Thursday, November 29, 2012

Gluten Free on a Shoestring Cookbook Review


Kayleigh here! We're going to be taking a bit of a break from recipes as we tackle a mounting pile of product reviews. Our relatives have been ridiculously supportive since Jason had to make the switch to gluten-free cuisine, and have been sending us everything from recipe emails and brand suggestions, to flour mixes, gluten free imitation brands, and even several cookbooks!  In fact, while we are on that topic, how about we start with Gluten Free on a Shoestring, by Nicole Hunn!

This book is amazing, not only for the delicious and diverse recipes, but also the extensive front section detailing how to plan, shop, and cook with money saving in mind- something that seemed impossible from when we first tossed the all-purpose white flour and ramen noodles! With tips like worthwhile flour blends and general price comparisons, she even goes into how to plan from week to week by 'piggy-backing' perishable ingredients to use up bulk purchases, saving you tons in the long run.

As far as the recipes go, Hunn has put together quite the variety! Of course, she tackles the breads, muffins, and pastries that are staples of gluten-free learning, but what makes this cookbook unique is her additions of foods that, while they SHOULD be safe, the pre-made purchases often have flour or some form of gluten as an additive to save money. Recipes for hoisin sauce, roasted red pepper hummus, and savory slow-cooked black beans are all present as simple solutions to your gluten free rut. And boy, these dishes don't disappoint!

Just last week, Jason and I gave a go at the tantalyzing Tomato Soup recipe, wishing to satisfy that yearning for a warm bowl of Campbells soup and a melty grilled cheese sandwich on a cold early winter's night. And boy, did this hit the spot! The taste was nearly identical to what we remembered, but even thicker and more satisfying because of the whole pureed potatoes, carrots, and roasted tomatoes. (And you know what? A darn sight healthier, too!)

Jason here. The tomato soup was absolutely delicious. It was very hearty, and had quite the bit of taste to it. It had a very good consistency, thick but not overly so.  I’m hard pressed to find many words to describe tomato soup. I will simply leave it, with we will be trying many more recipes by Nicole Hunn.

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