Fig & Walnut Bread (Grain & Gluten-free)

One thing about not eating grains and gluten is you miss out on a lot of baked goods, which at the end of the day is a very good thing for your gut. That said, we all deserve treating ourselves and who doesn't like bread? Although bread has been infrequent in my diet for the last several years, occasionally I'll get the craving for a nice nutty piece slathered in butter. Luckily, there are ways to make it happen--guilt and tummy ache-free. Almond and coconut flour are commonly used in baking grain-free/paleo recipes, and I can attest that they do the trick. I've experimented with several recipes over the last couple of years and was pleasantly surprised (and pleased) for having an alternative way to make treats like bread and baked goodies. Now make no mistake, nut flours are high in omega- 6 fat which can cause inflammation and other health issues when consumed in excess. Not to forget they also contain anti-nutrient phytic acid, which I spoke about in a previous post on soaking. So although it's a healthier option for replacing bready items we love, it does not mean consume twice as much or twice as often. Got it? Nuts, nut flours and nut butters should all be consumed in MODERATION. Remember that and you will have a better shot at maintaining a balanced Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio in addition to a healthier gut. Take a look at Diane Sans Filipo's For the Love of Almonds post for the rundown.

All that said, you will be seeing recipes that contain almond and coconut flour from me occasionally, especially for treats and sweet stuff. If you have digestive disorders or auto-immune disorders, you'll want to be mindful of your intake.

This hearty bread is dense and slightly sweet with just the right amount of crunch and chewiness from the figs and walnuts. I love it in the morning for breakfast with eggs and sauerkraut. Try making it this weekend for Easter and don't mention that it is gluten and grain-free, I'm sure you will surprise many! Hope you enjoy.

P.S. Don't forget the butter. 

 Ingredients:
1 1/2  cups almond flour
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup flaxseed meal
1/2 cup chopped dried figs, 10-12 whole dried figs
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup butter, melted
5 eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 Tablespoons honey, melted
2 Tablespoons coconut oil, melted
pinch of salt

Instructions:
1. Mix dry flour ingredients (almond/coconut/flaxseed flour, baking soda, salt) in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add eggs, melted honey, butter and coconut oil to the mix while stirring.
3. Sprinkle in chopped walnuts and dried figs, and stir thoroughly.
4. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan. I use this one from Le Creuset.
5. Bake at 150C/300F for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of loaf comes out clean. * I'm using a small convection oven so you time can vary.
6. Cool and serve with a generous dab of butter!