Monday, January 14, 2013

Use Xanthan Gum As A Thickener







Use Xanthan Gum As a Thickener


Xanthan gum is a fermentation created when the bacteria Xanthonomonas campestris is cultured in the ubiquitous corn syrup. This mixture then gets processed with alcohol, dried and then pulverized to a fine, powdery texture. It is a common ingredient in health food products as a thickener, and is often found as a binding agent in gluten-free breads. Xanthan gum can be used in a variety of at-home recipes as a substitute for other thickening agents.


Instructions


General Instructions to Thicken


1. Use a mechanical mixer for best results when mixing xanthan gum. This helps to maintain a constant speed that will prevent your recipe from getting chewy or clumpy.


2. Mix xanthan gum in a liquid by using 1/4 tsp. for every quart in your recipe. First, dissolve the xanthan gum in a little bit of water (or other liquid if your recipe does not call for water) and then mix it in with the larger batch.


3. Create a gluten-free baked good by mixing the xanthan gum with the dry ingredients first, and then slowly adding the liquid ingredients. For every cup of flour, expect to add between 1 and 2 tsp of xanthan gum. Keep the mixer running while you add your liquid ingredients to ensure a good texture.








Waffle Recipe (Gluten-Free)


4. Brush your waffle iron with a little canola oil and let heat.


5. Combine canola oil, cornstarch, sugar, potato starch, baking powder, eggs and 1/4 tsp. xanthan gum in your mechanical mixer.


6. Set the mixer to medium and slowly pour in the milk.


7. Cook approximately 2/3 cup batter (depending on the size of your waffle iron) at a time until the waffles are browned.

Tags: your recipe, your waffle iron, liquid ingredients, mechanical mixer, mixing xanthan, waffle iron, Xanthan Thickener