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Ricki Heller

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Book Review: Go Dairy Free

by Ricki Heller 35 Comments

[To everyone who voted for me in the Food Blog Awards, I can’t THANK YOU enough!  Although I didn’t win, it was really fun to be invited to the party (and to see my blog stats jump to their highest level ever one day as a result).  The winner, it turns out, was some little obscure blog that you’ve probably never heard of, “Mittens in the Kitchen,” or something.  I guess that’s the last we’ll be hearing from her.  But speaking of winning, don’t forget to enter my contest to win chocolate or Sweet Freedom baked goods! You’ve got 3 more days.] 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

gdfcover123thin1 When I was asked a while back whether I’d like to review Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living by Alisa Marie Fleming, I didn’t hesitate to say “yes.”   I was already familiar with Alisa’s popular website,  GoDairyFree.org, and was tickled to have a few of my recipes included in her holiday desserts on her Milk-Free Blog.  Still, I had to ensure that the recipes were those I could enjoy (ie, no animal products, no wheat, no refined sugar). Alisa assured me that yes, the majority the book’s recipes fit my criteria.  That was all I needed to know!

Go Dairy Free by Alisa Marie Fleming

Since being diagnosed with a milk allergy in her 30s (and if you read her story, you’ll be astonished at how long it took to reach that diagnosis), Alisa Marie Fleming has established herself as a pivotal force in the world of dairy-free and allergen-free living.

As both creator and voice behind GoDairyFree.org, the website urging “A simple change for a better life,” Fleming provides online resources for those who shun dairy products, along with ample information for anyone with food allergies (many gluten-free recipes , as well as those for casein-free or animal-free diets also grace the site).  For her latest feat, Fleming has compiled a comprehensive guide and cookbook for those with milk allergies, lactose intolerance or allergies to casein (the protein in milk): Go Dairy Free.

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with a milk allergy or simply prefer not to eat dairy products, this book is chock full of useful, practical information.  The first 130 pages or so comprise the guidebook, offering information and explanations of the various types of dairy allergy, how they affect the body, and how to compensate after you cut milk products from your life.

In addition to a plethora of shopping and kitchen tips, the book also provides an exhaustive array of dairy replacements (both homemade or available for purchase) for every product imaginable, from butter to milk to cheese to yogurt to creamy sauces.  (Who knew you could make your own potato milk?)  Fleming’s style is relaxed and converstational, yet the information provided is always clear, well-researched and easily accessible to readers.  This is the kind of reference book I like to keep at hand, to consult before shopping or while I cook; its place has already been secured at (easy-to-locate) eye level on my bookshelf.

The book’s cover entices with its vibrant, mouth-watering photos (by the immensely talented Hannah Kaminsky of My Sweet Vegan fame).  But it wasn’t until I read past the guidebook that I truly fell in love. There, following the encyclopedic discussion of dairy-free living, was yet another ten chapters–all of recipes! And virtually every recipe was one I wanted to try, with so many of them featuring the kind of ingredients and flavor combinations that I most enjoy. I couldn’t wait to get cooking.

Well, the recipes did not disappoint. They were easy to follow and delivered as promised. Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

Light Apricot Scones

apricotsconeswhole

Given my penchant for all things breakfast or brunch, these scones were my first choice to try, and they certainly lived up to their name. With bits of tangy diced apricot throughout, the dense fruit offered a lovely contrast to the light, delicate biscuit.  These also paired well with my own Brandied Apricot Ginger Spread, as you can see here:

apricotspread6

Just look at the delicate crumb on this scone!  Both the HH and I thoroughly enjoyed these, and they were equally good the next day (they didn’t last beyond that, so I don’t know how they would have been on Day Three).

Pillowy Whole Grain Pancakes

alisapancakescut

I couldn’t resist trying out these pancakes, as Alisa kindly acknowledges my own recipe as her inspiration!  (I added some shredded coconut to these, just for fun).  The pancakes were, indeed, pillowy–airy, tender, and, as you can see from the photo, incredibly light (there are only three pancakes in that stack, folks–and just look at how high it is).

Breakfast Worthy Banana Bread

breakfastbanbread

This innovative bread was a huge hit in our home–which is why I don’t have any photos of individual slices (we gobbled them up too quickly to photograph).  You can’t tell from the picture, but this loaf is intensely flavored, incredibly moist, and wonderfully satisfying.  I ate this plain, slathered with almond butter, and topped with homemade pumpkin butter.  Both the HH and I pronounced this bread our favorite banana bread–ever.

