A tastier way to not die...

I recently obtained a copy of Grace Cheetham's "Simply Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free" cookbook.  As I do with all cookbooks, I immediately flipped through the pages to look at the pictures.  The first thing I notice, besides the decadent looking cake on the first page, are the symbols next to every recipe.  The symbols tell you what recipes are gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, dairy-free, egg-free, yeast-free, seed-free or vegetarian.  Many of the recipes have a lot if not all of those symbols of them, which surprised me since they look so delicious!

About a month ago I developed unexplained hives.  We thought it may be gluten, so I stopped eating gluten and the hives lessened but did not go away completely.  Now I am on a gluten-free and dairy-free diet since we are trying to rule out dairy as well.  This book is really helping to mix up my diet a bit!  What a frustrating way to live without books like this one to help.

The introduction of this book in itself was extremely helpful.  It talks about different types of foods that you can use as alternatives to what you're used to...such as almonds instead of flour or milk.  I know, it sounds crazy, but I'm hooked on almond milk now!  It's amazing in gluten-free rice chex cereal when just want a quick bowl and works amazingly in recipes without anyone being the wiser.

As in all cookbooks, there are some recipes that I will probably avoid forever because of their ingredients or  because they look too hard to accomplish, or simply because the food doesn't appeal to me, but this weekend I'd love to try making a gluten-free, dairy-free dessert for Mother's Day so we can all eat it...even me!  This is the book I'll turn too.

I cook with BEER!

I recently obtained "The American Craft Beer Cookbook: 150 Recipes from Your Favorite Brewpubs and Breweries" by John Holl.  My boyfriend and I are big fans of microbrews and I recently discovered cooking with beer.  Okay, so I have one crock pot recipe where I throw some stout in a stew, but it's pretty amazing.  

Either way, I was excited to combine my love of food and my boyfriend's love of beer and my love of trying new recipes with this book!  

First thing, the introduction makes me want to go out to dinner with the author.  I refuse to give anything away, but trust me on this one...he gave a few suggestions on food and beer pairings and I have drank enough beers and eaten enough food to know...or guess...the combos sound yummy!  Although, I'm not a fan of IPA, but I bet it goes well with Thai food.  That's all I'll say.

Beer for breakfast?  BUT OF COURSE!  It isn't just for hungover college kids anymore.  There are actually coffee stouts that I may or may not have had at breakfast time...and I know of a bacon beer that may have been consumed by a friend of mine at breakfast a time or two.  It's very in, and highly recommended...especially for the sake of the first section of this yummy book!  A whole breakfast section.  

There are sandwiches and dinners, desserts and slow cooker recipes (my favorites).  Some are complicated and some are so simple it seems too simple.  Some even have suggested beer pairings on the page.  Throughout the book there are little facts and stories about beer around the country.  Go through and read the whole thing at once or wait until you get to that recipe and read that page then, it's up to you.  No matter how you decide to use this book, every beer lover must own it!

Don't Diet, Eat Right!

I recently read Lowri Turner's "The S Factor Diet: The Happiest Way to Lose Weight - Drop a Dress Size in 2 Weeks"...which just might be true had I actually tried the diet part of the book.  Okay, Okay, I KNOW!  It's not a 'diet', it is a lifestyle change, I get it.  But, in all honesty, what working parent has time to spend 30 minutes (and that's the least amount of time) preparing every meal?  Some of the ingredients that go into these meals are difficult to find if you aren't used to looking for fresh ingredients.  If you aren't the best cook, you may also find this diet difficult to follow since everything you will eat for the rest of you life is in this book if you want to stay fit and thin.

With all of that being said, if you are a good cook, with time, and like to discover new and interesting recipes, but need to lose weight...this just may be the diet for you.  It promises quick results while teaching you why you are gaining weight after you answer a few questions about your weight gain and personality.  The author explains the science behind it all, but in terms we understand.  The author also struggled with her weight and now runs weight loss clinics, so she understands what a struggle it really is.

So, there it is.  Not for me, but probably for someone.  If you try the diet, I'd love to know how it went...and I'd LOVE to try the Lamb shanks if anyone makes them.