Paleo Cooking from Elana's Pantry: Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Dairy-Free Recipes [A Cookbook]

Before I purchased this book, I read all the other reviews about it. I learned to do this after being unhappy with several purchases and finding out gee, other people warned me right there in the reviews! I'm also one of those reviewers who is not afraid to say what's wrong with a book (exaggerated number of recipes) or to say that it's really best for beginners to a lifestyle (or not). I understand how frustrating it is to leave a less than positive review and to then feel like 'fans and friends' are voting your review not helpful just because they don't like that you didn't fawn....having said that, I think just the fact that this book is so simple and uncomplicated is why it is perfect for newbies.I've been a follower of Elana's blog for awhile now, and I purchased another of her low carb books (savory) last year. Another reviewer stated they felt this book was best for beginners to Paleo because it has a lot of simple recipes, and I would definitely recommend this as a book for a newbie to have. Everything in it is pretty straightforward and there isn't anything complicated; but on that same note I found the delicious simplicity of the recipes to be worth it. Chicken Marbella (p. 68) is worth the whole price of the book alone; it was the first recipe I made (never touched a green olive before!) and my husband almost *moaned* when he took a bite of it. Sure, 'mustard and salmon' is almost cringingly basic for more advanced cooks but I think the book strives to make something for everyone. The recipes are unfailingly comprised of fresh ingredients, minimal prep time and cooking effort, for a big flavor payoff. For the experience of the color photos, and the feel of the book, I found the price to be very worth it. I honestly would not have enjoyed this book as much had it been an e-book.If you are far into the Paleo/low carb style journey you might find most of it to be rather like 'recipe review', but really I think this is a good book with tasty, simple recipes that don't require much thought or effort. The flavor profiles are very balanced, and I haven't had to tweak any seasonings or spices at all. THIS is almost unheard of in my kitchen! I prefer big brassy flavor in my food (rather than salt) so that it's an experience; these recipes are truly tasty just as written.Note on the Chicken Marbella : I used a 10 lb. bag of chicken quarters, doubled the marinade recipe, and baked it in a giant cake sheet for 1:20 at 350. We had several meals' worth of food with just a 'dump and bake' effort, and it tastes like something you'd get at a restaurant. I could have served this whole beautifully-browned pan of goodness to company and they would have felt as though they were getting high-dollar fare! The entire 10 lb. chicken meal was under $10.00, too.

Elana A.'s recipes are really good. I've used them for years. The book I bought was described as being in "VERY GOOD CONDITION." It actually IS in very good condition. Thank you Goodwill of W. Kansas and E. Kansas.

I know this review will most likely not be popular, but I am just not loving the newest cookbook from Elana.... it feels like she phoned this one in. The Paleo "Diet" has gained such popularity lately (which is awesome!) and as a result the bar for Paleo cookbooks has definitely been raised within the last year. This cookbook just isn't up to the same standard as some of the other books that have been published recently. Sure, the recipes look ok, but you aren't going to find a whole lot of new or exciting content here that you couldn't find on a short trip through Pinterest. The pictures in the book (there is one for every 4-5 recipes) are nice, but once again nothing jumps out at you. Maybe I am spoiled, but I want to look through a new cookbook and get so overcome by an urge to make recipes that I have to immediately dash off to the kitchen to whip something up.I am an avid collector of Paleo cookbooks. My whole family practices this lifestyle and I always look forward to adding new and exciting dishes to our collection of tried and true faves. This book just falls short of what I am looking for in a cookbook. At this point in the game I know how to make fritatas, I know how to make almond flour pancakes and I know 27 ways to roast a chicken. GIVE ME SOMETHING EXCITING!!I do think "Paleo Cooking from Elana's Pantry" would be a good introductory book to the lifestyle for someone just starting their journey, but as a "veteran" I doubt you will find much inspiration here.I also wanted to touch on one other aspect of the book that I found somewhat lacking: In the introduction Elana goes on and on about how so many of the recipes in this book contain coconut flour or flour other than almond flour and that is true. HOWEVER, almost all of the recipes that contain alternate flour also contain at least a cup of almond flour. You're not doing us any favors touting the use of coconut flour in recipes and then just throwing a Tbsp in here and there. I don't feel like these recipes are all that revolutionary or different than the (great) recipes you will find on her blog or in the other cookbooks.So to sum it up... this book just left me feeling, "meh". It's a book I would take for a spin from the library but not see the need to reference continually at home.

Excellent, great Banana cake in Paleo cooking from Elana's Pantry,gluten ferr,dairy free and grain free.Highly recommend have 3 others about to cook

Great recipes, made the bread its lovely.

I bought Elanas book after going Paleo 11 months ago and it's one of my favourites. It has some delicious recipes from Paleo quiche (bacon tart), Pad Thai, coleslaw, mayonnaise/ dressings, ice cream and brownies. I would say that it's got a recipe for everyone - some of the simplest and everyday classics made Paleo.

I have got M.E and have found controlling my diet helpful and eating gluten free and paleo seems to be very good for meI already owned her almond flour book so I thought this would be a good buy and havent been disappointedI have only made a couple of recipes to date but what I have made has been delicious

I like this book a lot! Wonderful recipe for granola which is to die for! Love Elana's take on Paleo as she isn't too strict and has a sensible attitude toward the Paleo way of life which I like. Not sure it would suit strict Paleo followers but personally I like a more relaxed approach. Nice recipes too including some alcoholic ones which pleased me!