Monday, September 9, 2013

The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook by Mickey Trescott

As you've seen, over the past few weeks while I was following an autoimmune paleo protocol (AIP) to see if it will help with my Grover's disease (an update will be coming soon), I've cooked through some recipes in Mickey Trescott's Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook.  She graciously gave me a review copy.  She's a brave lady as giving me a review copy doesn't always lead to a rave review.

The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook Cover


If you've been looking for paleo recipe resources, there are hundreds of e-books out there and I know I've downloaded and purchased some pretty disappointing ones.  It's not hard to become skeptical about spending money on them.  I know I sure have.



After cooking through a few recipes in The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook,  I am of the opinion that this is a quality cookbook for anyone who has adopted a paleo template regardless of whether or not you are following an autoimmune protocol.

I'd love for her to conduct an experiment simply changing the title of the book to something that doesn't invoke AIP - I bet it would sell like gangbusters (not that I don't think it isn't successful as titled).  I only say this because I  think some might shy away because they think that AIP is limiting and less flavorful than typical paleo recipes.  I know I thought this before I was faced with needing to try an AIP.  I was so wrong.  As you've seen from my reviews over the past few weeks.  Not true.  

The first recipe I made from the book was the Moroccan Lamb Stew.  This was simply lovely.  I ate this stew through out the week I made and none made it to the freezer.


The second dish I tried from the book was the Carrot Ginger Soup.  This soup was great hot and cold.



Next, I made the Coconut Amino Marinated Salmon and Curried Cauliflower.  This meal was great for company.  Both were quick and easy to prepare, especially together.  I was able to get everything plated hot without seeming completely frazzled.  My non-paleo company cleaned his plate.  

The Curried Cauliflower will be a new regular side dish in my kitchen regardless of whether or not I'm following an AIP protocol or not.


I gave her Chicken Liver with Raw Garlic and Thyme a try, but was defeated by a personal seeming undying dislike for chicken liver.  Drat.  I think if you like chicken liver, this recipe is worth a try.  I will be trying this recipe again using a new technique I learned over the weekend at the Save Your Bacon P3 event this past weekend for preparing liver.  I will certainly update once I've done it again.


I paired the liver with the Sautéed Market Greens which were simple and lovely.


Finally, I tired the Sage Braised Chicken Legs.  Simply, a yummy weeknight dinner.



The photography in the book is beautiful and the recipes are in an easily read font type and size.  My only complaint about the cookbook is the use of fruit and fruit juices in many of the savory dishes, but that is purely out of my personal preference of not eating fruit right now.  I've already seen that the fruit can be removed from some of the dishes without effecting the flavor, so I will certainly continue to experiment with this cookbook and post reviews as I do.

If you are following an autoimmune paleo protocol this book has so many great resources.  It has meal plans, shopping lists, and charts of AIP ingredients.  When I decided to give AIP a try, I had so many questions and I was overwhelmed.  This book answered many questions I had when starting out with my AIP experiment and really made it seem doable to me.

If you aren't following an Autoimmune Protocol, do not let the title keep you from giving this cookbook a try as it is full of solid tasty paleo recipes that anyone who sits down at your table will enjoy.

Thank you, Mickey, for such a great resource!