Just three months ago, the idea of waking up early on a Saturday to make gluten-free sourdough bagels for the entire week would have seemed laughable. I am the “to taste” cook in the house, and baking isn’t my forte, especially with gluten-free recipes where precision matters. However, after many kitchen mishaps and encouragement from my husband (who is a really good baker) to actually weigh my ingredients, I have resolved to embrace the kitchen scale and accuracy. This has led to our family’s newfound favorite: gluten-free sourdough bagels.
Gluten-free sourdough bagels are surprisingly simple and forgiving, unlike traditional gluten-free bread. They freeze well, making them an ideal grab-and-go breakfast option for hectic mornings.
When it comes to flour, I prefer the King Arthur Gluten-Free Flour blend. However, other measure-for-measure flours can work too, though adjustments in water might be necessary. Initially, I incorporate a base amount of water and fine-tune the consistency during the final kneading, accounting for variations in the density of the sourdough starter.
SOURDOUGH STARTER:
Our starter originates from the Cultures for Health Gluten-Free Sourdough Starter and thrives on regular feedings of organic brown rice flour. While you don’t need anything fancy to start a sourdough culture, investing in a fermenting/feeding jar can make the process more enjoyable. Since this bagel recipe calls for a generous amount of starter, I ensure it’s well-fed in the days leading up to baking day.
With these simple steps and a bit of patience, you’ll soon be savoring delicious gluten-free sourdough bagels that rival their wheat-based counterparts.
EASY GLUTEN FREE SOURDOUGH BAGELS
Makes 16 Bagels
INGREDIENTS
660 grams of water + 120 grams (reserved for kneading)
In a large bowl, combine psyllium husk, sugar, avocado oil, and 660 grams of water. Whisk until well combined and let stand for a few minutes until it forms into a gel.
Into the gel mixture, add the sourdough starter and mix thoroughly.
Add the remaining dry ingredients (flour blend + salt) and stir until a ball starts to form. Use your hands to mix/knead and slowly add in the reserved water until all the flour is incorporated and the dough pulls away from the bowl walls.
Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for a minimum of 2-3 hours, or overnight for optimal results.
Place the risen dough on a silicon or parchment paper surface and gently work it into a large ball.
Using a knife, divide the ball in half and create 8 wedges from each section.
Roll each section into a ball and pinch a hole in the center of each ball. Slowly spin the dough on your finger to create a uniform bagel shape and center hole. Be mindful not to make the holes too large, as the bagels may crack during baking.
Set the prepared dough aside and preheat your oven to 430 degrees F.
In a stockpot, bring 6 cups of water and 1 ½ tablespoons of baking soda to a boil.
Drop 3-4 bagels into the boiling water and boil for 30 seconds on each side. Use a skimmer to flip and remove them from the pot. Place the boiled bagels on a tea towel until all the bagels have been boiled.
Top each bagel with seasoning of choice or leave plain.
Place the bagels on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. You may need to use parchment paper to prevent sticking. (Caraway baking sheets are my favorite and I highly recommend them, because nothing sticks to them).
Bagels right after being boiled
ADDITIONAL TIPS
If you are planning on freezing – slice beforehand 😉
This is a larger batch recipe, you could easily cut it in half and only make 8 bagels.
Enjoy your freshly baked gluten-free sourdough bagels!
This recipe was originally inspired by a combination of bread recipes with King Arthur gluten free flours and Natashahome.com’s sourdough discard recipe.
Life is busy, especially when you’re juggling the schedules of your athletes. Here is a super simple game-changer recipe for you: The All Green Smoothie (better described as the Avocado Pineapple Smoothie). It’s an easy one to whip up, requiring just a few everyday ingredients – avocado, pineapple, baby spinach, coconut milk, and a splash of lime juice.
This smoothie is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a secret weapon with a good dose of healthy fat, to keep your family fueled and ready for whatever the day throws their way.
Serves 2
½ avocado, pitted
2 cups pineapple, chunks
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup coconut milk, from carton
4 Tbsp. lime juice
What you need to do:
Prep Your Ingredients:
Place all the ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Well my little, it is here. Five years of elementary school have literally flown by for you. In true Callen fashion, you came barreling in and have lived every moment to its fullest. It has been a joy to watch you soak in the last few weeks and all the final events. Your smile (well what I could see through my tears) was absolutely infectious yesterday as you walked through all the parent’s cheering your class on.
It would be a lie to say that the last few years have been a breeze. “School” has not come easy and the terrible timing of e-learning in some of those foundational years has left a profound mark. We have had to learn how to advocate for you and learn how to teach you from a different perspective. This has taken a village, hours of research, trying new things and a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but we are beyond proud of how much you have grown.
I went into your fourth grade year with some definite hesitations. Would having such a good friend as a teacher work? Would there be any effect on our friendship? Do you know what? It may have been your biggest blessing ever in your educational journey. You had an advocate that truly understood you, fought for you and even better yet got to laugh with you and celebrate every growth moment you had. If I were to look back on anything this year, I can say without a doubt, God’s plan was far greater than my mom fears. For this I am incredibly grateful.
