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A review by rebelbelle13
Gluten Is My Bitch: Rants, Recipes, and Ridiculousness for the Gluten-Free by April Peveteaux
4.0
Since May is Celiac Disease Awareness month, I thought I would read something appropriate, given that I have the disease and I haven't really read a book about it yet. This is a great book for the newly diagnosed, and I think I would have gotten way more out of it had I read it four years ago. As it stands it's still a great resource, and let's be fair, it's nice to read about someone who is in your exact predicament. Commiseration is important. Peveteaux approaches the disease and its aspects with humor, and hits the nail on the head more than once, and I found myself giggling at her observations. There are a lot of things she mentions that I already know, especially about things like the process for eating out at restaurants and cross-contamination- but are really important things for the newly diagnosed to understand.
I did appreciate the inclusion of recipes as well, and even tried some, just to round out my review- the Chess Pie and the Mexican Corn Bread were very good, but very sugary (as advertised) and very dairy filled, respectively. There are a few other recipes she has where I've made something very similar, but not that exact thing, so I think I'm on the right track!
A few things left me wanting. First, she fries A LOT. As someone who couldn't handle fried food even before my diagnosis, these recipes are completely off the table. Secondly, the majority of the recipes are chock full of dairy- cheese, buttermilk, butter, you name it. They won't help those who are avoiding dairy as well. She also advocates eating whatever you want after your diagnosis because you're going to be sad, and I see where she's coming from, but I can't condone it. I understand the culinary depression that comes from upending your life, but that doesn't give you free reign to eat nothing but french fries, gf pizza and ice cream. Your gut might be ok, but your arteries and heart certainly won't be. Also, who the heck books a trip to Paris immediately after your Celiac diagnosis without speaking the language? Sorry, but what a dumb move.
Other than that, I did enjoy myself with this little book, and I'm keeping it around for some of the recipes. I'd love to see April write more about trips to other countries (with a translator in tow, please) now that she's a seasoned Celiac. And, it's been several years since her last update in the medical world- I know the vaccine fizzled but I'd love to know what else is out there being developed.
Great book for new celiacs, and some great recipes for those of us who've been around the gluten free block a few times.
I did appreciate the inclusion of recipes as well, and even tried some, just to round out my review- the Chess Pie and the Mexican Corn Bread were very good, but very sugary (as advertised) and very dairy filled, respectively. There are a few other recipes she has where I've made something very similar, but not that exact thing, so I think I'm on the right track!
A few things left me wanting. First, she fries A LOT. As someone who couldn't handle fried food even before my diagnosis, these recipes are completely off the table. Secondly, the majority of the recipes are chock full of dairy- cheese, buttermilk, butter, you name it. They won't help those who are avoiding dairy as well. She also advocates eating whatever you want after your diagnosis because you're going to be sad, and I see where she's coming from, but I can't condone it. I understand the culinary depression that comes from upending your life, but that doesn't give you free reign to eat nothing but french fries, gf pizza and ice cream. Your gut might be ok, but your arteries and heart certainly won't be. Also, who the heck books a trip to Paris immediately after your Celiac diagnosis without speaking the language? Sorry, but what a dumb move.
Other than that, I did enjoy myself with this little book, and I'm keeping it around for some of the recipes. I'd love to see April write more about trips to other countries (with a translator in tow, please) now that she's a seasoned Celiac. And, it's been several years since her last update in the medical world- I know the vaccine fizzled but I'd love to know what else is out there being developed.
Great book for new celiacs, and some great recipes for those of us who've been around the gluten free block a few times.