Review: Against All Grain Celebrations

Paleo is a relatively new way of eating, and despite the abundance of blogs that have jumped on board with the idea, many who follow Paleo have a hard time with family get-togethers. This is all the more apparent at this time of year, with Thanksgiving and the winter holidays right around the corner.

 Blogger Danielle Walker has been there, and she knows exactly how you feel. Over the years that she's been running her blog, Against All Grain, Walker has shared all kinds of recipes that readers have utilized for birthdays, picnics, and holidays. In her new book, Danielle Walker's Against All Grain: Celebrations, she shares a diverse collection of tested and true recipes that are certain to help readers navigate any number of parties and, well, celebrations.

The book is organized by occasion, with each holiday or gathering offering a complete meal spread. Valentine's Day has ideas for fun, child-friendly foods (Cupid's Arrow Pancakes, Lunch Box Love) as well as a more adult dinner for two (Cabernet-Braised Short Ribs with Parsnip-Turnip Puree, Salted Caramel-Chocolate Panna Cotta). Baby showers, wedding showers, or other fun summer get-togethers can be celebrated with Lemon Lavender Bundt Cakes or Ahi Tartare on Taro Chips. There are plenty of different cake options for birthday parties, delicious BBQ recipes for a game-day cookout, and a Thanksgiving spread that features all the classics (Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots; Smoky Candied Bacon Sweet Potatoes; Braised and Roasted Turkey; and, of course, three kinds of pie).

Every single recipe fits into a Paleo diet (although readers are always able to substitute ingredients as fits their individual eating habits). Every recipe is grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free; many are egg-free, nut-free, or nightshade-free, and a number of them can also be utilized by those who are following SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet) or GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet).

Readers are going to LOVE this cookbook! The instructions are all very straight-forward, there is extensive information about the ingredients Walker uses (for those who are unfamiliar), there is helpful information about ingredient substitution and making dishes ahead of time, and nutritional data is even available about every recipe on Walker's blog. Whether you are gluten-free, grain-free, or full-on Paleo, this book will make every holiday and family gathering so much easier.

*****
 
I received this game from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed within are completely my own.