Yesterday I had high hopes of solidifying a recipe for gluten-free naan.

That did not happen.

However, I knew this was going to be a process and it was definitely not a complete fail. I really didn’t expect to solve the problem on day 1. After 4 rounds I give myself a solid C+/B-. More than edible. Addicting even!

A kitchen disaster day, for sure. Every measuring cup was dirty. Twelve spoons + the counter were caked with sticky dough and the dishwasher was lined with every single bowl I own.

Trial after trial, it will be done!

The flours I used were a combination of oat flour, buckwheat flour, and sweet rice flour. The mixing process was incredibly easy. No stand mixer or food processor needed, and I’d like to keep it that way. There is an hour-long rise and then a quick cook in a hot skillet or grill pan.

The end result?

The flavor was great. Not too yeasty and no signs of the buckwheat flour [which can sometimes stand out]. The texture didn’t pull apart quite like naan, but I’m not sure if that can even be fully duplicated with gluten-free flours. It wasn’t heavy or dense but light and bready, in a good way. Probably the most bread-like tasting thing I’ve eaten in quite some time. But it just wasn’t quite, naan.

Flatbread? Yes!

Naan? Not really. It was about halfway to naan.

Next week you’ll find a recipe. It may be for a killer flat bread or it may be for naan. The jury’s still out. I need to run a few more trials and get back to you.

So far, I’ve had three taste testers with similar thoughts to mine. The flavor was great and the texture was 1/2 way there, but a bit on the delicate side and could be even lighter/fluffier.

Funny thing, we actually went out for Indian food last night with some of our friends. I definitely thought about stashing this in my purse to pull out with dinner. You know, BYOBread!

Instead of not posting because there isn’t an official recipe, I thought it would be worthwhile to share some of the process that goes into recipe making. It’s not always one and done, especially when it comes to breads and baked goods. I look at days like today as an investigation. An experiment! While I sometimes put off starting recipes like this they always give me the biggest sense of accomplishment once I settle on a final version. If it wasn’t for running out of yeast, you’d probably still find me in the kitchen.

Stay tuned for more and happy weekend.

Ashley

1. The stack of doughnuts below is the very stack that will be appearing on the cover of the doughnut cookbook this October. The actual cover shot involves a waterfall of powdered sugar falling from the sky. I can’t wait to share the finalized cover with you!!

2. There isn’t much to say about this EO Soap except for the fact that I am obsessed. It’s at our kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and shower—for body wash. The scent is not overpowering and it’s cruelty free, paraben free, polysorbate free, disodium EDTA free, gluten free, non-GMO verified, and sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate free. The price is great, too. $8.99 at Natural Grocers but it’s frequently on sale for $6.99! They have a kids line as well!

3. I’ve made this Quinoa, Blood Orange, and Kale Salad three times + counting. The latest version:

millet instead of quinoa
cara cara oranges instead of blood oranges
sweet potato instead of chickpeas
added salted almonds

4. Have you heard about the Life-Changing Loaf of Bread? I think it’s sweeping the nation…err world. It’s not only gluten-free but also vegan. This is a stick-to-your-ribs bread recipe. It’s filled with sunflower seeds, flax seeds, oats, psyllium husks, and nuts. I used walnuts/almonds instead of hazelnuts.

It takes 5 minutes to prepare, a few hours of resting, then about 1 hour in the oven and it’s done! The outer layer is crusty + the inner layer is soft but still has some bite. I toasted a few pieces in a cast iron skillet and added banana + cinnamon on top for breakfast. I cannot wait to experiment with different add-ins. I highly suggest this bread for a super easy grab + go breakfast. Nutrient dense + satiating, for sure! I’ve eaten half the loaf in 2 days.

5. Also currently/still addicted to the almond pulp crackers. And guess what? I haven’t bought a container of almond milk in over three weeks and don’t plan to anytime soon.

6. I’m sometimes asked about where I take my photos and what my setup is like. Well, here it is in all its glory. Stuffed between 2 road bikes, a huge dining room table, and a book shelf behind. It’s cozy, that’s for sure.

7. Speaking of photography, have you seen the food photography e-course the amazingly talented Dana + John over at Minimalist Baker have put together? For $19.99 you get 15 chapters with photography lessons, troubleshooting guides, and 22 video tutorials! They were kind enough to let me view a copy before it was released, and I was extremely impressed by all that they covered. If you’re looking to get more serious about food photography but don’t know where to start, I highly recommend checking out their e-course. They go over everything from camera basics, to lighting, to photo shoot styling, to using simple props, photo editing, and so much more. Check out their site for loads more info!

8. Two + a half hours of snowshoeing = happiness.

8. These dogs are ree-dic-u-lous. Dakota is a blanket mooch. She nudges my chair in the morning until I drop some of the blanket down for her to curl up on. She doesn’t get up for hours unless there isn’t enough blanket on the floor.

Recently, Kenna has wanted in on the action which leads to an even more depressed Dakota, if that was even possible. Tonight they finally compromised. Oy.