Dairy-Free Feta-ish

polentafeta2

I’d been wanting to try the recipe for these polenta appetizers for over a year, but didn’t know what to use instead of feta. Then I saw Alisa’s recipe for this dairy-free version, and knew immediately I had to make it!  It worked beautifully in these bites, which I served to friends a couple of weeks ago (I’ll be sharing the appetizer recipe in a future post, even if I can’t reveal the feta secret!).

Peanut Buttery African Stew

alisastew21

Redolent with creamy peanut butter and African-inspired spices, this stew became an immediate favorite in our house.  After a skeptical grimace when I first described the ingredients to him, the HH took one bite and declared, “Hey!  This is really good!”  (High praise, indeed, from my meat-obsessed honey).  As for me, I was equally enamored of the rich and subtly spiced sauce and big chunks of veggies.  Both the colorful appearance and deep flavor of this dish is certain to appeal.

Chinese Five-Spice Noodles

alisafivespice

Since Chinese Five Spice was already one of my favorite spice combinations, I knew I’d enjoy this dish even before cooking it.  The pairing of exotic spices with citrus here is sensational, in a dish that’s hearty enough for dinner but light enough that you’ll feel energized after eating it.  I’ll definitely be making this one again, too.

Peanut Butter “Truffles”

alisapbtruffle

While these dangerously decadent truffles aren’t my usual dessert fare (they contain sugar), I did mix up a batch in honor of the CFO  when she came to visit over the holidays last month.  With a smooth, velvety peanut butter filling enrobed in dark, rich chocolate, this candy strikes the perfect balance of salty and sweet, rivalling anything I’ve eaten from a confectionary.  They were spectacular! (I’d be sure to invite a crowd if you make these, as you’ll otherwise end up eating them all yourself).

It was pure pleasure sampling these items from the book, every one of which I’d make again.  I’m looking forward to trying out many more of these reliable, interesting and tasty recipes.  Go Dairy Free is that rare combination in a food-related tome: great food and great advice, all under one inviting cover.

Peanut Butter Cinnamon Popcorn (or Rice Crumbles)

alisacaramelcorn

I simply couldn’t end this entry without a recipe!  While this one isn’t in the book (it’s from Alisa’s blog, One Frugal Foodie), it’s a fabulous recipe and will give you a good sense of Alisa’s style.  I tried this the other day and was thrilled to find such a delectable use for my broken bits of rice cakes (the ones I used were sesame flavor, and this still worked beautifully).  I think this mix would be sensational with added peanuts or cashews as well. Another PB-flavored treat that you won’t be able to resist!

alisacaramelcorn21

Peanut Butter Cinnamon Popcorn (or Rice Crumbles)

from One Frugal Foodie

1/2 cup (120 ml.) light agave nectar (or coconut nectar)

1/3 cup (60 g.) Sucanat (or use coconut sugar or golden Lakanto)

1/2 cup (120 ml.) natural peanut butter, smooth or crunchy [I’d use almond butter]

1 tsp. (5 ml.) pure vanilla extract

1/8-1/4 tsp. (.25 to .5 ml.) fine sea salt, to taste

1/2 tsp. (.5 ml.) ground cinnamon

8 cups (about 1 liter plus 920 ml.) popcorn or crumbles from broken rice cakes

Preheat oven to 250ºF.  Line a rimmed cookie sheet or large rectangular pan with parchment paper, or spray with nonstick spray.

In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the agave syrup and Sucanat.  Cook and stir until the Sucanat is dissolved (this won’t take long).  Remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla, salt and cinnamon.  If the peanut butter doesn’t melt, place the pan back on the heat again just long enough to melt it.  Gently stir in the popcorn or rice crumbles to coat them with the mixture. Spread the mixture evenly over the cookie sheet or pan and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once, about mid-way through. (It took mine a lot longer to bake enough–I kept thinking it wasn’t crispy enough, but once it cooled, the coating crisped up nicely).

Alisa suggests that baking is not essential here, but I think it made a huge difference to the texture, and is definitely worth doing.

Never miss a recipe–or a comment from The Girls! Click here to subscribe to RickiHeller.com via email. You’ll get recipes as soon as they’re posted, plus cookbook updates and news about upcoming events! (“We love subscribers, Mum. . . almost as much as we love treats!”

