4 out of 5 stars.
I would like to thank Megan Stevens for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
As those who have read some of my other blogs and book reviews will know, I am one of THOSE foodies who is into grain, dairy and refined sugar free making and baking for health reasons. So I do love it when I come across a cook book that is suited to my diet as the author has similar problems.
Loved this book. I’ve been saying that a lot lately, so I must be choosing some pretty amazing works of late. 😉
Okay, so yeah, I didn’t love ALL of this book as we’re not a family who uses Stevia and so I would need to do some fiddling to figure out some of the recipes. My husband is one of those rare people who finds it tastes bitter, not sweet. And it gives me and one of our kids really bad headaches. And this is straight, natural Stevia I’m talking about (green powder/ dried actual Stevia plant). Not one blended with artificial sweeteners. BUT! I will have to say the fault is totally with the reader and not the author or the book! I’m a big girl; I can work around the Stevia issues. And not all the recipes are sweetened with Stevia so it’s really no biggie at all.
Oh, but I can’t see myself trying cricket powder. Sorry, I know all the logical benefits to using such a product… I’ve just decided not to be an insectivore. 😉 My problem again, not the authors. Though I will give her huge thumbs up for even using it and mentioning it as it really is a logical food product we should be focussing on.
Other than those extremely small hiccups, this is a fantastic book. Some recipes are similar to ones I already know and make from similar genre cook books, some are totally new to me and I just wish I had the time to race about the kitchen trying them.
I also really enjoyed the ‘dairy’ and then ‘dairy free’ options for recipes. And, after the recipes the ‘Foods NOT to eat (and why)’ was worth the read (though most of it I already knew). Both it and the glossary were a terrific addition to help those new to this sort of diet. They explain things in easy to understand words and, to me, are essential parts of any cook book of this genre.
Actually, looking back over it, all the appendix are a good source of information to those starting out on this sort of diet. They are a really good helping hand that covers more than just the essentials. Well done.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes I would. And not just those who are already following this sort of diet, but to those who don’t… as they’re really going to benefit swapping to healthier baking. I do love how the Ms Stevens states this isn’t a book to encourage you to bake more, simply that if you want to bake, these are far healthier options. I couldn’t agree more, and why I would recommend this book.
Would I buy this book for myself? So very tempted… oh, who am I kidding, if I saw it in the shop yes I WOULD buy it! But I’m very tactile with my cook book buying and only ever buy the paper format and usually only after I’ve had a thumb through it to see if I connect with it. I’ve connect with the electronic copy of ‘Eat Beautiful’ so I don’t doubt I’d connect to the paper version too.
In summary: If you’re looking for some good, grain and refined sugar free baking ideas, this book is for you. I won’t say it’s all plain and simple work as there is a little bit of fiddling involved. But if you’re already someone who follows this sort of diet, it won’t be any different to what you already do. If you’re new to this sort of diet, trust me – the fiddly bits are worth it as the quality of food and health benefits you get in return is amazing.
Until next time,
Janis. XXOO
Janis's Journal 