Customer Reviews

The Gloriously Gluten-Free Cookbook: Spicing Up Life with Italian, Asian, and Mexican Recipes

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a recent graduate from culinary school, it's obvious from reading through these recipes that they were written by a classically trained professional chef. Vanessa's creativity and ability to put a unique spin on flavors from across the world beautifully exemplifies her true understanding of varied cooking techniques. Gluten-free or not, these recipes are solid house-hold staples that will always keep your meals delicious and interesting!

Living gluten free can be a bit of a challenge; it's not always easy to find ways to work around the seemingly omni-present gluten component of western diet, thus when this cookbook was finally purchased by my local library, I was elated to get a chance to look through it, given the numerous five star reviews on Amazon.

I have to say I was thoroughly disappointed; most of the recipes are pretty basic (i.e. there are numerous pasta recipes that simply call for the replacement of wheat pasta with gluten free...I don't think most seasoned Celiac sufferers require that instruction note) and quite bland; I had to make several adjustments and add in different spices to create something that I would enjoy. Also surprising (as well as disappointing) is the fact that many of the recipes in this cookbook include seafood and soy, which truly surprised me, as many Celiac sufferers have other food allergies (such as peanuts, seafood, soy etc.). The author seemingly acknowledges the need to offer alternatives to her dairy ingredients (there are numerous "dairy-free" recipe notes in the book), so given the awareness of the need for dairy-free alternatives, I'm surprised she wasn't as careful with the seafood/soy ingredients.

The one bright spot about this cookbook I found was the information at the beginning of the cookbook regarding Celiac disease, testing, and information on various non-wheat flours. The information seems well researched and is presented in a way that is accessible for the average reader.

Overall, if you've been living a gluten-free diet for quite sometime, move on to something else: there are other gluten-free cookbooks out there that will provide you with far more interesting and in-depth recipes (I own a few of them). But if you're just starting out in the sometimes very frustrating world of gluten-free cooking, this book may prove to be a good basic reference.

This is by far the best gluten-free cookbook I've ever seen. This book makes you realize that there are no boundaries with gluten-free cooking. Asian, Mexican and Italian food has never tasted so good! I've tried several of these recipes, and would never have realized they don't contain gluten.

All the recipes are amazing, but some of my favorites include the Vietnamese spring rolls, Grilled Salmon and Green Curry Risotto, Fried Eggplant with Garlic-Ginger Sauce and Jasmine Rice, the pizza crust, calzones, any of the risottos, Mango Avocado Ceviche, Watermelon and Halloumi Cheese Salad, Enchiladas, Empanadas, Mango Quesadillas, Tequila Shrimp, Red Snapper with Peach Salsa and Quinoa, and any of the desserts!

The recipes are for all skill levels. Some are geared more toward beginners while there are still plenty for the seasoned home cook. But all the recipes are straight forward and simple to follow.

Vanessa's blurbs about each recipe add a personal, fun twist to this book. There's also a great informative section detailing Celiac disease and the basics to gluten-free cooking.

A+++++++!!!!

This cookbook is hands down my favorite and I pretty much own/have cooked from most of the gluten free cookbooks on the market. Every recipe that I have tried has gotten rave reviews from my family. This cookbook needs to be on everyones shelf...not just people that have to cook and eat gluten free.

Vanessa Maltin inherited the DNA for Celiac Disease (CD) from her Mom. Then her best friend was diagnosed with Celiac after nearly losing her life. CD is much more than a never-ending digestive upset. However, once you have the diagnosis life is much simpler. There are no drugs - you just change your eating habits to eat gluten-free food and hopefully, healthier food.

Vanessa was inspired to develop a variety of interesting, tasty meals and treats that everyone will enjoy and in the process became a skilled gluten-free chef.

This cookbook is her second and goes beyond the basic gluten-free kitchen to incorporate recipes from Italian, Asian, and Mexican cuisine. The last section is devoted to gluten-free desserts.

There are no `food porn' pictures but a reading of the ingredients can make you drool. Please be aware that nearly all the Italian recipes and many of the Mexican recipes use dairy products and that is very good if you are so fortunate as to have that on your `yes' list. Many of the desserts also use dairy products. If you really love Asian food then that section may be worth the price of the book. Most Asian food is naturally vegan which eliminates the all-too-common allergy triggers of eggs and dairy.

If your focus is only on the gluten then these recipes are a cut above ordinary gluten-free. However, if you have multiple food sensitivities and/or allergies then you most likely need a different cookbook.

I was recently diagnosed gluten-free and immediately purchased four cookbooks. This is, by far, my favorite of the four. The dishes are simple, but elegant, and they taste delicious. The portabello risotto with goat cheese cream has become a staple in my house. I highly recommend this cookbook to gluten-free and gluten eaters alike. It would make an excellent gift for any family members who have recently been diagnosed or family members of the recenlty diagnosed.

This book helped me alot.

untill this book arrived, i had only a few ideas of gluten-free meals.

every time i made a gluten free meal, y friends and family wont eat it..

now, they don't even know its gluten free.. you just can't tell!

when is her next book due???

Great Collection of Recipes! I have a few friends with food allergies and these recipes are delicious and you can not tell the difference at all! Recipes are easy to follow and come out extremely tasty. I would serve this dishes to my friends regardless of any food allergies. Would recommend to anyone and everyone!

It's nice to have a recipe book that is totally gluten free, and features spicy flavorful food. Many of the recipes involve breading, frying or sauces that are normally difficult to make gluten free without guidance. She does not shy away from spices, but uses common ingredients and straight forward instructions.

I couldn't even tell the difference! You wouldn't know these are gluten free dishes from the taste.