The Allergen-Free Baker's Handbook

By Cybele Pascal
Celestial Arts, $25.00, 189 pages

Alas, a prayer arrived on my doorstep in yellowish paper wrapping. Clawing through the parcel I dug into the pile of next month’s review books, to the last one. A colorful cover with words I did not know could coexist lay in my hungry hands, The Allergen-Free Baker’s Handbook.  Love at first sight…then, er, bite. As I am a recent member of the ever-escalating food allergic community, the challenges of partaking have rolled over me like chocolate spouting from a lava cake, only instead of lapping it up before it hits the plate, I can’t have any. However, now that notion may be out, much like the gluten in my diet, thanks to Cybele Pascal and her 100 recipes for the sweet tooth. A recipe I have loved, and not forgotten, since childhood, has been found! Although under a new moniker, the Chocolate Sandwich Cookies are alive and begging to be had. Want some more temptation? Fudge brownies, Quebec Maple Date Cookies, Glazed Vanilla Scones… food allergies will no longer be an excuse not to taste, indulge, and enjoy.

“This book is for everyone. It’s for all of you out there who’ve ever said, “No thanks, I can’t eat that. I’m allergic to _____.”

No more deprivation. She makes it even easier with a “stocking the pantry” and resources section. Thank you Cybele Pascal, thank you.

Reviewed by Sky Sanchez