Complete Gluten-Free Diet & Nutrition Guide: With a 30-Day Meal Plan and Over 100 Recipes

Alexandra Anca, MHSc, RD with Theresa Santandrea-Cull
Robert Rose Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780778802525
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (11/10)

Most people, including myself, when first discovering that they are gluten intolerant go into a reaction thinking they no longer can eat the things they love.  Although this may be true to a point, there are many alternatives available.  Anca and Santandrea-Cull have created “Complete Gluten-Free Diet & Nutrition Guide” for people to easily transition from their previous eating habits to a new and healthier way to sustaining the body.

Just looking the cover itself proves that gluten intolerant people can eat brownies, and they are just as delicious as those made with wheat flour.  For the purpose of the review we are asked to test recipes and the first one I chose was “Chocolate Chip Brownies.”  I have to admit they looked exactly as on the cover.  And how did they taste?   Actually, they were no different than the wheat flour ones.  This recipe uses sorghum four and tapioca starch, as well as all the regular ingredients that go into a brownie recipe.  The only other addition that is different is 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.  The brownies were terrific and after eating one there was a desire for another one.  To me that’s giving a grade A+.

The second recipe I tested was “Chunky Blueberry Muffins.”  Using brown rice flour, sorghum flour, and potato starch made a great substitute giving the muffins a light texture.  Aside from a cup of blueberries this recipe called for a cup of chopped apples and 1/3 cup of walnuts.  The muffins were slightly sweet with the addition of 1/4 cup raw cane sugar and had a small zing of lemon from the zest.  We liked this batch and I know I will make them again.

I need to say that this book isn’t just a cookbook; in fact, only one section contains recipes.  The rest of the book addresses Celiac Disease, foods to avoid and those that are suspect, shopping, gluten-proofing the kitchen, substitutes and meal planning.  I found the meal planning of particular interest because it addressed the importance of a balanced meal which will give all the nutrients necessary to maintain a healthy body.

I believe “Complete Gluten-Free Diet & Nutrition Guide” is a good resource for those with Celiac Disease, however, I feel those with gluten indolence will also find the book of much benefit.  It is not easy to change eating habits once diagnosed with either Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance but with detailed information and the knowing that there are substitution for gluten products that are just as tasty as those with gluten makes it much easier.  I highly recommend this book; it will help you beat those gluten-product cravings.

 

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