Bob's Red Mill Everyday Gluten-Free Cookbook: 281 Delicious Whole-Grain Recipes is a perfect example of the old adage, "Never judge a book by its cover."
When the book arrived, I was unimpressed. The cover was pretty basic and reminded me of something one might find on the bargain table at the bookstore. It looked uninviting and unexciting. Had I not been called upon to review the book, I probably would have passed it up. What a mistake that would have been.
I expected the same tired litany of gluten-free baked goods with no consideration of the rest of the gastronomic experience, but that is not what this book is at all. I was quickly humbled by the vast array of recipes that use a number of grains I had never considered trying. As a gluten-free cook, I never imagined there were so many food choices available to me and that there were so many creative and delicious grain-based meals
I could eat. The recipes run the gamut: breakfast, lunch, dinner, sides and baked goods, meatless and meaty. Best of all, the recipes are excellent and they all deliver as promised.
Some favorites are Ancient Grains Granola, Chicken Quinoa Biryani, Chili Pot Pie With Millet Polenta Topping, Moroccan Chickpea and Basmati Skillet and Teff Polenta. This cookbook is culturally broad and offers international cuisine alongside traditional regional American comfort food favorites.
I found it exceptionally refreshing that the book features grains that Bob's Red Mill sells, but presents them without the suggestion that the only way to make these recipes is with the name-brand product.
This is one of few cookbooks that I intend to try every recipe at least once.
Even if you are not gluten-free, this is an incredible cookbook that needs to be on the shelf of any adventurous cook. If you are gluten-free, welcome back to the table.
Food on 05/06/2015