Gluten-Free Makeovers is an easy-to-follow collection of advice and recipes that is suitable for beginners and seasoned gluten-free chefs alike.

In her introduction, food editor of Living Without magazine and author Beth Hillson explains how and why she began developing gluten-free recipes and deciphers the basic flours available. One of the immediate benefits is that Hillson provides recipes for flours that you can make which will serve as substitutes for the more commonly used flours so that you are able to use non gluten-free recipes. This is a prime example of the philosophy behind her book, which is to think of “living instead” rather than without. For every item that you can eat, you can probably find similar items that you can eat.

With that positive and easy-to-manage attitude, Hillson dives into a host of mouth-watering recipes which are broken down into easy steps. The diverse recipe categories include yeast breads and rolls, pizza, muffins, pasta, appetizers, soups, entrees and sweet treats. More specific examples include apple caramel monkey bread, cranberry scones, risotto squares, Santa Fe enchiladas, butternut squash bisque, biscotti, white cake and light-as-air cupcakes. Some recipes also include a note on dairy-free options and substitutions.

In the final chapters of Gluten-Free Makeovers, Hillson further elaborates on the planning and managing of a pantry with extensive menu suggestions for holidays, dinners and meals that you can take to potlucks. There are further lists of substitutions for foods like dairy, corn and oats, but also for chocolate and the gums, like Xanthan gum that are used in many vegan and gluten-free recipes. Hillson also provides an extensive source list on where to purchase products as well as suggestions for brand names for products to make your shopping experience a little less overwhelming.

Hillson succeeds at making the gluten-free recipes and lifestyle accessible to the reader, breaking down all the information and recipes into bite size bits that are easy to swallow. Simple, attractive recipe layouts and basic lists make the book an easy to follow reference source, while the nine pages of color photographs of some of the dishes will inspire you to start up and persevere in your own gluten-free efforts.