Coeliacs, rejoice! Say goodbye to the days of being sidelined at dinner parties with the ‘gluten-free plate’. Gluten-Free Feasts proves that for the gluten-free, nothing has to be off-limits. From pork buns and waffles to croissants, choux pastry and garlic bread – Melanie Persson has you covered.
Known from MasterChef Australia and online as The Very Hungry Coeliac, Persson has written a cookbook that is more than a collection of recipes, it’s a celebration of inclusion.
This cookbook is organised around feasts: brunch, dim sum, tea party, picnic, game day, taco night, takeout, fish and chips, and a big celebration menu – making it easy to cook for groups. Food this good deserves a crowd, so round up your favourites and get feasting!
I’ll admit, I felt a bit of an imposter picking up this book as someone who (not to rub it in) gets along just fine with gluten. But Persson’s tone is so welcoming, and the recipes so convincing, I quickly forgot I wasn’t the target audience.
I also learnt a lot about flour! Persson explains why gluten-free flour substitutes don’t always behave like their gluten-stuffed counterparts. If you’ve ever swapped in gluten-free flour and ended up disappointed, you’ll find this breakdown enlightening. The scones were tender, and the dumpling dough had just the right bite. Honestly, I wouldn’t have known these dishes were gluten-free.
Whether gluten is your foe or your friend, if you’re after killer dumplings or indulgent chicken curry, this is worth a spot on your shelf.
Book review by Heather Morcom
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE AUTHORMelanie Persson was on MasterChef Australia 2022 and was the first contestant to compete as a gluten-free cook. Since being diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2016, she has worked hard to develop recipes that replicate the foods she used to love. These are largely influenced by her experiences living in Japan and Italy, as well as her Swedish heritage. Mel is passionate about helping people on gluten-free diets rediscover their joy for food and cooking.
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