Most Helpful Customer Reviews
105 of 107 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very thorough, well-researched and thoughtful book, June 3, 2006
This review is from: The Whole Foods Allergy Cookbook: Two Hundred Gourmet & Homestyle Recipes for the Food Allergic Family (Paperback)
This cookbook was a very helpful addition to my library. I have tried 7 recipes so far and my husband and kids loved them all. I can't believe it! My 11-year-old has multiple food allergies and my 5-year-old's allergist suggested that we try to go organic because of some ADHD-type issues (possible allergies to food additives, pesticides or preservatives?) and this seems to be a perfect resource.
I like the juxtaposition of simple recipes for meat and potatoes types like my husband (meatloaf, swedish meatballs, coleslaw, chocolate cake, apple and cherry pie, mashed potatoes, cream soups, soft pretzels, shepherd's pie, chili, pot pie, banana bread, cornbread) with the more sophisticated recipes for things like osso bucco, chicken marsala, pomegranite glazed rock cornish game hens, curried lamb, and vietnamese summer rolls.
You get an authentic feeling when the author writes about her italian dishes. She often gives familial/personal anecdotes which are fun to read. I wish my food heritage was so rich!
As for some of the negative comments I've seen here, I'm surprized. Substitutes are always offered for people with severe wheat allergies. She has a section where she talks about mixing types of flour (specifically as an alternative to spelt) to get optimal results and she offers another book as a resource. In the beer-batter chicken nugget recipe, she suggests a specific brand of wheat-free beer (and, by the way, the alcohol cooks out). I agree about the chopped livers, sorry...but there are 199 other recipes I'll try. She has included a great pantry list.
I found spectrum oils at my local health food store. The author also included a resource section and the website for spectrum oils is there. To the person who couldn't find Spectrum, maybe ask Spectrum directly where your closest source may be?
It's so frustrating when the world seems to be trying to hurt your child by mislabeling, misdiagnosing and misunderstanding allergies. Your temper can get the better of you; mine has. I believe this cookbook may be one of a few that offers real advice and real alternatives.
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52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I would save this book in a fire!!!, September 4, 2006
This review is from: The Whole Foods Allergy Cookbook: Two Hundred Gourmet & Homestyle Recipes for the Food Allergic Family (Paperback)
Cybele -
I think your next cookbook should come with a string attached - so moms of allergenic children can wear it around their neck for easy reference. =) I'm talking about your book almost obsessively, because many of my friends have children that are allergic to foods. I don't know what I would do without this book. It offers families with multiple allergies a chance to have some normalcy in their diet...and everything tastes SO good. You really know how to create food that children (and parents) will enjoy.
My son is allergic to wheat, dairy, soy, coconut, chocolate, tomatoes, and strawberries. I nursed him almost 2 years, so I had to avoid those things as well. Trying to avoid wheat and dairy have taken more reading and research than my MBA program! I'm now 7 months pregnant with my second son, and doing everything in my power to avoid allergenic foods on his behalf. We use your book all the time.
Your book is such a gift to foodies that have to avoid mainstream ingredients. I could give you such a huge hug just for how you enabled us to have "normal" cakes and cookies at birthday parties for my son. That means so much to me to give him some sense of normalcy. We LOVE your oatmeal cookie recipe - it's a standard fare around here. =)
Truly, I could go on and on...
I keep sending a copy of your book to each new mom I find that has to avoid ingredients. Please keep up your GREAT work. It's such a needed tool for moms in situations like ours. If you ever come out with a sequel, put me on your list!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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72 of 77 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not useful if you're looking for gluten-free baking or easy dishes for kids, December 4, 2007
This review is from: The Whole Foods Allergy Cookbook: Two Hundred Gourmet & Homestyle Recipes for the Food Allergic Family (Paperback)
*Be sure to check out sample recipe before you purchase this book.* I'm most disappointed with the baking recipes. My son has multiple food allergies and the most challenge I have is baking with no gluten, eggs or dairy. This book avoids wheat, but uses barley flour, spelt flour instead, both of those contain gluten. Also, if you're looking for recipe to cook for your toddlers/young children with multiple food allergies, this may not be the book for you. The recipes use many ingredients and most of them are not so easy. With an active toddler and food allergies, I don't have time to cook these complicated food.
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