A few things we want you to know:
I know you don’t think you are ready for middle school, but you are far more ready than you give yourself credit for.
You have two big brothers who have blazed a trail before you, use it, learn from it, but continue to blaze your own.
You may not fit the “school” box perfectly. That is okay. The world needs more people like you.
Not everybody needs to get from point A to point B in a straight line. Trust me, your mom knows this all too well. Straight lines are boring.
Your brain is special. You have a gift of creativity that few have anymore.
Your fire and passion can be a blessing or a curse. Learn how to harness it, to know when to fight with fire full on and when to take a step back and wait. It can become one of your greatest strengths.
You have an infectious smile and a special gift of friendship, hold tightly to that gift. Don’t let anyone steal this.
It is okay to be frustrated, because growth is painful. It isn’t supposed to be easy and you are enough.
“You do not just wake up and become the butterfly. Growth is a process.”
Rupi Kaur
Your dad and I are beyond proud of you and your journey. While I may have shed some tears at your 4th grade ceremony, I am truly excited for what middle school has in store for you. Let your creative brain shine.
So today on your last day of school, as our family officially exits the safe elementary bubble, give a few of your notorious Callen “Tank” hugs to each of those impactful teachers and flash that smile as you bravely walk out the doors one last time.
It seems like just yesterday that I was writing a letter to your older brother and I am still having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that it is your turn. Facebook popped up memories of your Kindergarten graduation and I about became a puddle. I still remember that day vividly. You, our shy introvert, had a speaking part in the program and we were so excited to see you shine. Those pictures will forever make me smile when I see them.
“The smiles would grow on our face, when we tackled something new. You could watch our sparkling eyes light up and our teacher’s eyes glisten too.”
– Parker & Kate – TCE Kindergarten Graduation
When I wrote a letter to your big brother, everything felt more uncertain, more unknown. It doesn’t feel that way now, we have been down this road already, but it doesn’t make this day any less monumental for you. While the next steps seem less scary, I have to remind myself that your little mind and heart are still processing a lot of change.
Your “clap out” is happening today. A tradition that I am glad the school hung on to, despite all the weirdness of this year. I have a strong feeling that there will be some tears brewing behind those eyes, but I doubt you will let them show. You present as strong and steady, but I have seen some of the impact of the microfractures of this year (or better coined “emotional concussions”). There were the quiet disappointments of all the activities that never took place. I know you knew you were missing them, because you saw your big brother get to experience them, but despite the fact you still found joy in every day. Keep finding that joy.
A baseball batting coach called you “smiles” instead of Parker and it stuck. In a year where the world tried to hide kids’ identities… you held firmly to that smile and flashed it whenever and wherever you could. You have now idea how much such a simple act like that can change someone’s day, but that quality makes us proud.
A few things that we want you to know:
Middle school is not unknown, it is not even scary, it is actually a lot of fun.
Leaving the safe nest of your elementary bubble is not unknown either, we have navigated it now and you have a big brother there to help.
You are ready.
You are actually more than ready.
You will rock middle school.
You have had an amazing group of teachers over the past few years and especially a team that fought hard for you when the world went nuts. The amount of time and effort poured into you and your class is a priceless experience in all the chaos. Your dad and I are beyond grateful for that.
You have a core group of friends that are LIFE GIVING. Don’t ever take that for granted. I pray you realize how special they are.
Your core group of friends are also full of far too creative minds, this will get you into some trouble. Be a leader, when you make a bad choice, own it. Learning from your mistakes, can be the best life teacher.
You found strength in responsibility and learned quickly that prioritizing your time and working efficiently were always worth it.
You didn’t complain about the missed events. You rolled with the punches and I am sure you are more resilient now. I hate that you had to become more resilient, but like we always say, you can’t control what happens around you, but you can be responsible for your response. Your character is what matters.
Remember that it is okay to show cracks, to be vulnerable. It’s what you do with the cracks, how you handle your attitude that matters.
You had a lot of “life” conversations this year. We talked a lot about leading and not being a follower. Never be afraid to ask questions even if it goes against the majority, keep asking, keep seeking truth. Remember, it is okay to be uncomfortable.
The important thing is to never stop questioning.
– Albert Einstein
I pray you learn how to understand yourself better and that you know when you need to unplug and recharge. Being an introvert is not a bad quality, even if it feels like it, since most of your friends are extroverts.
Parker Tomás, you are my gritty child. The one that will alway give 110% and then gives a little more. This quality will serve you well as you move on to your next adventure. Don’t ever lose that fight. That is a defining quality that makes you you.
Your dad and I couldn’t be more proud of you. Your kind heart is a special gift. Guard it wisely.
So today on your last day of elementary school, remember your kindergarten lines, fire up that smile and remember it’s okay if those eyes are glistening because your mom’s eyes are glistening too.
