Cookbook

 

As some of you know, I’m writing a cookbook called Sweet Freedom that’s scheduled for publication in May, 2009.  The book features delicious, foolproof recipes for baked treats and other sweets designed for people with dietary restrictions. 

After running an organic bakery for three years, I decided the pace was too much for me and returned to teaching cooking and developing recipes for healthy foods.  I also realized that my real passion is creating desserts for those of us (including myself) with special diets–free of wheat, eggs, dairy, and refined sweeteners.  Designed to fit within my own dietary restrictions, the recipes are all whole-foods based and made mostly with spelt, oat, or barley flours, but about 25% of the book will be gluten-free or entirely grain-free as well. These recipes are perfect for those of us avoiding certain foods, for kids whose diets require all-natural, additive-free, preservative-free, sugar-free and coloring-free foods, for vegans, and for people following kosher diets (everything is pareve).

In the book, you’ll find recipes for breakfast baking (muffins, loaves, pancakes, etc.); cakes and cupcakes; cookies and bars; “cheesecakes,” pies and tarts; candies and no-bake treats; puddings and creamy desserts; and frostings and toppings. Some of these desserts will be those featured here on Diet, Dessert and Dogs but most are new–in total, over 100 recipes. There’s also a chapter outlining the different ingredients I use in my whole foods baking, and how to make substitutions when adapting conventional recipes.

[“We have dietary restrictions, too, you know, Mum.  So does this mean we get to eat stuff from the book?”]

I started a Facebook group to keep people updated on the book’s progress, and also to post photos of the desserts, as a place for people to offer suggestions or comments or to ask questions, and as a way to post events that are connected to the book.  If you’d like to join up, the group page is here. I’d love to see you there!

There’s also a blog that features photos of goodies from the book (a new post goes up every 3-4 days), also called Sweet Freedom.  I’d love to hear what you think of the sweet treats you see there (especially if you’ve tried any of the recipes already featured on this blog), as well as what you’d like to see in a cookbook devoted to special dietary needs.  Please feel free to visit, and to leave a comment!

Many thanks to everyone for their support and encouragement.  Can’t wait for you to see the book!

Ricki

[Diet, Dessert and Dogs has moved!  If you’re reading this page, you’ve landed on the old site.  Please visit the new location by clicking here–and don’t forget to update your readers and blogrolls!

As always, thanks for reading.  I look forward to seeing you at the shiny new Diet, Dessert and Dogs!

“Um, Mum, we are coming with you, aren’t we? Because (and sorry to have to tell you this), we actually have more fans than you do on this blog.”]  

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