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Danielle Walker's Against All Grain: Meals Made Simple: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Paleo Recipes to Make Anytime
Beloved food blogger and New York Times bestselling author Danielle Walker is back with over 100 new Paleo recipes in her sophomore cookbook, Meals Made Simple—a collection of gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo-friendly recipes for easy weeknight meals.
Diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at twenty-two, Danielle Walker spent many years in and out of the hospital and on high dosages of debilitating medications before taking her health into her own hands and drastically changing her diet. In a true lemons-to-lemonade story, Danielle transformed her adversities into opportunities and created her wildly successful blog, Against All Grain, in an effort to help those in need eat well and feel great, without feeling deprived.
With recipes that make cooking for the grain-free family both easy and enjoyable, Meals Made Simple answers the age-old question: “What’s for dinner?” Danielle Walker takes the guesswork out of meal planning with eight weeks’ worth of dinner ideas, complete with full shopping lists and recipes for using up leftovers. Whether we’re moms, students, or business owners, at the end of the day we all want fresh, home-cooked meals that are easy to prepare. And we want lots of variety.
Preparing real foods can be time-consuming and monotonous, but Danielle brings both simplicity and creativity to the everyday meal with an enthusiasm for flavors and textures that are often lacking in easy weeknight dishes. Meals Made Simple includes a variety of slow cooker, one-pot, and thirty-minute meals, as well as ways to create entirely new dishes from leftovers.
As in her critically acclaimed first cookbook, Against All Grain, Danielle offers special “tidbits” to help ensure that your meals turn out picture-perfect. The vibrant flavors and colors in these grain-free dishes, like slow-cooked Pork Ragu, Beef Stroganoff, Peruvian-Style Chicken, Chicken and Rice Casserole, and Barbecue Salmon with Peach Salsa, add delight to any meal and put an end to all those nights of mundane grilled chicken and steamed vegetables. Even the desserts are quick to make, should a craving or a last-minute celebration arise.
Features include
· make-ahead options
· 8 weeks’ worth of dinner ideas
· nutritional facts for every recipe
· shopping lists for fast grocery runs
· suggestions for how best to use leftovers
· slow cooker, one-pot, and 30-minute recipes
Diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at twenty-two, Danielle Walker spent many years in and out of the hospital and on high dosages of debilitating medications before taking her health into her own hands and drastically changing her diet. In a true lemons-to-lemonade story, Danielle transformed her adversities into opportunities and created her wildly successful blog, Against All Grain, in an effort to help those in need eat well and feel great, without feeling deprived.
With recipes that make cooking for the grain-free family both easy and enjoyable, Meals Made Simple answers the age-old question: “What’s for dinner?” Danielle Walker takes the guesswork out of meal planning with eight weeks’ worth of dinner ideas, complete with full shopping lists and recipes for using up leftovers. Whether we’re moms, students, or business owners, at the end of the day we all want fresh, home-cooked meals that are easy to prepare. And we want lots of variety.
Preparing real foods can be time-consuming and monotonous, but Danielle brings both simplicity and creativity to the everyday meal with an enthusiasm for flavors and textures that are often lacking in easy weeknight dishes. Meals Made Simple includes a variety of slow cooker, one-pot, and thirty-minute meals, as well as ways to create entirely new dishes from leftovers.
As in her critically acclaimed first cookbook, Against All Grain, Danielle offers special “tidbits” to help ensure that your meals turn out picture-perfect. The vibrant flavors and colors in these grain-free dishes, like slow-cooked Pork Ragu, Beef Stroganoff, Peruvian-Style Chicken, Chicken and Rice Casserole, and Barbecue Salmon with Peach Salsa, add delight to any meal and put an end to all those nights of mundane grilled chicken and steamed vegetables. Even the desserts are quick to make, should a craving or a last-minute celebration arise.
