In the introduction to Gluten Free and Easy, author Robyn Russell states, "Food should be a pleasure not an obsession, so I hope this book helps to dispel some of the anxiety associated with gluten-free cooking. This book is a compilation of my favorite recipes, none of them are difficult and none of them scream 'special diet.'" Russell herself has celiac disease. She initially struggled with special products and alternative diet cookbooks before finding her way to the real joy of eating. These are not your mother's hippy recipes that taste like cardboard, but exuberant and refreshing recipes that can be enjoyed by anyone. You don't have to be on a gluten-free diet to dig into Russell's creations.
Russell lists the pantry stock that makes cooking gluten-free easy and suggests a rice flour blend that she has finely honed to make life uncomplicated. She has baking tips that accompany using white rice flour (a staple), and has starred any product that may or may not be gluten-free so you can check the labels and make a judicious choice.
Each recipe is accompanied by exceptional photography by Elizabeth Ginn to guide the cook. All categories of food are included, starting with breakfast and brunch where you will find such recipes as Apple and Raspberry Quick Bread, or Pancakes with Blueberries. For soups, salads and snacks she has tempting recipes such as Quinoa Tabbouleh, Quinoa, Eggplant and Chickpea Salad,or Turkey Cobb Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette. For appetizers there are scrumptious Mini Quiches with Red Onion Marmalade, or Cheddar Shortbread or Thai Style Chicken Balls.
When the need for something substantial rolls around, Russell has recipes that range from an Asian accented Thai Beef Salad to a Italian flavored Pesto Lamb with Sweet Potato Salad, a Turkey, Green Bean, and Mushroom Stir-fry, or Grilled Tuna with White Bean Puree. Substantial, but satisfying, there is no hint of the dreaded 'special diet,' just rousing good food.
Baking often mean wheat flour, but Russell has mastered the art of delicious baking without wheat flour as well. She offers Almond Biscotti, Chocolate Madeleines, even a Chocolate and Coffee Layer Cake.
This is a wonderful book for anyone to enjoy. The added plus is that if you have a friend who eats gluten-free foods, you can entertain fearlessly while enjoying the meal yourself.
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