X is for Xanthan Gum

Xanthan Gum (Photo credit: keira-anne ♥)

Oh how boring! Xanthan Gum??? What in the world is it and WHY would I chose to use it for my X word? First of all, how many words do you know that start with X? It is appropriate to use words "that sound like" for the challenge but I thought Xanthan Gum might just be a good X word:) The link above will take you to Wikipedia so you can learn everything about Xanthan Gum you ever wanted to know!

Most likely if you read the ingredients label on your salad dressing or ice cream you will find Xanthan Gum listed as one of the ingredients.

From Dairy-free Cooking Ashley Adams gave this definition:

Produced primarily from cellulose from corn or cabbage, xanthan gum functions similarly to gelatin in recipes with regards to stabilizing suspensions, but it is completely vegan and great for cooking and baking for persons with food allergies and restrictions, especially for those who are omitting dairy, eggs and soy from their diet.

I have have primarily used Xanthan Gum in Gluten Free baking. I have toyed with Gluten Free baking at different times because I believe it would probably be better for me but I hesitate to give in to it completely because it's a lot of work. It seems Gluten is in everything. 

Have you tried using Xanthan Gum in cooking or baking? What did you use it for? Had you heard of Xanthan Gum before today?

Only two more days of the A to Z Blogging Challenge! Woo Hoo! I'm actually going to make it!!!

Kat