Features include
· make-ahead options
· 8 weeks’ worth of dinner ideas
· nutritional facts for every recipe
· shopping lists for fast grocery runs
· suggestions for how best to use leftovers
· slow cooker, one-pot, and 30-minute recipes
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
January 11, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. However, a lot of the recipes involved making food that looks like our western diet, i.e. pancakes, waffles made with alternative flours. I understand the comfort in this but it seems so difficult. if I decide to try a paleo diet I will just stick to lean meats, nuts, fruit and vegetables. No sense in making it difficult. This book has plenty of those recipes too.
July 13, 2015
I love the EIGHT weeks of meal plans... done and shopping lists created for you. She also gives you all sorts of simple tidbits on making things ahead. It's super helpful for this mama who wants it simple and doesn't want to spend a lot of time on prep but still wants to feed good, nutritious, and tasty food to her family.
I borrowed this from the library... as soon as I return it I will be purchasing it again as I want to try more recipes and want to add some to my seasonal rotations.
Another great book even if you don't need to follow a grain free, dairy free, or paleo-ish diet.
I borrowed this from the library... as soon as I return it I will be purchasing it again as I want to try more recipes and want to add some to my seasonal rotations.
Another great book even if you don't need to follow a grain free, dairy free, or paleo-ish diet.
September 17, 2016
I've made about half the recipes in this cookbook and every single one has been a hit. Current favorites and rotations in our meal plan: white pork chili, Italian Wedding soup, pesto stuffed prosciutto chicken, chicken tikka masala, chipotle barbacoa, smoky roasted sweet potatoes.
This is my go-to cookbook for gluten, dairy, grain free recipes. Her website is also fantastic.
This is my go-to cookbook for gluten, dairy, grain free recipes. Her website is also fantastic.
July 3, 2020
I’ve already added this to my shopping cart because I can tell it’s going to be a helpful resource. Danielle is like my soul sister. In this book, she provides 8 weeks of meal planning and grocery lists to match, and her recipes look really delicious. She also gives cheat sheets, label reading advice, and dietary restriction guides! Because Paleo is so similar to Whole30, I’ll be able to use a lot of these.
November 21, 2015
Made carrot cake cupcakes, pineapple chicken lettuce burger wraps, spice-rubbed sweet potatoes, and BLT salads with cherry tomatoes.
April 8, 2017
Truly exceptional recipes. I was somewhat depressed when I learned that I needed to eliminate gluten from my diet. Danielle's recipes gave me hope that delicious meals were still attainable even with a limited diet. The quality of recipes is reminiscent of America's Test Kitchen, which is my favorite culinary resource. Must-try recipes include White Pork Chili, Peruvian-style Chicken, Chipotle Barbacoa, Slow Cooker Thai Beef Stew, Mexican Burgers, Greek Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce, Maple-Dijon Pork Tenderloin, Roasted Tomato and Shrimp Pasta, Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes, and Catalan Style Spinach. I'm not kidding, these recipes are amazing!
February 9, 2020
Better layout and organization compared to the first one. 👌🏻 I still can't use most of the recipes in here until I am farther out from my UC flare, but I hope to be able to use many of them soon! Lots of very manageable, delicious-looking options!
November 4, 2017
Fantastic recipes! My son called me a Master Chef after eating the Thai beef over cauliflower.
September 18, 2015
When I was about 8 years old, my doctor recommended that I go on a wheat, dairy, chocolate and sugar free diet to see if it would help my allergies and overall health. Maybe eggs too, I don't remember. Back then, that meant goats milk (which was just AWFUL!), I don't know what kind of alternative flour, carob (nothing like chocolate! especially without sugar) and honey, which was fine. It was particularly awful for me because there were several birthdays that fell in the time frame. Mom tried really hard, but the special cake she made for me was still pretty bad. At the end of the six weeks or whatever, I was relieved I didn't feel much better, because the food was so awful I wanted to DIE!!! (I may have been a touch dramatic as a kid.)
