PALEO INDULGENCES COOKBOOK: Review and Giveaway

When I heard that there was such a thing as paleo marshmallows, I just about did cartwheels. If there is a more comforting, childhood-memory inducing food out there, I haven't found it yet. Marshmallows bring me back to snuggling around the campfire, where I spent many evenings with my family in Leakey, Texas, as a girl scout, and in high school with my friends in my boyfriend's backyard. Then, of course, where there are marshmallows, there must also be... graham crackers. When I was pregnant with my son, I had horrible restless leg syndrome. I could not get to sleep at night until I had a half a sleeve of graham crackers and a giant glass of chocolate milk. I needed those darn graham crackers and the routine became near and dear to me.  Tammy Credicot has spectacularly brought these fond memories back to me in paleo form in her new cookbook, Paleo Indulgences.

From pancakes to candy, these paleo treats will leave you satisfied and wanting for nothing. Could this come at a better time? I know you still have your kid's Halloween candy stashed in your pantry, taunting you every moment you walk past. Or maybe your neighbors and coworkers have already bombarded you with treats for the holidays. Step away from the candy bucket and pick up a copy of this book instead. There are also recipes for paleo crackers, which I'll defnitely be making for my baked brie (shhh I know.. dairy) at Christmas time. Bonus? This book would make a GREAT Christmas gift.

Gingerbread Pancakes

The first recipes I tested in this book were the pancakes. The first were the gingerbread pancakes and the second were the banana-pecan. They were tied for the best paleo pancakes I've ever had. Both passed the little boy pancake connoisseur approval test. I think the pancakes are not only delicious, but versatile. While making the banana pecan pancakes, I ran out of bananas, so substituted mashed acorn squash. It was perfect! I have a confession. I have had this book for a few weeks now and have failed to post this fast enough. My excuse: I have been too busy making Paleo pancakes. My boys ask for them at least twice a week. We had them last night for dinner and this morning for breakfast.

I made the marshmallows almost immediately. They were not hard and were unbelievably delicious. If only I had taken a picture before devouring every single one of them. I did, however use the recipe as a topping on my sweet potato pie at thanksgiving. I simply made the recipe, but instead of cutting the marshmallows into squares, I smeared it on top of my pie and lightly broiled the top in the oven. Then I sprinkled the whole thing with Maple Cinnamon Pecans. You could do this with any pie or casserole for Christmas. I am definitely doing that again!

I have to mention that not only are the recipes in this book innovative and well executed, but the photography is stunning. I can't say I am surprised as, it turns out, Tammy's husband, Cain, runs the one and only Paleo Magazine. It inspired me to put down my point and shoot and pick up my ever-intimidating DSLR. From here on out, my photos will aspire to as beautiful as the ones in Paleo Indulgences.

Tammy has generously offered to give a copy of her book to one lucky reader. How can you enter?

 Leave me a comment below telling me what non-paleo treat you wish you could eat right now! 

There is probably a paleo version of it in Tammy's awesome book! I'll select a random winner at the end of the contest. Make sure your email is included in the comment form or in the comment itself. Contest ends Friday, December 14 at 10:00am (central).