How are we already here? It seems just like yesterday, that you were climbing on the bus as a chubby, smiling 5 year old, barely looking back because you were so excited about the opportunity in front of you. I know, I know every mom ahead of me always says, “don’t blink” or “enjoy the moment, it goes so fast”, but today, this momma feels like she blinked.
Today, in just a few hours, you will have your “clap out” at school. I wonder if you will smile and give high fives to all the little ones cheering you on or if behind your brave demeanor there will be tears brewing as you anticipate the changes ahead?
Are you excited? Are you scared? Did we help you enough? Did we help you to much? And more importantly, did we let you fail enough? I saw you describe with big eyes, just how big the 8th graders looked when you visited your new school, but then in the same breath, you told me not to worry because you got this.
All of these questions are swirling through my head, but there are a few things I do know.
I know you are ready.
I know that you have had a team of some of the most gifted teacher’s I have ever met. They poured countless hours into both your education and your character. Your teachers over your elementary years were a very special group, the type I wish every kid had a chance to experience.
I know you have an innate ability to lead, but leading isn’t always fun.
I know you have always believed you could do or be anything you want.
I know you are extremely confident, but sometimes you hide your cracks.
I know you will love the new freedom and how classes evolve.
I know that you love to be challenged and are excited for what lies ahead (especially in math).
I know that you will love that your world is getting bigger.
I know that the way earlier start time is going to be a jolt to all our realities and I don’t see it starting off well.
But B. Bug, (and yes, I will continue to call you Bug) what this momma wants you to know on your last day of elementary school is that you are insanely loved. That both your dad and I are extremely proud of you and who you are becoming.
We also want you to know that it is okay to fail. It is okay to have cracks and that sometimes vulnerability is just as powerful as confidence.
We know that you will have some growing pains and friend transitions and that the world is not always kind, but remember you can not always control your circumstances, but you can control how you respond. Sports have taught you this well, but continue to remember that you are responsible not only for your actions, but for your attitude as well.
We want you to know that it is exactly the same in sports as it is in school or really anywhere in life. We have never cared if you win or lose, but that you gave it your all. As your dad likes to say, “It’s attitude and effort.”
We want you to know that you see injustice and as you grow you will see more battles to fight, but pick the ones that matter the most in the big picture and don’t waste energy on the ones that don’t (your mother is still learning this).
So, to my first born son on your last day of elementary school, we saw some cracks this week. Those little moments when fear or emotions overtook, but please enjoy every moment of this next phase, because as this mom knows it goes to fast.
I was asked a few weeks ago about my kitchen. Specifically, what tools could I not live without? And what would my dream kitchen look like?
I actually love my kitchen. It’s an open concept and I don’t feel like I am stuck in a room away from people while I am cooking. When we built our house, we specifically choose this because we knew it would be a gathering place. It never fails when we have friends over, people will just gather around the island talking and snacking on food. I absolutely love that!
But what would I change? Well, I am pretty sure I saw my dream kitchen the other day…but seeing as that isn’t anywhere in the near future, I would actually only make one small change. I would rip out the microwave above our cooktop. I don’t like my microwave and rarely use it, but even more so is that it is obnoxiously huge. I would love a range hood that opens up my cooking area (especially when I am canning and always bumping stuff into the microwave.) I love this hood in the image below!
In my ultimate dream kitchen my cook top would have twice as many burners and even more counter space with a larger island, but I would be more than happy to simply just replace my microwave with a fun range hood. I am pretty sure this range from BlueStar Cooking is my ultimate dream one.
As for the question, what items do we use every day? My first thought goes immediately to my Vitamix and my Le Creuset cookware. Both of these were purchased in times of our lives when we were tighter on cash and they were big splurges. Our Vitamix is over 5 years old and has lived a really good life…literally it is used multiple times a day in our house. I remember when I was trying to convince my husband of why we “needed” one and his response was “isn’t it just a blender?” I borrowed a neighbor’s and had my husband make hummus and from that point on he was convinced.
As for my cookware, when we started purging all Teflon and aluminum pans, I slowly began collecting pieces of Le Creuset. For Christmas one year, my husband found a collector who was selling her entire lot… they are over 25 years old and are in incredible condition. So I went from a few prized pieces to my entire kitchen be stocked for an incredible deal. I love them and they are also used every single day in my kitchen.
But, what is used the most and could I absolutely not live without? My answer is sort of a random item. Not in the least bit expensive or hard to find, but we use them everyday and for multiple things. I could not live without the simple Mason jar.
We ferment in them. We store all our pantry items in them. They are our drink glasses. We can fresh produce in the summers in them. When I am prepping meals early in the day, my chopped veggies always get stored in them. I literally have mason jars in every area of my kitchen. Such a simple item, but wow, our kitchen would not run smoothly without them.
Hi, I am Jennifer and I am a Functional Medicine Health Coach that is passionate about helping busy moms simplify their family & athletes’ health through clean eating & meal prep