Fast forward twenty-five years and I want to try again. My last pregnancy was really really difficult. I was sick and exhausted the entire time. I couldn't do much of anything with my girls. It was very hard. Now my littlest is 6 mo old and very sweet. She gets very sick though when I eat certain things, hence the desire to try again. I tried a few years ago and I learned that I am more allergic to soy than anything else. That put a big damper on my diet change attempts, since most of the easy to find/affordable alternative foods are soy based. So, I knew then if I could figure out how, I would feel better by changing my diet. I have also struggled because I love to bake (and eat said baked goods). In the last few years I have gotten to where I just can't anymore(eat it that is. I still bake it if I can find any excuse) So, now we get to the point...
The book begins with Danielle's personal story and explains the reasoning behind the cookbook itself as well as the diet she employs. This cookbook has tons of recipes, not just for yummy meals, but also 'breads' and sweets. There are breakfast foods and dinners.There are lists in the back for which recipes are egg free and nut free. All the recipes are dairy and gluten free. There are 30 minute meals and one pot meals. And the best thing...8 weeks of meal plans with shopping lists! Some of the items are out of reach for our family because of availability or cost. But mostly, now I have some hope; that not only is a modified diet possible, it may even be delicious.
Some additional comments: Another reviewer, said 'Why make it complicated?' The answer is for people like me. If you are interested in 'going Paleo' because it is the latest thing, this book might not be for you. You can probably do it much more simply. THese recipies are espicially geared for people who can't eat any other way. Some other reviewers have expressed skepticism about Danielle's 'cure.' I don't think it really matters. She feels better. Other people feel better. Whether it is a long term 'cure' or just management of the illness, etc. quality of life has been improved.
Fast forward twenty-five years and I want to try again. My last pregnancy was really really difficult. I was sick and exhausted the entire time. I couldn't do much of anything with my girls. It was very hard. Now my littlest is 6 mo old and very sweet. She gets very sick though when I eat certain things, hence the desire to try again. I tried a few years ago and I learned that I am more allergic to soy than anything else. That put a big damper on my diet change attempts, since most of the easy to find/affordable alternative foods are soy based. So, I knew then if I could figure out how, I would feel better by changing my diet. I have also struggled because I love to bake (and eat said baked goods). In the last few years I have gotten to where I just can't anymore(eat it that is. I still bake it if I can find any excuse) So, now we get to the point...
The book begins with Danielle's personal story and explains the reasoning behind the cookbook itself as well as the diet she employs. This cookbook has tons of recipes, not just for yummy meals, but also 'breads' and sweets. There are breakfast foods and dinners.There are lists in the back for which recipes are egg free and nut free. All the recipes are dairy and gluten free. There are 30 minute meals and one pot meals. And the best thing...8 weeks of meal plans with shopping lists! Some of the items are out of reach for our family because of availability or cost. But mostly, now I have some hope; that not only is a modified diet possible, it may even be delicious.
Some additional comments: Another reviewer, said 'Why make it complicated?' The answer is for people like me. If you are interested in 'going Paleo' because it is the latest thing, this book might not be for you. You can probably do it much more simply. THese recipies are espicially geared for people who can't eat any other way. Some other reviewers have expressed skepticism about Danielle's 'cure.' I don't think it really matters. She feels better. Other people feel better. Whether it is a long term 'cure' or just management of the illness, etc. quality of life has been improved.
May 16, 2018
While I have not made every single recipe in this book due to different food allergies and taste preferences, I have tried a lot and have enjoyed just about all of them! My favorites in this book thus far are the Peruvian-Style Chicken, Garlic-Herb Chicken Thighs, Pesto-Stuffed Prosciutto Chicken, Hawaiian Chicken Burgers, Ginger Chicken and Broccoli, Mexican Burgers, and her pesto sauce. I have made them multiple times for multiple families and they all rave about them! One thing I absolutely LOVE about Danielle's books is that she has a picture for every single recipe; I have never owned cookbooks apart from hers that do that and it makes the selecting and cooking processes so much easier! If you like this book, check out her others. This is definitely my favorite book though!
