Allergy Cookbook

 by Amy Notarius  Rowan Public Library

Can you believe the holidays are just around the corner? Planning holiday meals can often be a challenge, but when family members or guests have food allergies, it becomes even more difficult. Cooking Allergy Free by Jenna Short contains a wonderful variety of recipes for those with the most common food allergies, such as nuts, milk, eggs, wheat/gluten, and soy.  It’s available from Rowan Public Library. 

Short begins the introduction with a helpful explanation of the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity. She also examines the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.  Short includes a useful section on substitutions, such as using applesauce in place of an egg in a recipe when baking, and a basic recipe for gluten-free flour. 

Short herself developed an allergy to dairy while spending a semester abroad in Italy.  Her major then was graphic design, and her background is evident in the layout of the book.  She has developed fun color-coded icons representing each allergy type, so it’s easy to scan a recipe and see if it is appropriate for your particular need. Short also includes notes on how to adapt a recipe to further suit your needs.  

None of these are bland or boring creations either. From her herb pesto-stuffed mushrooms to striped bass with sage and red-wine butter, you’ll look forward to trying out every mouth-watering entry. Think you have to give up cheesecake because of a dairy allergy? Think again--Short has figured out how to make it possible!

Food is an important part of the holidays and of togetherness, so make sure everyone’s included at each special meal this holiday season. Check out Cooking Allergy Free at Rowan Public Library today.