Big News...Big...HUGE!

Do you remember that line from Pretty Woman? It's where Julia Roberts goes back to one of the stores where the salesladies treated her badly and tells them that they made a big mistake. Big...HUGE! I always think of that line when I have big news to tell. And this is big news. Yes, I would even go so far as to say huge news. It's something I've been sitting on for a long time, since last January, and I am so excited to finally be able to share it with you. What could possibly have me so excited? Well, this little foodblogger is about to become a published cookbook author. Yes, you read that right. Some of my best low carb, gluten free recipes will see print, and sooner rather than later.

Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

This cookbook doesn't belong to just me. It is, in fact, a collaborative effort of five of the web's best low carb, gluten free recipe developers and it is spear-headed by none other than Jennifer Eloff herself. If you are a low carber, I don't doubt for a second that you've heard of Jennifer, as she is a leading low carb cookbook author and quite a presence in the low carb world. I was delighted when she asked me to be a part of this project, Low Carbing Among Friends, because if anyone knows how to publish a cookbook, it's Jennifer.

Let me tell you a little about the cookbook itself, because I believe in this project wholeheartedly and it's more than just a collection of recipes. Low Carbing Among Friends is a unique book in that every recipe is both low carb AND gluten free. Although I am not fully gluten free myself, gluten is quickly becoming recognized as contributing to a whole host of health issues, not just celiac disease. I believe that more and more people will turn to a gluten free lifestyle in an effort to regain health and energy. And whether you choose a low carb lifestyle for health reasons, such as I do, or for weight loss, cutting out or reducing gluten-based products in your diet can only help. I know there are plenty of low carb cookbooks out there and plenty of gluten free as well, but this book may be among the first that is both low carb and gluten free.

Peanut Crusted Chicken Strips with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

In addition to over 300+ recipes, Low Carbing Among Friends also contains expert advice from some of the leading medical and low carb authorities in the world. Two of the low carb world's key players, Dana Carpender of Hold The Toast and Jimmy Moore of Living La Vida Low Carb, will be contributing their two cents in this book. Our medical experts include Dr. Briffa (Waist Disposal), Dr. Eenfeldt (Diet Doctor), Dr. Parker (The Low Carb Mediterranean Diet), Dr. Su (Carbohydrates Can Kill). Through their own research and practice, each of these doctor has independently come to the conclusion that low carb, gluten free eating is critical for both health and weight loss. So I think the timing of our book, Low Carbing Among Friends, couldn't be more spot on.

This book is also unique in that it is made up of 5 "mini" cookbooks, each authored by a different low carb recipe developer. So you will get the benefit of five different styles of cooking and baking, and I am quite certain that all of us has our own perspective to share. My fellow contributors include Jennifer Eloff (Splendid Low Carbing), Maria Emmerich (Maria's Nutritious and Delicious Journal), Lisa Marshal (24/7 Low Carb Diner) and Kent Altena (Atkins Diet Geek). We've all had our own experiences with a low carb diet and with low carb, gluten free cooking, and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of this group.

Raspberry Almond Coffee Cake

As for my own contribution to the book, I am very pleased with it. I worked double time over the winter and spring to create some wonderful recipes for my portion, while still being able to bring you recipes here. There are a few items from the blog that made it into the cookbook, like my Chilled Avocado Soup and my Frozen Raspberry Mousse Tart, but most of them are fresh and new. And, in my humble opinion, some of my best creations. I've pictured a few of them here.

The price of the book is a reasonable $19.99 USD, and we have a website, created by Jennifer's son, up and running, AmongFriends.us. You can even pre-order the book and we are expecting the first printing to sell out fast (as of last night, there were already quite a few pre-orders and we hadn't even announced it publicly yet!). This is just such an exciting project to be a part of. I hope you will do me the favour of heading over to our site and checking it out.

Pecan Turtle Bars

And even if you are not a low carber yourself, consider this book for your family and friends who are. The low carb lifestyle is back with a vengeance, as many people are beginning to recognize it as one of the healthiest ways of eating. Diabetics like myself, whose health can depend on it, can always use more ideas for meals, snacks and treats, especially in a world full of tempting carby and gluten-filled foods. Celiacs will also appreciate the many recipes and the expert advice in this book. I really believe that with all the wonderful contributors, Low Carbing Among Friends will be a must-have cookbook for the low carb, gluten free lifestyle. Please help me spread the word.

AmongFriends.us