Not long ago, I took stock of just how many distinctly alternative flours lined the shelves at my local supermarket. I counted 16 types of flour in addition to the traditional wheat-based varieties. Even for an enthusiastic home baker, that's an overwhelming number. But the thing is, all of those options mean something: opportunity. And despite the implication that accompanies the word "alternative," alt flours don't necessarily need to be a replacement for the traditional. Sure, plenty of people turn to these options because they are actively avoiding wheat-based flour for health reasons—but having an allergy or sensitivity isn’t the sole reason to embrace an alternative-flour lifestyle. Read more... |