ener-G egg replacer with this mix.  It just seems like too many of us have had issues with the mix and that replacer for it to be a coincidence.

Welcome ICLW!

If you're stopping by from ICLW: Welcome, and thanks for stopping in!  :)  You can read more about me, our about our TTC journey (updated since last month!).

I don't have much more to say today, other than this blog is slowly starting to take shape and move in a cohesive direction, much like my life is right now.  :)  So... you'll probably see a gluten-free product review this week, some reflections on my piano students, maybe a post about my work with the MTHFR family (yes, that's an alias), and some musings on my walk with Jesus.  If you stick around all week, you may even hear about my allergy test results.  I'm expecting to get those some time this week.

Good (Cheap!) Gluten-Free Eats!

Yesterday I vented a little bit, since I don't know what else to write about MTHFR, but people are telling me I should write more on that topic.  In order to do so, I need your help, so please read that post and leave me your MTHFR questions!  :)

But enough about that. Today I want to tell you about one of our favorite gluten-free products, that you can get for a super awesome deal on Amazon!  (Yes, links will be affiliate links to Amazon.)

Gluten-Free Pantry's Muffin & Scone Mix is a versatile base for muffins and mini-loaves.  In addition to being gluten-free, it is also casein-free, and works well with egg replacers, which is great for people with casein and egg allergies like Daniel! There IS corn in the mix, which is problematic for people on a GFCFSFCF diet, but it's from Canada, so it is not genetically modified. The only soy in the mix is from possible cross-contamination.

We add a bunch of things to ours, like raisins, craisins, chocolate chips, pumpkin, banana, applesauce, and quinoa flakes, but every time, it turns out great!  I'd like to play more with it, and see what it's like just on it's own without a bunch of extra stuff (like the pumpkin, banana, applesauce, and quinoa flakes) but adding stuff to it does make it stretch further.  I think I got 36 regular size muffins out of two boxes.  They were gone pretty quick, so I ordered 12 more boxes.  I'm out of applesauce right now, or I'd have some more in the freezer already!

Oh, that's another thing!  Muffins made from this mix freeze VERY well.  We usually just keep ours in the freezer and pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to warm them up.  With everything you can add to them, they make a great breakfast on the go!

*UPDATE* I forgot to mention that this is an Add-On item, which means it will only ship if you order $25 worth of stuff at the same time.  We've ordered ours with Christmas presents, and a few other random things so far.  I may start buying two cases (total of 12 boxes) at a time, and ordering it with my prenatals on a monthly basis.