Customer Reviews

The Flax Cookbook: Recipes and Strategies for Getting the Most from the Most Powerful Plant on the Planet

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

First, there's some really good information on flaxseeds in this book and that's why I'm giving it four stars. Some of the muffin recipes sound good to me, but that's about it for the cookbook portion. Pancake syrup and light corn syrup are common ingredients used in baked goods. Most of the smoothie recipes call for ice cream or frozen yogurt (sounds like a milk shake to me). As for the rest of the recipes - just add 1/4 cup ground flaxseed to whatever you cook.

I was given this book as a gift and recently started going through it, reading all the information and tips and making some of the recipes and I had to write in to tell everyone about it.

I don't know what I valued more--the scientific information on flaxseed in the beginning, the 101 practical tips on how to buy, store, grind, and use flax, or all the recipes!

After doing a search on amazon I realized this is the only cookbook that features GROUND flax and not flax oil (which Ms. Magee points out only gives you the omega-3s from ground flax but not the several other powerful components that you get with ground flax.

I plan on giving this book to several friends for the holidays along with a nice bag of ground flax to get them going.

I've been a vegetarian for over 20 years, organic grains, fruits and vegetables are a priority. The recipes in this book include the following items: canned fruit in syrup, JIF peanut butter, Rice Krispies, caramel topping, white flour, white sugar, chocolate chips, raspberry preserves, sweetened condensed milk, frozen white bread dough, not to even mention the chicken, bacon, and other meats. Does Elaine Magee think that by adding 1/3 cup of ground flaxseed she can "undo" all the junk???

I would rate is "minus 10 star", if that option were available. (of course, no one remembers subjunctive mode anymore)

Flaxseed has a pleasant flavor and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber, and lignans. From Caramel Apple Muffins; 7-Layer Mexican Ben Dip; and Pesto Pasta Salad; to Stuffed Red Bell Peppers; Challah Bread Braid; and Pizza Sticks, The Flax Cookbook showcases a diverse collection of easy-to-prepare recipes, as well as the history and probperities of flax --including the latest scientific findins on its health benefits.

If you're looking for extremely healthy conscious recipes, this isn't the book you want. Most recipes are pretty standard fare, with, as one reviewer noted, "1/4 cup ground flax added". There is a LOT of info on flax health facts and general flax "how to's", including suggestions for how to incorporate flax into your favorite recipes.

For those who are looking for recipes that the "average" American family will actually eat that have a little extra nutrition, this will probably work for you. Personally, I prefer the baked or raw recipes because I found that in sauces the flax adds a slight slimy texture. There are recipes for muffins and other breakfast items, smoothies, bread, power bars, appetizers, entrees and desserts. Ingredients are simple and easy to obtain, directions are easy to follow, nutrition facts are clearly documented. Recipes could be healthier, but the book is still useful.

The 50 pages of text about flax at the beginning of the book is very informative. She provides a lot of research findings on the benefits of flax, the nutrients it provides, and buying/storing tips.
The recipes, however, are HORRENDOUS. They call for unwholesome ingredients such as chocolate syrup, ice cream, cake mix, pancake syrup, Rice Krispies, white flour, white sugar, and canned fruit in syrup, just to name a few. I don't see how eating such a healthy supplement like flax can make you think you can consume such unwholesome junk like the ingredients she uses.
There is a picture of her on the back cover, and you can see that she is overweight. So much for writing about health and diabetes cookbooks!

I loved this book for the great information about flax and the way it is presented, in an easy to understand manner. I don't usually like books like this but I read it from cover to cover. I have also made many of the recipes and they are easy to follow plus each recipe has Weight Watchers points per serving which is an added bonus!

My husband have been enjoying the recipes in this book, particularly the smoothies!! We feel so good after starting the day with a fresh fruit & flax smoothie! We're sending Mom one today. Enjoy!

The author summarized the research on flax at a time when there was little available about the value or use of ground flax in cooking. I give her credit for that accomplishment. The first 55 pages are still an excellent overview for new users and very easy-to read.

I would have rated the book higher, except for these two elements. As others have mentioned, the author used refined white flour and forms of sugar in many recipes. Seven years after publication, many of us are looking for recipes that not only add flax but eliminate or reduce white flour and sugar.

In addition, she dismissed the idea, without testing, that flax could serve as a substitution for oil in a recipe.(See #38, p.46.) I've been able to upgrade the quality of favorite recipes by replacing oil, eggs, or some flour with flax. See the Flax Council of Canada for substitution suggestions ([...]).

Was HOPEFUL until I got to the smoothie recipes; they are full of added sugar. Looking closer I saw more refined grains - and all in all thought the recipes came across as using flax is an EXCUSE TO USE SUGAR AND REFINED FLOUR. I would like to challenge Elaine to re-write this and include more whole grains, less added sugars, and be more creative in her smoothie and power bar recipes - they don't all have to contain sorbet, ice milk, ice cream or frozen yogurt or candy to taste good and more protein would make them more balanced as a "meal replacement" as we tend to use them for in our fast paced lives. Maybe more is known today than in 2004 in this area and I hope she is ready to do an update!!