REVIEW - The Gluten-Free Baking Book

The Gluten-Free Baking Book: 250 Small-Batch Recipes for Everything from Brownies to Cheesecake

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Robert Rose (August 25, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778802744
ISBN-13: 978-0778802747
Cover price $24.95

ABOUT THE GLUTEN-FREE BAKING BOOK

Where variety and small quantities deliciously combine.

These outstanding recipes run the gamut of exactly the type of baked goods those managing gluten intolerance crave — with a small twist. Based on extensive feedback, we’ve learned that gluten-free home bakers prefer small batches, or yields, from their efforts. The reasons vary from space constraints (since people managing gluten intolerance typically require more products, which take up valuable cupboard, refrigerator and freezer space) to the high cost of gluten-free ingredients. The greater expense often means that baked goods tend to be enjoyed only by those actually suffering from the intolerance, as opposed to other family members and friends. And we’ve heard time and time again how much people crave variety and the ability to bake something that is quick, is easy to clean up and doesn’t require hours of baking in the kitchen.

Handy and specially created glossaries on equipment, techniques and ingredients are also included for those managing gluten intolerance.

MY THOUGHTS

I received a copy of The Gluten-Free Baking Book. Chapters include

Understanding Whole Grains
Other Gluten-free Baking Ingredients
Nutrient Content of gluten-free Flours and Starches
All About Baking Pans
Using An Instand-Read Thermometer
Speaking Our Language: Are We All On The Same Page
No-Knead Yeast Breads
No-Knead Pizzas and Flatbreads
No-Knead Hearth Breads and Rolls
Yeast-free Breads, Scones and Biscuits
Cookies and Bars
Cakes and Cupcakes
Pastry and Tarts
Cobblers, Crisps, Puddings and Dessert Sauces
Holiday Baking

The recipes in this book are easy to understand, and contain nutritional information. They call for ingredients that people familiar with a gluten-free diet will recognize, although the beginning of the book offers a very helpful section containing information about commonly used ingredients. There are many hints and tips throughout the book on how to work with ingredients and even offering possible variations. Aside from about ten photos scattered through the book, there are no photos of the recipes – something I think makes a cookbook and helps me decide what to make. Prep and cooking time are missing, and would be very helpful if they were included. Despite it’s weaknesses, this book would be great for anyone that cooks for someone on a gluten-free diet.

The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.