Elana Amsterdam’s The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook is one of my favorites. From her Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies to her Thai Fish Cakes to her Cheddar Cheese Crackers and her pie crust, featuring almond flour, all have been easy to make and satisfying to eat. It is one of the most used cookbooks on my shelf. When I heard she was releasing Gluten-Free Cupcakes I pre-ordered a copy immediately. Lucky me, I met Elana, and her publisher offered up a review copy so I could test some of the 50 recipes in this beautiful little book. I have to say that I love the format of both her books. Small, filled with beautiful photography and all the recipes appeal to me. Both are under $10 on Amazon right now, which is an incredible value for cookbooks with easy, nutrition-packed and delicious recipes.
I was especially pleased to see a whole chapter devoted to savory treats. There are six savory muffins included and I tried two. The Scallion Goat Cheese Muffins were a surprising hit with my college-aged kids for breakfast. While I have been baking with almond flour since Elana’s first book came out, these muffins would be hard for a gluten-eater to identify as not only gluten free, but grain free. They were moist and tender with the flavor of green onions throughout and then the creamy goat cheese topping made them a filling breakfast treat. Elana’s Spinach Feta Muffins would make the perfect party fare when made in mini muffin pans. Hot from the oven, these would make elegant appetizers, but also would be a nice accompaniment with soup or salad meals or for breakfast and brunch menus.
The strawberry cupcakes were surprising. I don’t think I’ve ever baked with strawberries. These cupcakes are just bursting with strawberry flavor and are moist and naturally sweet. We tried some for dessert with the frosting and ate the rest for breakfast without. I think that is one of the things I liked best about this cookbook. The cupcakes are just as good plain as they are dressed up for a party or celebration. The flexibility of being able to whip up a quick casual dessert from Elana’s recipes, paired with frosting options to take the cupcakes to an event make being gluten free easy.
When Elana described her Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes as rich, dense to enjoy with a ‘nice strong cup of coffee,’ I knew I had to try them. These are dark and not too sweet and were the perfect grownup treat with coffee. I used Bob’s Red Mill hazelnut meal instead of grinding hazelnuts and it worked. Sometimes you have to use what you have and Bob’s had just kindly sent me some gluten-free flours.
Elana has generously shared the recipe for the Strawberry Cupcakes on her blog, Elana’s Pantry. Some of my blogging friends have reviewed Gluten-Free Cupcakes and the publisher has given permission for them to share recipes. Heidi from Adventures of a Gluten-Free Mom made Elana’s Lime Cupcakes. Shirley from Gluten Free Easily shares Elana’s Marble Cupcakes. Visit them and see what they have to say about this delightful new gluten-free cookbook.
I’m sharing this review as part of the Gluten-Free Homemaker’s Gluten-Free Wednesdays. Visit Linda for gluten-free recipes, reviews, and ideas each Wednesday.
Lovely review, Wendy! I got a review copy of Elana’s cookbook from the publishers as well and all my family loves it. The gorgeous photography, the tasty recipes, and I like the compact format as well. I have blueberries now to make her blueberry lemon cupcakes, one of several recipes on my to-make list, and am eager to try!
Thanks, Zoe. Thanks, too, for reminding me that blueberry season will be here soon and I will have to try those blueberry lemon cupcakes. We’ve made the savory muffins several times and just love the spinach and feta and goat cheese with scallions combo with a soup or salad dinner. Both Elana’s books are ones I go back to often looking for inspiration.
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I’m so glad you posted this review! The thought of baking gluten-free always frightens me because a) I don’t want to make anyone sick and b) I have no idea how to bake delicious things without using my stand-by all purpose flour. I love making cupcakes and I have several friends who have a gluten intolerance, so this book will soon grace my cookbook shelf! (and I love the heart-shaped strawberries!) Thanks for posting
Thanks for stopping by, Kelly. So happy the review was helpful. You might want to take a look at Simply Gluten-Free Desserts by Carol Kicinski, too. Her baked goods will be hard to tell from those made with wheat flour, they are light and tender. I like both books for different reasons and use them often.