Totally Dairy-Free Cooking

Rating:
Summary: Looked at in a store & didn't buy
Review: I am allergic to milk and am always on the lookout for new cookbooks. I spent some time looking through this one in a kitchen store recently and decided not to buy, mainly because of the use of non-dairy cheese in many recipes. Yes, these cheeses are good for the lactose-intolerant, but they are not good for anyone allergic to milk. All of the good ones contain casein, a protein in milk that is often the cause of allergic reaction. There are truly milk-free cheeses out there, but they do not tend to melt well, and, therefore, often can't be used successfully in cooking.

I'm disappointed that someone who writes a book like this would title it "Totally Dairy-free" when it's not. "Non-dairy" or "Lactose-free" would be more appropriate.

That said, it was a nicely presented book and had some recipes that looked really good.

Rating:
Summary: NOT totally dairy-free
Review: I asked for this book after seeing it on Amazon and was sorely disappointed when I got it. As we say in Texas, all hat, no cattle. I am allergic to casein and can't eat half the stuff in it. It looks great, but the title is *totally* misleading. I've gotten more mileage out of Beth Kidder's "Milk-Free Kitchen" and a nutritionist's "Lactose-Free Cooking." If it were truthfully titled, I probably would have been more favorably impressed.

Rating:
Summary: I love this book.
Review: I began living the Total Health Makover way just over a year ago. This is a plan for healthy eating and living based on book written by Marilu Henner. Because of this I already have a kitchen stocked with many of the ingredients needed for this cookbook. Examples are, mirin, soy margarines, milks, and cheeses, balsamic vinegar, and lots of spices. So, when I read through the recipies in this book I have almost all the ingredients on hand. That makes it easy for me but if someone is eating what I would call the "unhealthy - dairy - red meat" way you will have to do some pantry upgrades. The book is not vegitarian. There are great recipies for seafood and poultry. That said, I love this book. The recipies are for the most part simple, wonderful, and very flavorful. Mostly made with lots of spices and soy products but not really exotic ingredients that would be hard to find. I just sit and read through the book and I want to cook everything at once. I used to hate to cook but now I love preparing fresh whole food meals for my family. My boys like it because they are still eating "normal" food like macaroni and "cheese", quesadillas, and chicken. The book also calls for natural sweetners instead of sugar. So may vegitarian cookbooks will call for weird ingredients and to much sugar. If you want to prepare hearty, flavorful food that any down to earth family will love GET THIS BOOK.

Rating:
Summary: NOT totally dairy-free
Review: I bought this book almost 2 years ago, and I cannot get enough of Louis' recipes!!! It is so obvious, to me, that each one took a lot of time and tasting in development!! Every time I want to knock someone's socks off with a dairy free recipe, I make something from this cookbook. Louis Lanza is truly a genius!!!

Last week I tried the Pumpkin seed, Basil, and Miso Pesto for the first time...UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Rating:
Summary: This is an Awesome Cookbook!
Review: I have had this cookbook for awhile. Unlike most cookbooks - these recipes have been tested very carefully. There isn't a bad recipe in the book. You will be amazed at how excellent everyting tastes. I am a recent dairy-free convert. And I can honestly say this book has made the transition for me very easy because the food tastes so great. You will not miss dairy after you try these recipes.

Rating:
Summary: Great for casein-allergic folks who are stuck in a rut!
Review: Packed with valuable information, this book can cause a reinvention of your approach to food. Every aspect of food preparation is covered, with extensive attention given to the (decidedly daunting, but possible) task of choosing the highest quality, best tasting dairy substitutes for a variety of cooking needs. Totally_Dairy_Free_Cooking has the artistic flair of a gourmet cookbook, the practicality of providing suggestions that are achievable without spending tons of money, and the personal touch that I highly appreciate. This book is personable, creative, and inspiring, and an excellent addition to the casein free kitchen.

Rating:
Summary: Healthy recipes that taste great
Review: The important thing to remember about this cookbook is that it comes from a popular restaurant in New York City.

What that means for the rest of us is that the recipes are not everyday fare. Even the basic dishes contain trendy ingredients: for example, the baked macaroni and cheese contains garlic and shallots! Now, I love garlic and shallots, but even I wouldn't put them in my mac 'n cheese. As a result, this book has sat on the shelf for nearly a year while I refer to Zukin's and Kidder's books for waffles, French toast, beef stroganoff, and other pedestrian foods that are normally loaded with milk.

However, Lanza's book is worth owning. Every kitchen needs a few cookbooks that are more for inspiration than everyday use. And every cook needs a few dishes in her repertoire to wow party guests with -- which is exactly what I plan to use this cookbook for. Some lobster, mango, avocado and asparagus spring rolls wouldn't be worth the trouble for my dinner table, but they might be perfect for a party that I'm throwing.