Alternative Eating for the Holidays: Cookbook Reviews

By Shanya Ross, Carnegie Library – Squirrel Hill

When the holidays come around, a number of traditions come to mind: decorating, traveling, seeing families, gift giving and celebrating. While every winter holiday is unique, there is one common ground to all of them: food. Family members gather together for an all-day affair to cook up delicious treats and meals for their loved ones. How do families still cook when their loved one pledges veganism? What about those diagnosed with celiac disease? Maybe they found a new dietary trend? Have no fear, for the library is here to chase your concerns away!

Vegan for the Holidays by Zel Allen has you covered from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day and all the holidays in between. The primary focus is not just to take away the animal-based products used in cooking, but to reinvent and dish out a new way of experiencing common delicacies. From “Mashed Potatoes with Onion-Chardonnay Gravy” for Thanksgiving to “Eggplant with Creamy Beet and Horseradish Sauce” for Hanukkah and “Mustard Greens with Tempeh Bacon for Kwanzaa”, your dishes will be brightly colored, healthy and quite delicious for everyone at the table.

While many of our readers are certainly familiar with local bakery Gluuteny, it is also possible to try your own hand at gluten-free baking for your family. Gluten-free Holiday Baking by Ellen Brown is sure to get your taste buds drooling. This book contains a brief explanation on why we should show concern for celiac disease and how dangerous this can be for a number of people, also these recipes are just as delicious as the original! With cakes like Coconut Rum Torte, to pastries like Profiteroles and, breads like Focaccia, this book will keep you covered throughout the meal.

It’s wonderful living in a community that is supportive and mindful of the many types of dietary restrictions and choices made, both inside and outside the home. Whether you are looking to learn more about celiac disease or find yourself wanting to try new recipes throughout the year, stop by the library in Squirrel Hill to check out the vast collection!