Thumbs Up for the Countertop Flour Mill

My #1 reason for investing in my home flour mill was to prevent waste. I had one cupboard full of an assortment of grains, and another cupboard full of various flours. I now have one cupboard with an assortment of grains-and many days of making and eating recipes with a rainbow of grains.  

Grinding your own flour encourages diversity of grains and nutrients. It increases freshness.  It saves money. (My home ground flour is cheaper than buying already ground). I've been able to purchase some local grown grains. I know the source of grains I buy. The bottom line is that I've had so much enjoyment learning and creating foods made with diverse grains.

 Ezekiel Flour (made with 4 grains and 4 beans)

Whole grains, like vegetables, present unique nutrient profiles. Why eat a variety? Just as spinach offers different nutrients than cauliflower, oats afford different nutrients than popcorn. Variety is good!

Care and Use of the Flour Mill

Before grinding grains, check for foreign objects and remove any stems. 

Small grains, like millet, mill quickly. Turn the grain feed rate to the left.

Large legumes mill slowly. Turn the grain feed rate to the right.

The separator cup collects the finest flour. It is usable. Empty each use.

 

Shake the flour that collects in the filter into the bowl.  Do not wash the filter.

Hand wash the bowl.

Before placing the lid onto the bowl, spray cooking spray on a paper towel, then lubricate the gasket using the paper towel.

Do not mill rolled or steel cut oats, seeds, nuts, coffee beans and spices.
(My mill actually came with a small countertop seed grinder)

Make sure the grains are dry.

Know the source of the grain. 

Make sure sprouted grains are thoroughly dry and that sprouts are small.

Rotate the grains and store in separate containers with lids.

 
Recipes for baking with the assortment of flours are everywhere.  When substituting, remember that gluten forms the structure in shaped breads. Gluten free flours work best in batter breads, muffins, cookies and pancakes.

My favorite source for recipes made with home ground flour mill is from Sue Becker. She lists appropriate substitutes for gluten free versions of many recipes.