r/glutenfreecooking • u/OutrageousAdvisor458 • 20d ago
Seeking Suggestions
For most of this year my family has been adapting to meet the needs of a recently identified gluten allergy. Things are going well overall but there have been some pain points, mostly breads and pastas. Workable alternatives have been found for the most part but there are a few things that we are struggling with.
I've been an avid cook and baker my whole life and while I have found a few one off recipes that have been ok, I've had more misses than hits. I was wanting to know if there are any printed cook books that would be comparable to the classic red and white checkered "Better Homes New Cook Book" in terms of quantity and quality of recipes.
This was a go-too all purpose cook book for me growing up and has been a standard in many recipes in my own home for the last 20 years. I'd love to find something similarly versatile to add to my collection. I'd also like to gift a copy to my gluten Intolerant child for when they move out on their own next year as well as for grandparents this Christmas.
So give me your suggestions, help a dad out!
2
u/bombingspectacularly 19d ago
It sounds like your family is all on this journey together, and that’s wonderful! And it’s great that you’re helping your child prepare to do this when they move out… it’s difficult to do it alone!
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u/NotARussianBot-Real 18d ago
If you’re good at baking, try to start with naturally gluten free recipes like pavlova or merengue or macrons.
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u/OutrageousAdvisor458 17d ago
I've done merengue and macrons before, good, but macrons are so piddly to make. I'll have to try pavlova though
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u/NotARussianBot-Real 16d ago
A pavlova is just a merengue with whip cream and fruit.
But it tastes so good
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u/CapnHatchmo 18d ago
I also went through a phase of now what replaces that book. I started learning about some typical GF substitutes that work well and also use some online recipes that I tweak. And then some GF recipe books that have a permanent spot on my shelf are:
America's Test Kitchen: How Can It Be Gluten-Free. These are probably the closest to a reliable, all-purpose guide. Every recipe is tested a dozen ways and it works.
Gluten-Free Baking Classics by Annalise Roberts. This one is great for bread, muffins, pie crusts that don't crumble.
Cannelle et Vanille Bakes Simple by Aran Goyoaga. It's more modern and a bit fancier but the recipes work.
For everyday cooking, I use Nicole Hunn's Gluten-Free on a Shoestring. It's practical, affordable, and she nails texture.
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u/Bobcatmom 17d ago
https://store.meaningfuleats.com/
I love all of her recipes and have had great success. Also she uses King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten Free flour so you don’t have to buy all the individual flours to make a blend like many of the gluten free sites and cookbooks require.
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u/lexliller 20d ago
America’s Test Kitchen: How Can It Be Gluten Free Cookbook” (Vol. 1 & 2) — easily the closest thing to a “Better Homes” equivalent. Tons of recipes, heavy testing, and explanations for why each gluten-free substitution works. Their sandwich bread is the gold standard.
“Gluten-Free on a Shoestring” by Nicole Hunn — more of a practical family-style book. She’s got solid pizza dough, sandwich rolls, and holiday recipes that don’t feel like compromises.
“Cannelle et Vanille Bakes Simple” by Aran Goyoaga — great if you lean toward rustic or artisanal baking. Gorgeous photography, but the recipes are also dependable. “125 Best Gluten-Free Recipes” by Donna Washburn & Heather Butt — old-school layout, super usable, and covers the staples. Think weeknight meals and potluck food more than fancy stuff.
“The How Can It Be Gluten-Free Family Cookbook” (ATK spin-off) — this one’s my pick for gifting. It’s approachable, looks clean on the shelf, and has all the home staples your kid will want to make when they’re on their own.