cover image Paleo Cooking from Elana's Pantry: Gluten-free, Grain-free, High-Protein Recipes

Paleo Cooking from Elana's Pantry: Gluten-free, Grain-free, High-Protein Recipes

Elana Amsterdam. Ten Speed Press, $17.99 trade paper (144p) ISBN 978-1-60774-551-8

Food blogger Amsterdam's latest cookbook is aimed firmly at the growing Paleo diet market, noting that "a plant-based diet with small amounts of lean animal protein [makes people] feel less inflated and more energetic." There is a wealth of options for those looking to eliminate gluten, diary, and grains%E2%80%94but be forewarned she also avoids tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and eggplant. Nevertheless the recipes are worth a try. She uses a great deal of coconut in various forms: coconut flour in Apricot Muffins, coconut oil in Paleo "Potato" Leek Soup%E2%80%94cauliflower replaces the potato, and coconut milk in a diary-free whipped cream. For those less keen on coconut, Amsterdam's Honey Lemon Chicken and Avocado Kale Salad will surely please. Unfortunately, all the recipes feel limited by the diet's strict protocols, so only the most restrictive eaters will find the bite worth the buy. (June)