Home And Kitchen Heroyam

Many of the gluten-free recipes we have here at The Kitchn contain oats. We rely quite a lot, in fact, on oats and oat flour when cooking for friends who are gluten-intolerant. But, as you may have noticed, there is some question about oats and whether they are actually safe for gluten-intolerant folks. So here's the big question: Are oats truly gluten-free? Read on for the answer. The short answer is YES — non-contaminated, pure oats are gluten-free. They are safe for most people with gluten-intolerance. The main problem with oats in gluten-free eating is contamination. Most commercial oats are processed in facilities that also process wheat, barley, and rye. The gluten in these ingredients can contaminate oats, and the nature of most gluten intolerances is that even a trace amount of gluten can cause severe discomfort. So that box of Quaker Oats? Probably not gluten-free. Contamination can also happen in the field, when oats are grown side-by-side with fields...

What happens when apples and peanut butter – that old standby – get dressed up with a little flair?  They turn into these charming little apple sandwiches. Awhile back I attended a fancy catered event where I could hardly eat anything, as most of the dishes contained meat, dairy, or gluten — ingredients I have to avoid. My only consolation was the kids' table, where I found "sandwiches" made from sliced apples, peanut butter, oats, and raisins. Though the apples satiated my rumbling stomach, I didn't think much of them as I gazed longingly at the parade of off-limits foods. But then a funny thing happened. In the weeks that followed, I found myself craving these well-rounded, tasty snacks. Apples and peanut butter are nothing new, but somehow the addition of toasted oats and raisins, and a touch of honey and cinnamon, makes them that much more satisfying. Now I frequently make these sandwiches for an afternoon snack. Apple sandwiches are great f...