Marlisa Brown

A special thank you to Demos Health and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

THE GLUTEN-FREE HASSLE FREE COOKBOOK Delicious, foolproof recipes for everyday and every occasion by Marlisa Brown is a well-written an organized essential for those like myself with serious allergies, not only to gluten but to an array of other foods, as well.

It is important to be provided with symbols and notations for each recipe of VG (vegan, items not containing any animal product including milk, eggs, or honey), egg-free, gluten free, peanut free, fish free, etc, which were included.

The book includes items you need for a Gluten-Free pantry, baking items to have on hand, dos and don'ts, and allergy and FODMAP. Every recipe includes nutrition and allergy information and substitutions are offered for those with extra dietary restrictions

Section included: Breakfast, Starters (salads, sides, and soups), Breads and Biscuits, Entrees, Sweets and Treats, Cooking for a Crowd, and One-Dish Dinners.

Note: I am awaiting on a final copy from the publisher as overall rating may change, as photography will not be supplied until March. I will re-evaluate at such time, as the current ARC contained NO color images, making it difficult to rate.

Even though I thought the book contained some good information and recipes, my favorite is "Simple Inspired Meals for Everyone" by Jenna Short, which is one of the overall best I have read (recipes, research, foods, information, and stunning photography) as well as beautifully packaged.… (mer)

I have been gluten-free myself for about 2 years, but my son has been for 15 years, so I am quite familiar with the challenges of a gluten-free diet. I asked for an Early Reviewers copy of Marlisa Brown's Gluten-Free, Hassle Free as I'm always hoping for new meal ideas, new recipes, and new ways to manage this challenging diet. This title does much more, including introductory chapters about determining gluten allergies and intolerances, what it really means to be gluten-free (think toothpaste, lotion, cross-contamination), how to eat out, and even how to deal with your emotions. Given my years of working with the gf diet, I think this book would be most helpful to those beginning the diet, and I think I will share my copy rather than keep it on my own cookbook shelf. I am also dairy-free and found that many of the recipes depended on dairy a bit too much (without easy substitutions for me). To be fair, Brown doesn't attempt to cover other dietary limitations, but this book won't be as useful to me given my own situation.

Today, there are more gluten-free foods available, and more restaurants that offer gluten-free alternatives, so don't lose heart! Get started with this book and you won't go wrong!… (mer)