Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I bought this book after my son was found to be sensitive to wheat, dairy, egg and peanuts. I thought it would be perfect for us. But it turns out that it's just another cookbook sitting on my shelf unused.
For a beginner cook this book would probably be a huge blessing, but it didn't do much for me.
For one thing, I like to bake. And I mean REALLY bake - not just pour oil and eggs on top of a box cake mix. I was disappointed that all but one of the dessert recipes started with a box mix (gluten-free, of course). I was looking for recipes that would help me make things from scratch and not have to pay big bucks for the box mixes.
The recipes I tried did turn out good, but they are definitely NOT economical. (Not that this book claims that the recipes are cost-effective, but I know it's something most people are concerned with.) I have since found that I CAN bake economically AND meet my son's restricted diet when I make my own baking mixes and make things from scratch.
The meal recipes are okay, but nothing that I don't make normally in the kitchen with few to no modifications: chili, jambalaya, spaghetti sauce, etc.
My advice to anyone looking for a gf/cf egg-free cookbook is to find a good recipe for baking mix (usually rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch & xantham gum), use flax seeds/water for your egg (or just a smashed banana if you're making something sweet!) and just tinker with your regular recipe until you get it right. It's really easier than you may think. I was overwhelmed (almost to the point of tears) when my son was first diagnosed, but I have come to find that it's really not that difficult to bake for him. Oh, and did I mention Teff flour?! It is expensive, but if you want a special treat, Teff cashew cookies are wonderful.
So, to sum it all up....this book would probably be good for a beginner cook or someone who usually doesn't cook but has now found they have to due to their or their family member's diet restrictions. But if you are an advanced cook this book will probably just collect dust on your shelf.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Grandma's Guide To Gluten Free Cooking: Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Peanut Free
My story begins about 4 years ago when my grandson, Brandon, was restricted to a diet free of gluten, wheat, eggs, dairy, and peanuts. I was totally bewildered. How could I possibly cook properly for him and his family? I only remember once that I wept in my kitchen pantry out of frustration, but many times I felt that inadequate. Brandon's mom gave me a couple of recipes, which I prepared on every visit. I also had a house rule that no one was allowed to eat forbidden foods in his presence. I felt that I was doing all that I could until one innocent remark changed my life. We were in a grocery store and Brandon took my hand, led me to a display, and said longingly, "Look, Nana, those are called muffins". It brought tears to my eyes, and I vowed to myself that I would learn to cook delicious foods - gluten, wheat, dairy, egg, and peanut free. It has been a journey of trial and error. I cannot tell you that I have successes every time, but imagination and persistence has paid off. I have felt led to write this book, and it is my wish that it will help your family as much as it has helped mine. Barbara Wells
