Using the right flour for your baking is the key to getting the right texture and taste, not to mention giving your bakes a healthier twist. Here, we give you the lowdown on some alternatives to the common white flour:
Using the right flour for your baking is the key to getting the right texture and taste, not to mention giving your bakes a healthier twist. Here, we give you the lowdown on some alternatives to the common white flour:
AMARANTH SEEDS FLOUR.
Made from the seeds of the amaranth plant, this highprotein and high-fibre flour is lauded for its great source of nutrition. It’s also a popular staple in gluten-free cooking, and lends a nutty, earthy taste and texture, which is very pleasant.
ALMOND FLOUR.
This gluten-free flour should not be used to wholly substitute for the common wheat flour (unless the recipe calls for it). However, it’s great for low-carb cooking and adds a nutty, delicious taste to your bakes.
BUCKWHEAT FLOUR.
Despite having the word “wheat” in its name, buckwheat is gluten free and has a nutty flavour. It can be crumbly, so try combining it with other flours when baking.
RICE FLOUR.
A great alternative to plain white all-purpose flour for most of your bakes, rice flour can be made using white rice or the healthier brown rice. Rice flour has a gritty taste, so it’s best to mix it with other flours.
CHICKPEA FLOUR.
Also known as gram or garbanzo bean flour, this gluten-free flour is commonly used in vegetarian cooking to make crepes, pancakes and fritters. It is a versatile flour as it lends a subtle flavour to both savouries and sweets.
Mamma Mia!
Thank the most important woman in your life with an unforgettable meal this Mother’s Day. If she loves Italian, try these restaurants which offer special menus to pamper her palate: Aura (at #05-03 and #06-02 National Gallery Singapore) offers a majestic four-course meal, available only on May 14, at $68++ for lunch and $98++ for dinner. Call 6866 1977; Osteria Art (at 55 Market St.) presents a classy set menu fit for a queen, available only on May 14, at $68++ for lunch and $88++ for dinner. Call 6877 6933.
Pretty fish dishes await Mum, like this Chilean Seabass with Fennel and Saffron Sauce at Aura (far left) and Italian Seabass with Celeriac, Trombetta and Zucchini Flowers at Osteria Art (left).
Cameron’s cravings.
“I love cheese. String cheese, Cheddar, goat’s, Parmesan, Gouda, feta, blue, double-triple-cream, Brie… Yes, I love my cheese!” – Cameron Diaz.
3 New Takeaway Foods This Month.
SG Onigiri.
The Japanese rice ball staple gets a local update thanks to 7-Select’s Nasi Lemak Onigiri (above) and Chilli Shrimp Onigiri. Also check out their new range of other ready-to-eat meals. At $2.50, from 7-Eleven stores.
Be-Wiched.
If you’ve always thought a healthy sandwich is unappetising, Swissbakes’ range of 10 new yummy KRAFTWICH sandwiches will change your mind. Plus, they are all Health Promotion Boardapproved! At $8.90, from KRAFTWICH and selected Swissbake outlets.
Xpress Meals.
On the go but still want a satisfying lunch? If you are in the CBD area, pop by O’Coffee Club Xpress for their Grab & Go meals which include tasty salads, soups, pastries, wraps and sandwiches. From $1.90, from O’Coffee Club Xpress.
TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / ADDITIONAL REPORTING: SEAN TAN / PHOTOS: TPG NEWS, 123RF.COM.