Last year at this time: Turnip and Pear Soup

© 2009 Ricki Heller

[Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. If you buy using these links, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission from the sale.]

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Filed Under: appetizers, baking, breakfast, chocolate, cookbook, dessert, gluten free, holidays, recipes, review, Uncategorized, vegan, vegetables

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Still Life in South America says

    January 27, 2009 at 11:29 pm

    Oooh. Can I stake “first”? I’ve always wanted to say that.

    Great photos and descriptions, Ricki. I am sorry to hear that you didn’t win.

    Can’t wait to hear the feta secret.

    Reply
  2. Kiersten says

    January 27, 2009 at 11:40 pm

    Sorry you didn’t win, it’s great that you got nominated though. You deserved it.

    Great photos! I’ve been hearing some good things about that book.

    Reply
  3. Chris says

    January 28, 2009 at 12:01 am

    Incredible-looking recipes! I have been eyeing this book for awhile and now have even more incentive to buy it. The scones and the pancakes are ever so enticing… Great review, by the way.

    Reply
  4. Vegan on Stage says

    January 28, 2009 at 12:37 am

    wow everything looks beautiful!
    ithink im going to be making those peanutbutter rice crumble!!

    Reply
  5. Sal says

    January 28, 2009 at 4:16 am

    All that food looks great, makes me want to buy the book – especially the peanut butter truffles – YUM!

    Reply
  6. Vegetation says

    January 28, 2009 at 4:39 am

    Oh wow! It all looks fantastic! I keep putting off buying new books, partly because of the Aussie to US currency exchange rate and partly because I’m always scared about the amount of soy in an unseen book. I’ve been eyeing this one off for ages though and I think you just might have me convinced.

    Sorry you didn’t win the competition, hopefully next time!

    Reply
  7. mihl says

    January 28, 2009 at 7:42 am

    Wow, that looks all so good! I think my favourites are the feta appetizers.

    So sorry you didn’t win. Who is smitten kitchen anyway?

    Reply
  8. Shelby says

    January 28, 2009 at 7:54 am

    BOO! I totally voted for you =)

    Now your really tempting me to try out all these recipes! I just got the book and already I’ve marked more than 10 pages…and I’m only on the smoothie section!!!

    The last recipe is fabulous btw! I haven’t had popcorn in forever!

    Reply
  9. shellyfish says

    January 28, 2009 at 8:10 am

    You’re our winner, Ricki! Ok, that sounds sort of 1980’s everyone’s a winner new agey…but you know what I mean!
    This book sounds like a real winner, too!

    Reply
  10. VeggieGirl says

    January 28, 2009 at 8:14 am

    I voted for you too!!!

    Reply
  11. lisa (show me vegan) says

    January 28, 2009 at 8:16 am

    I can’t wait for the polenta appetizer recipe! So pretty. Thanks for the book review!

    Reply
  12. chocolatecoveredvegan says

    January 28, 2009 at 8:40 am

    Pb chocolate-truffle coma!

    Reply
  13. Hayley says

    January 28, 2009 at 9:08 am

    Your review was awesome! I can’t wait to pick up the book and get cooking. I need a slice of that banana bread. Thanks for sharing, and the rice crumbles look delish!

    Reply
  14. jessy says

    January 28, 2009 at 9:44 am

    oooh – i think i need to get this cookbook! wowzers! all the yummies look amazing! and the pancakes! oh my gosh! mmmmmmmmmmm! thanks for the review, Ricki!

    Reply
  15. Liz says

    January 28, 2009 at 10:27 am

    Oh my goodness — I’m drooling! Those recipes look amazing. I didn’t know about the book, but I do love Alisa’s website; it’s super helpful to gf/cf folks like me.

    The cover is great! Very eye-catching.

    Reply
  16. BitterSweet says

    January 28, 2009 at 11:08 am

    Mmm, you definitely picked out some good recipes to try- Although I have yet to find any that aren’t fantastic! 😉

    Reply
  17. Andrea says

    January 28, 2009 at 11:26 am

    Just because you didn’t win doesn’t mean your blog’s not the best. Of course it is!

    That food all looks so enticing, I’d be scared to have it around the house. I’m sure I’d eat it all.

    Reply
  18. Michelle @ What Does Your Body Good? says

    January 28, 2009 at 11:28 am

    Hooray for dairy free living! I’m a believer. I’ve heard of this book before but after seeing all your photos, me thinks me needs to buy it!

