Paleo Baking: Delicious & Easy Baked Goods That Ditch Refined Sugars & Grains

Blogger and cookbook author Le serves up sweet options and a handful of savory ones for home bakers, minus the refined sugar and grains found in typical baked goods and desserts. The book includes full-page color photos of such dishes as dark chocolate cashew butter cups dusted with crushed pistachios; a decadent layered chocolate cake generously frosted in buttercream; and soft pretzels drizzled with garlic and onion–infused ghee and sprinkled with sea salt. Most of the recipes rely on nuts and nut flours; coconut oil, milk, and flour; maple syrup and raw honey; arrowroot flour; and citrus and chocolate flavors. The author happily promotes and encourages all things paleo, but she’s never preachy; she even divulges her former love of Domino’s cheesy breadsticks and offers her own tempting version, made with a cauliflower crust. More information on paleo eating and ingredients would be helpful, but this title excels in enticing both die-hards and newbies. Directions are clear and concise and helpful sidebar notes lend tips on specific brand suggestions and techniques. This well-designed book may just be the perfect holiday gift for a modern cave-dweller. (Sept.)