With the kids out of school for a week, half term presents a welcome opportunity to spend some quality time with the family. Perhaps you’ll take advantage of the improving weather and pack everyone in the car for a week away, but if you’re planning something a little closer to home, doubtless there will be plenty of hungry mouths to feed. And if you’re looking for some easy, tasty baked treats to keep the kids satisfied (and busy), you’ve come to the right place.
We’re much more aware these days of how our food affects us, with more and more of us realising we are allergic or intolerant to gluten. Many of us are also turning to gluten-free flours simply to lessen the impact of gluten on our bodies. Gluten is an important part of certain baking traditions – it binds bread and swells pancake batter, for example – but contrary to popular opinion, gluten-free baking doesn’t have to be inferior. There are many cases where you’re actually trying not to develop gluten in baking – pastry, for example, and biscuits too. Gluten-free flour is ideal for short, crumbly treats like this, but it also makes fantastic bread and pancakes too; all you need is a good recipe.
We’ve pulled together a few of our favourite gluten-free baking recipes which are perfect for getting the kids involved over the half term break. Take a look and get those work surfaces dusted with flour!