    Reply
  19. Gina says

    January 28, 2009 at 1:12 pm

    This all looks so good…I have been wanting to order this book for awhile, but I keep holding off for some reason.

    Your recipe sounds completely awesome too, I must remember to try it!

    Reply
  20. Vegyogini says

    January 28, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    Great review, Ricki! I know I shouldn’t make the PB Cinnamon Popcorn because I’d eat it all myself!

    Reply
  21. Maria says

    January 28, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    Nice review!! I love the looks of that popcorn!

    Reply
  22. Maureen says

    January 28, 2009 at 6:37 pm

    Oooh, I love that banana bread. I’m definitely going to check out this book!

    Reply
  23. Diann says

    January 28, 2009 at 9:31 pm

    Book reviews are so great. I haven’t made one thing from my copy, although I do like it. Now I am totally inspired. And once again, since I’m not a breakfast eater, I love the pancakes!

    Reply
  24. seshdotcom says

    January 28, 2009 at 9:39 pm

    Hey Ricki your weblog is Good..I have a weblog where I write about Fasting,Helthy Foods and all those things..visit my weblog and give comments for good posts so that I can improve my Posting skills..www.seshdotcom.wordpress.com

    Reply
  25. Johanna says

    January 28, 2009 at 10:09 pm

    Wow that recipe looks great – I am not a fan of popcorn but have never thought of substituting rice cake crumbles (because I do like a rice cake from time to time)

    And the book sounds great too – I am aware of the go dairy free site and always meant to spend more time looking through it a little more! Now you have inspired me to do that and to look out for the book in the shops.

    Reply
  26. River (Wing-It Vegan) says

    January 28, 2009 at 11:43 pm

    Potato milk? Count me in! Oooh potato milk biscuits!! Mmmm potato milk biscuits with a yummy bowl of soup. Oh, sorry! I’m back! 🙂

    The scones look delicious, and the super thick pancakes are perfect! So thick!! Shredded coconut!!

    The peanut butter truffles gave me a heart attack. Who is going to pay for my medical bills, you or Alisa?

    Thanks for the popcorn recipe, it looks super yummy!

    You know I voted for you and really wanted you to win. Ah, you are a winner in my heart! (that’s a lot of cheese for a vegan)

    Reply
  27. Pearl says

    January 29, 2009 at 12:49 am

    Congratulations and love the book review!

    Reply
  28. tahinitoo says

    January 29, 2009 at 12:45 pm

    There is way too much temptation going on here! Goodness, I want that popcorn!!!

    Reply
  29. Ashley says

    January 29, 2009 at 3:18 pm

    Yummmmm everything looks so good Ricki!

    In response to your comment on my page, I don’t think I can actually take photos that close up with my camera (I’m sure you can with other cameras though). I actually cropped another photo to get that one.

    Reply
  30. Lynette says

    January 29, 2009 at 4:05 pm

    Thanks for the book review can’t wait to read it.

    Reply
  31. Lisa says

    January 30, 2009 at 1:16 am

    Great looking food, especially those Peanut Butter Truffles, and Polenta appetizers, not to mention the African Stew… Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  32. Astra Libris says

    January 30, 2009 at 8:52 am

    You definitely deserved to win! I always admire your writing, every time I read your posts… Reading your words instantly transports me on a journey filled with delectable flavors.

    Your photos are absolutely stunningly beautiful! Thank you for introducing me to such a wonderful, depth-filled cookbook!

    Reply
  33. melody says

    January 30, 2009 at 3:55 pm

    I am a lover of african peanut stew type things.. yum!

    Also.. those truffles look to die for

    Reply
  34. ttfn300 says

    January 30, 2009 at 5:42 pm

    ooh, thanks for the review, i was planning on checking this book out 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. One Frugal Foodie » The Guilt-Free Banana Bread Recipe You Have All Been Waiting For … says:
    May 11, 2009 at 7:02 am

    […] for nut butter, jam, or honey, each of which adds their own dose of flavor, wouldn’t you agree Ricki? [Ricki has a new cookbook out called Sweet Freedom – desserts without wheat, dairy, eggs, and […]

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Hi! I'm Ricki, cookbook author, professional recipe developer, holistic nutritionist and anti-candida crusader. Let me show you how easy it is to eat plant-based, sugar-free, gluten free food that tastes great!

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