A vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free cookbook by author and registered dietitian, Melissa Pickell, R.D. Melissa's Marvelous Meatless Meals provides the basics for those just getting started on a gluten free, casein free (no dairy) diet as well as many healthful suggestions for those wishing to move to a vegetarian lifestyle and reduce their intake of refined sugar. Ms. Pickell, who is founder of New You Nutrition, a private practice based in New Jersey, says she decided to write the book after her husband was put on a strict diet of no gluten, dairy, or sugar for health reasons. A gluten free diet is complicated enough, but being vegetarian adds some extra challenges. The author says she was already preparing most foods from scratch but now had to be vigilant in label reading as well. Unsuccessful gluten free bread baking led her to explore what options were available in books. The books that were vegetarian were not gluten or dairy free, the books that were gluten free were not vegetarian or dairy free, and most cookbooks did not seem to pay any attention to reducing sugar. So Pickell decided to write her own. Pickell states that her recipes are not time consuming since she has a busy family schedule. The book features over 140 recipes including Pancakes, Waffles, and Muffins, Main Dishes, Soups & Salads, Snacks, and Desserts.
