So, awhile ago, I was contacted by the publicist for the Gluten Free Every Day Cookbook, offering to send me one to try out. Who, me? Yeah, it kind of caught me off guard (in a good way though). When I received the copy a couple of weeks later, I read through the book very quickly. Although its not my new go-to cookbook, it does have some great recipes =D.
I found the book to be different from all of my other cookbooks, and I couldn't quite figure out why for the first while. Then, I realized that there wasn't a breakfast section of the cookbook. Not that thats a bad thing, but it initially struck me as odd. Typically, the pancakes and other breakfast foods are where I look first, then to the desserts, of course =D.
The other issue I had with this book is that so many of the recipes call for prepackaged ingredients. It's not that I have anything against using mixes and whatnot, in fact, I enjoy using them and the ease they allow. My issue is when the mixes aren't available, or are expensive. Some of the recipes I was most excited to try required a flour mix that I had never heard of and cannot get in Canada, and it appears only to be available in select locations across the states. Yes, you can order online, but that tends to balloon the price. It is only a flour mix...
Lastly, a lot of the portions are very large. Like 4 dozen cookies or a 9 by 13 inch cake. Once again, this isn't a bad thing, but it makes it harder to eat the sweets in moderation, when making it only for a small number of people.
With that said, the first and last sections of the book were incredibly informative, especially for those new with the diet. In the basics section, the author explains all of the well, basics of gluten free living. From types of flours and starches, to other great information on kitchen equipment and basic skills. The final chapter is his perspective on eating out, from college food to restaurant dining.
I'll let the food tell the rest of the story.
Although I've been dragging my heels about posting this, and the summer flew by fairly quickly, I have tried a handful of the recipes.
The first recipe I made was the Blueberry Coffee Cake. It was good, but a bit too sugary for my tastes (especially breakfast).
The second thing I made was the Cornmeal Encrusted Catfish (I used Cod). These are delicious. Reminiscent of fish sticks, but worlds better.
Next, for a dinner party, I made these two pies. Above is the Blastberry Pie, and all I can say is yum. It is absolutely delicious.
The second pie was this Key Lime pie, which is also delicious. The friends we had over that night asked for the recipe =D.
Obviously, there are many more recipes in the book, but from what I've tried, it seems to be a pretty good one. In my mind, many of the dishes are traditional American, and I know many people will enjoy the recipes it has to offer =D.
Have a great day,
xoxo
Lauren
[Full Disclosure: The publishers of this cookbook sent it to me to try out, with no obligation involved. They hoped that I would review it here, and I gave you my honest opinion about this book.]
[Full Disclosure: The publishers of this cookbook sent it to me to try out, with no obligation involved. They hoped that I would review it here, and I gave you my honest opinion about this book.]
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12 comments:
Thank you SO much for your thorough, honest cookbook review - I appreciate it when people point out the good AND the "not so good" ;)
Glad that it's a good pick overall - I'll be on the lookout for it in stores.
-Great coobook review, Lauren. As VG mentioned above, there are many who can't bring themselves to be honest and say something sucks. I'll be reviewing a cookbook soon, and trust me..like you, if I don't like it, it's going to be known! lol That said, your photos of some of the cookbook recipes are gorgeous and mouth watering!
Finally, I totally did enjoy being able to see history being made. Now, if the Yanks can win a WS this year, I'd be golden! :)
The tarts look great. No surprises here, but I always look at the dessert section of any book first :)
Thanks for the review of the book. My husband has celiac so good recipes are important. I have become good at substituting.
I hope that you are not finding this difficult to deal with. I imagine it is harder for a teen than for those a decade or more older than you. I give you credit. It is quite an adjustment but I am joining hubby eating basically gluten free and I like the food.
those pies look amazing!
Hey, it's very cool that you were asked to do this! Your review is very thorough and relevant. That fish looks awfully tempting!
Thanks for the great review, Lauren! I appreciate your thoroughness and honesty, too. I also received this cookbook, but haven't reviewed it yet. Like you, I'm not for special mixes at all. (Sort of against my whole gfe policy.) The recipes you made look fantastic though (the fish is very appealing) and I'm glad you found some good ones!
One thought on the larger amounts, don't forget that you can adapt recipes for smaller baking dishes. I often take the ones for a 9 x 13 pan and cut them down to fit an 8 x 8 pan and halving cookie recipes is pretty easy, too.
Shirley
Well, how cool that they contacted you to review it! And it's great that you were able to try so many of the recipes and share your thoughts in the review.
Wow those pies look fantastic! I agree I like to make cookies in smaller portions-it's too easy to eat them all in one go sometimes! Silly question but is Blastberry a new type of berry or just the name of the pie? :)
Lorraine - The Blastberry is just the name. It has blueberries and raspberries, so they combined the names =D.
Lucky you - receiving a book! It's always good to find tasty gluten-free recipes.
I understand what you mean about the coffee cake being too sugary, but it looks delicious. It's probably more like a dessert. The berry pie looks heavenly. I have the cookbook and will have to try out some of these recipes.
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