January 31, 2019
Contains lots of good recipes, but the majority of them contain large amounts of almond flour. While I enjoy baking with almond flour, I personally feel that large amounts of it consistently is not the best. I prefer to use a variety of different flours while baking. Most people who are utilizing gluten-free baking are doing so because of a health problem or food intolerance. Obsessively using only one type of flour, like almond flour, for all your gluten-free recipes, can actually lead to food intolerance towards it. I know because when I first started gluten free baking, I almost exclusively used almond flour. I eventually started having problems with it. Now, I use a variety of flours, using each in moderation and off-and-on and I do much better.
January 5, 2016
I've made about four recipes from this book so far and they have all been delicious! My husband and I are doing a "30-day get back on track after the holidays" challenge and are following a mostly-paleo diet. We've both been feeling so much better that I can see this lasting long past 30 days.
I have been pleasantly surprised that we have both really enjoyed everything we've made out of here and I'm looking forward to trying more of her recipes. I originally checked this book out from my library but have since purchased a copy to keep. Good stuff!
I have been pleasantly surprised that we have both really enjoyed everything we've made out of here and I'm looking forward to trying more of her recipes. I originally checked this book out from my library but have since purchased a copy to keep. Good stuff!
December 1, 2014
Switching to a gluten and dairy free diet has been at times overwhelming and frustrating, but this book actually makes it simple. Included in this book is an eight week menu plan with a shopping list. I am no longer spending hours searching for recipes and creating menu plans--this book takes the guesswork out of cooking!
To see my full review, go to: http://www.thereadingretreat.com/2014...
To see my full review, go to: http://www.thereadingretreat.com/2014...
July 15, 2018
Very meh. There were only a few recipies that stood out to me as worth trying however the majority are recipes that can be easily found online.
I will say that these recipes don't call for specialised kitchen equipment or fancy gadgets, your spice rack won't be heavily used and she does provide recipes that consider a multitude of eating programs and provides substitutions where possible but damn, this cookbook was...insipid.
I will say that these recipes don't call for specialised kitchen equipment or fancy gadgets, your spice rack won't be heavily used and she does provide recipes that consider a multitude of eating programs and provides substitutions where possible but damn, this cookbook was...insipid.
February 4, 2015
I like to be as gluten and dairy free as possible but I am also low carb. If you need low carb options this is not the cook book for you.
July 26, 2018
A helpful addition if you're trying to cook gluten free or paleo. I haven't tried any recipes, but I think I will. Many of them looked quite good.
September 3, 2020
By far my favorite cookbook of all time! Almost every single recipe is fantastic. I love this book. It has flags with "Yummy" written in it numerous times.
September 16, 2018
My teen daughter and I both enjoyed this book. She used it to help build a 4-H presentation on gluten-free eating, demonstrating how to make a bread recipe featured in this book, and she won silver at state competition two years ago. Great book with really delicious recipes, especially to be gluten free. The recipes are more expensive and time-consuming, but we found the recipes more enjoyable than most gluten-free recipes. Dietary restrictions don’t mandate us eating strictly gluten-free, but we enjoy making these recipes from time to time.
February 15, 2019
A great cookbook for any family kitchen. So many great recipes in this book and it is one we come back to weekly for meals.
My youngest his absolute favourite recipe from this book is the Chicken, bacon and butternut squash salad.
The stroganoff was great and we will sometimes make it with stewing beef instead and it turns out great.
The Thai beef stew was a big hit, this one I hadn't been sure how my kids would feel about it but this is one meal they do ask to add to our menu on a regular basis. The jicama is a nice touch to it.
My youngest his absolute favourite recipe from this book is the Chicken, bacon and butternut squash salad.
The stroganoff was great and we will sometimes make it with stewing beef instead and it turns out great.
The Thai beef stew was a big hit, this one I hadn't been sure how my kids would feel about it but this is one meal they do ask to add to our menu on a regular basis. The jicama is a nice touch to it.
