Some of the ingredients I use have gone mainstream and are easy to find. However, I thought it might be helpful to give a brief explanation for those of you who are new to all this!
Carob Powder-
Carob powder looks like Cocoa powder, but tastes totally different. It has a slightly sweet taste. Carob does not have caffeine like chocolate and so it does not trigger migraines. Carob is actually good for your stomach and can be quite soothing when you have a stomach virus. Carob powder can be found at Whole Foods, health food stores, or ordered online. I buy mine in bulk from Frontier Organic Co-op, or Chatfield’s is a good brand.
Spelt Flour-
Spelt has an easier-to-digest protein than wheat. It is more water-soluble and will not glue up your intestines like wheat. I buy whole grain spelt and grind my own flour, but you can also find spelt flour at health food stores, Whole Foods, or purchase it online. Vita Spelt and Arrowhead Mills are brands to try. Make sure to buy organic when possible!
Maple Syrup-
Pure maple syrup- NOT maple flavored syrup! I use grade B maple syrup from Trader Joe’s. You can replace the sugar in your favorite recipes with maple syrup. For every cup of sugar that a recipe calls for, use 1/2 cup maple syrup instead. So it’s a 1:1/2 ratio. You can even decrease it more than that through trial and error to find your own preferred sweetness. A little goes a long way! It’s also worth noting that you may need to decrease the liquids or increase the flour in a recipe when substituting maple syrup for sugar. All of my recipes have already made those adjustments for you!
Here is more information on the health benefits of maple syrup.
Goat Milk products-
Goat milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk. It does not produce mucus in your digestive tract, or your head for that matter, (the way cow’s milk does!) It is also higher in potassium, calcium, and phosphorous than cow’s milk. Google the differences and you will be amazed! There is a slight taste difference, but it is easy to adjust to. I did have a relative once comment that my pumpkin pie, made with condensed goat milk and maple syrup, tasted a little “goaty” to her and that she preferred the pies from the grocery store bakery. I just laughed. She’s very overweight and I prefer a “goaty” pie over extra weight!
Tapioca Flour (Also known as Tapioca Starch)-
A gluten-free flour made from the Cassava plant (also called Manioc root or Yuca). I have jokingly said that maybe this is what the manna in the Bible was made of, since it can be used as a flour, boiled, etc. Tapioca makes awesome crackers, cookies, and pasta, and is a wonderful thickener in place of cornstarch. It can be found in many grocery stores as well as online.