New Cookbooks for Those with Special Dietary Needs

     The library gets quite a few cookbooks every year and I must admit that I can't wait for them to arrive! Many of our patrons--myself included--love to try new recipes and we genuinely love to cook. Unfortunately, if you are like me, then there are some foods that just don't sit well on your stomach. What do you do when there are certain foods you absolutely can't (or won't) eat? Well, we have all sorts of cookbooks for people who have special dietary needs. Most recently we have acquired three new titles that have recipes to hit the spot with those who are vegetarian or those who have food allergies.

     The first book is the Idiot's Guide: Gluten-Free Eating by Elizabeth King Humphrey and Jeanette Hurt. It seems everywhere you turn these days someone is talking about going "gluten-free," but what does that really mean? If you are looking for the answer to that question (and many more), then this is the book to begin your journey. You will learn the difference between celiac disease, gluten allergy, and gluten intolerance. Included are tips for spotting glutenous foods at the market, at restaurants, and when traveling. The authors offer guidance on how to feed gluten-sensitive children--even picky eaters--as well as meal plans to help the whole family thrive on a gluten-free diet. Although this book doesn't have any color photographs of its more than ninety recipes, readers will enjoy them nonetheless. Personally, I have always had good luck with the books from Idiot's Guides, they are always informative and, for those who are just learning about a new subject, they are quite easy to follow and understand. Also included are lists of glossary of terms, product and shopping websites, delivery websites, communities, smartphone apps, support organizations, and other instructional sites. You will also find the shopping list and and food log pages helpful when you are just starting your gluten-free lifestyle.

     The next title in this group is from Good Housekeeping; it's called Vegetarian: Meatless Recipes Everyone Will Love. Before you get to the recipes, there is a short introduction about what a vegetarian diet is, which foods are featured, and tips to help busy people make the most of their time and dollars. With more than sixty recipes--each with a full color photo--this book is arranged into six informative chapters. You can choose from classic vegetarian dishes like Vegetarian Chile, Ratatouille Rigatoni, or Eggplant Parmesan. Perhaps you prefer a hearty bowl of soup or stew. Choose from recipes for Hot and Sour Soup, Chunky Vegetable Chowder, or a classic French Onion Soup. For those who crave the lighter fair that a salad offers, then why not choose one of the Main-Dish Salad recipes? Try the White Bean Panzanella Salad or the Toasted Ravioli Salad. Maybe you're pressed for time. Then you may want to try one of the Quick Dinners or One Dish Meals. Mouth-watering dishes like Broccoli Pesto Spaghetti, Fast Fried Rice, Vegetable Phyllo Pizza, and Cauliflower Mac and Cheese are contained in the last two chapters. Because these recipes come from Good Housekeeping, you know the recipes are fine tuned for flavor and ease of cooking.

     The final book I'll talk about is Cooking Allergy-Free by Jenna Short. This book of one hundred fifty recipes was developed for those who have food allergies. Each recipe is labeled wheat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, etc., so that you will know which of these recipes will satisfy the sensitive tummies in your family. The author also offers simple substitutions to convert each recipe for an individual's food allergy. She also denotes whether a recipe is vegetarian or vegan. All of the recipes contained here are kosher. You will find dishes such as Kale and Barley Soup, Rosemary Skillet Chicken with Mushrooms and Potatoes, Edamame Sliders, and Blueberry Lemon Crumble Pie. The author also includes an entire chapter devoted to giving you the essential information about grocery shopping, stocking your pantry, and tricks for setting up your kitchen to be allergen-friendly. She also offers menu suggestions to make it quick to plan weeknight dinners or even a party!
     All three of these books (and many more) are available for check-out from the library. They can be found in the non-fiction section around the 641.563 call number. For non-fiction books, you may check out four of the same subject at one time and keep them for three weeks. If no one has requested any of your books, then you are more than welcome to renew them by coming in to the Circulation Desk or call us at (601) 636-6411. Bon Appetit!