The Garden of Eating: Review & Giveaway

I first heard of The Garden of Eating: a produce dominated diet when I started researching the benefits of a grain-free diet. I did a quick search on library loan and was glad to see that they carried it. Within a week it was in my book basket. I was able to read through most of the very informational first section, but before I was able to try out any recipes I had to take the book back. For good reason, someone else had a hold on it.

So you can imagine my excitement when one of the authors of this great book, Rachel Albert-Matesz, contacted me through the wonderful blogging world. She generously offered to send me a copy of her great book. After I read through it a second time I knew it was a must have for anyone interested in healthy cooking and eating.

The focus of this book is a on a produce-dominated diet without the use of grains or dairy. I would recommend it to everyone, but it is definitely a must own for anyone who is gluten free, grain free or dairy free.

The first part of this book contains a huge amount of helpful information and research. It covers everything from why grains and conventional dairy are unhealthy to why organic matters to a fat primer. In the second half of the first part she helps you organize your kitchen, stock the produce-dominated pantry, plan meals and shares a sample menu for a whole month of produce-dominated meals. I read it right as I began going grain and dairy free and I found it a huge help and encouragement.

The second part of the book is dedicated to a collection of wonderful recipes free of grains and dairy and full of produce, grass-fed meats, healthy fats and nuts.

This recipe collection includes recipes for eggs, meats, vegetables, dressings and sauces, fruit, treats and beverages. It really does have a bit of everything. Every recipe includes a little box including information on the calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat, calcium and sodium found in each serving. There is also almost always a variation or two for each recipe.

So far I have tried the Better Barbecue Sauce recipe with great results. I can’t wait to try the other recipes such as a blended broccoli-avocado soup, their homemade mayonnaise recipe, a recipe for a vegetarian version of southern style greens, and the guide to making homemade jerky & pemmican.

Our family does do things a bit differently than is suggested in the book, in that we eat a diet higher in fat and use unrefined sea salt without concern. Some recipes also call for the use of dried egg white powder, which we don’t use. Besides these two factors, much of our diet is similar to the produce-dominated diet found in the book.

One thing that I really appreciate about these recipes is the use of quality ingredients and even super foods. Many recipes call for sea vegetables in some form and I am always looking for ways to get these mineral-rich vegetables into our foods. Also, while we aren’t all entirely dairy free, it is nice to have a slew of recipes that don’t call for milk, cream or cheese.

And the great news is that Rachel has generously offered to give a copy of the 580 page Garden of Eating away to one of my readers.

Here are the guidelines for the giveaway:

• U.S. or Canadian residents only, please.
• For one entry: simply leave a comment on this post.
• For a second entry: blog about this giveaway. I will receive a link back so there is no need to let me know.
• For a third entry: subscribe to nourishing days and leave a second, separate comment. If you are already a subscriber leave a second, separate comment letting me know.
• The giveaway will run through the morning of Monday, May 18th.
• I will close comments and randomly choose the winner who will be notified by email.

I can’t wait for one of you to receive this book!