April 11, 2018
I have a ton of food allergies and I hate cooking - this book makes me hate cooking less, which is the highest praise I can give a cookbook. I am seriously picky, and there hasn't been a bad recipe yet. I'm obsessed with the chicken and "rice" (riced cauliflower) casserole, and the roasted chicken with thyme gravy. The casserole is the first "comfort food" type meal I have had in ages, and it's super healthy. Highly recommend.
July 21, 2018
There are many great recipes in this book. I however, didn't find a lot of main dishes that I could use based on dietary restrictions as: I do not eat seafood, cannot have chicken, nightshades or grains due to inflammatory markers. There still were some other amazing recipes in this book, that I think most of you will find helpful and delicious. Looking forward to making some Strawberry Rhubarb crisp, and Rosemary-lemon pork chops! Yum!
October 1, 2018
This book is very informative and includes great staple recipes, made from basic ingredients rather than specialty ingredients. They look flavorful and amazing! I love that everything is dairy free and all-natural. I like the quick reference shopping guides and all the tips throughout the book. I like that many of the recipes overlap in a way that allows minimal meal prep for a variety of dishes. I love the photos! I look forward to trying the many recipes!
March 27, 2019
Overall this is a really good cookbook. It is too intense for me as I follow a Keto lifestyle and this goes far beyond that being dairy free. Many of the recipes sounded really good, but I would be adding Keto allowed ingredients to "liven" them up to my liking. The reason for only 3 stars is the recipes do not have a nutritional breakdown of calories, fat, carbs, fiber, etc. making it extremely difficult/impossible to track macronutrients or calories.
August 1, 2018
The first paleo cookbook I bought it and I love it. I still use it and really appreciate the ease of the recipes, their deliciousness that appeals to Paleo and non-Paleo alike. And she provides nutritional info for each recipe which is something most other Paleo cookbook authors are loathe to do for some stupid reason. This a great cookbook.
March 1, 2019
There are several good recipes in this book. The minestrone soup, modified to be vegetarian, is one of my favorites. Also good staples like taco seasoning or pesto sauce. I don't use the meal planning or all of the parts about stocking a pantry. The index is set up such that it takes several pages of the book.
February 13, 2021
I went through this right when I got it, and I tabbed at least 75% of the recipes. I absolutely love all of the suggestions!!! I've made quite a few of the recipes, and I have loved all of them. Ok, not the biscuits...but I think I'm going to have to get used to the fact that gluten-free means different textures and flavors.
May 29, 2017
We've been eating gluten free and working toward Paleo for some time. Finding recipes to work into our menus can be challenging at times. My main problem is what's for supper tonight? We are at the point where Sunday and Thursday night is chicken. Tuesday and Friday night is pork chop night. That leaves Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Sometimes its nice to have the four nights a week I don't have to think, others times I need a change. This book offers me a few other ideas, even if its just sides to go with the planned meals on those four days to spice things up a bit.
And although we rarely eat desserts, its nice to find a grain free version to an old favorite no longer allowed.
Thanks for taking the time to put together your cookbooks!
And although we rarely eat desserts, its nice to find a grain free version to an old favorite no longer allowed.
Thanks for taking the time to put together your cookbooks!
June 7, 2017
Danielle Walker's recipes are always good and amazingly for me, always turn out. She is how I got my husband to agree to eating more of a paleo style diet. Now, if I have made something my hubby really likes, he always ask me if it is one of her recipes :)
December 21, 2017
I finally found a few moments to read through this lovely cookbook. It’s full of delicious-looking, healthy recipes. I feel inspired to cut back on grains, and plan to use a few of these recipes in an upcoming whole30.
May 14, 2020
I’ve made several of these recipes and, while they seem intimidating, found that they were fairly easy to make. Not to mention they’ve all been delicious! I’ve never used a cookbook as much as this one and will definitely purchase another from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews