Have I mentioned before how we’re taking “baby steps” towards healthier eating? If you are of Plain circles, you will know how much we can pack the fat, flour, and sugar into our diets. We love rich food!
But our waistlines don’t.
So I was excited to receive this cookbook in the mail to do a review and giveaway on it! It is written by Amanda Stolzfus, a homeschooling mother of seven children.
My first impression:
Hands down, this is the most beautiful “healthy” cookbook I’ve ever been privileged to look at! Now if you know me, I love food that not only tastes good, but looks good too. And this cookbook is packed full of absolutely gorgeous pictures and a beautiful, feminine design. A Scripture verse comes with every recipe, as well as several dazzling photos.
Already . . . I like it!
No white flour
No white sugar
No hydrogenated oils
Instead, she recommends using whole wheat flour, sucanat/coconut sugar/honey/maple syrup, and healthy fats such as butter and coconut oil (among more).
Good and Healthy Cooking also contains:
- Her story – Amanda shares with us how she came to have a love for healthy cooking and the steps she took to get there. She also shares about the healthier options she uses instead of white flour, white sugar, and hydrogenated oils – and the reasons why she believes they are better for our bodies.
- Homemaker Helps – A page at the end of most chapters that contains excellent and useful information. For example, the Homemaker Help in the Breakfast section explains how she does her baking day with all her children. She has a list of items she normally makes once a week, and checks the ones that need done, and also who will make them. I love this idea, but with my kids in school, it might be a little harder!
- Full, Beautiful Index – This one is handy if you need to look up a recipe quickly!
- Six Different Food Categories – Includes Breakfast, Breads & Salads, Soups & Sandwiches, Main Dishes, Desserts, and Beverages.
Do you believe me now about the beautiful pictures?
If you are still in doubt, click here for more photos.
Now since this is a cookbook, I wanted to try at least one recipe from the cookbook before I posted the review. I chose her Creamy Chicken Lasagna on page 136. Here is a picture of the finished product – right before I put it in my belly!
Delicious!! We all liked it – even though I had to make it with whole wheat linguine instead of whole wheat lasagna noodles. I couldn’t find any in our grocery store! It is also missing the green peppers because, when I pulled mine out of the fridge, I found them turning slimy. Yet even with these modifications, it was delicious! And one I’ve added to my weekly menu planner.
Amanda is giving away one book of
Good and Healthy Cooking to you all!
However, if you do not wish to wait for the giveaway to end . . . you can purchase your cookbook at their website for $18.99. They are running a special until December 15 for FREE SHIPPING on two or more cookbooks. Ladies, these would make an excellent Christmas gift!
And a note to you local ladies, if you wish to borrow my cookbook to take a peek at it . . . you may. 🙂 But I will need it back! I’m selfish that way.
This giveaway will be open to U.S. entries only and ends on December 4, 2014. Now let’s have some fun!
If you are viewing this in our Weekly Newsletter, you might need to click here to enter the giveaway. We use the Rafflecopter system and it doesn’t always show in emails. This should take you to the post so you can enter it. If that doesn’t work, click on the title of the post in your email.
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Dorcas Siegrist says
I try and use butter when I can. Also bake our own bread although I’m not using a recipe that uses 100% whole wheat. I’m really interested in eating healthier. This looks like a good start! 🙂
Kendra says
I haven’t found a good 100% whole wheat bread recipe without having a grain grinder. But I’ll probably try the one in this cookbook and see what happens! She does recommend fresh-ground flour.
Dannielle says
I’ve been eating healthier, myself. But don’t feel like it’s what I want for our children. This looks like good ‘in between ground’. Something that would be good for the whole family.
Kendra says
I really think this has recipes kids will love! I hope to try more and let you all know.
Judy Skrivseth says
Looks interesting i would love to borrow it:)
Kendra Graber says
I will try to bring it Sunday!
Carolyn says
Looks like a cookbook I would enjoy!
Kendra says
I’m sure you would, Carolyn! In fact, you could probably make your own cookbook. 😉
Autumn Root says
I ordered one and have already used it. Easy to follow recipes,beautiful pictures and encouraging scripture too! Very well put together!
Living In The Shoe says
That’s great! Are you using any of the bread recipes?
Autumn Root says
Not yet,but I have only had it for a week…;) they look delicious!
Karisa says
Looks like a cookbook I would enjoy.
Kendra says
I hope so. I’ve been enjoying mine!!
Zedda says
I’m so happy to see this because I saw it on Facebook a week or two ago, meant to check it out, and lost track of the post. We already eat quite healthy, but I’m finding that healthy cookbooks with pictures are more difficult to find, especially ones with recipes I’ll use. I love cookbooks with pictures.
Kendra says
Oh I do too!!
Joanna Yoder says
I learned recently that I’m pre-diabetic at age 35, so I’ve been forced to make lifestyle changes. The hardest part has been finding recipes that I can eat AND my family (4 children 13 & under) can enjoy with me. I’d love to see if this cookbook could help me!
Have you heard of the Nourish cookbook? That’s another one that’s on my Christmas wish list.
Kendra says
Yes, I have heard of Nourish – but don’t know much about it! Isn’t that the one Dorcas Stutzman made?
I’m sorry to hear of your pre-diabetic condition. I’m 36, so we’re pretty close in age. I have a 13-year old too! 🙂 Hopefully you’ll find some good recipes for your family.
Julia Jewels Herschberger says
Where can you get this Kendra?
Kendra Graber says
Right here: http://goodandhealthycooking.com/
Rosetta G says
Life just seems to get busier and busier and I would love some healthy recipes that don’t take all day to make!
Kendra says
I hear you!!
Melody Mellinger says
I looked at this cookbook in a local bookstore recently. It is a lovely book and I hope to get it sometime. I could definitely use some fresh inspiration for healthy cooking!
Kendra says
That’s neat! Somebody else said they had just purchased it a week ago – but I only now just heard of it.
Mrs. Cliff says
Wow! Those pictures really look yummy!!! Our families eating habits
Could be called a disaster :). They do need to change, but I need something that spells
It out. I don’t know think I would have any problems getting the family on board with that cookbook!
Mrs. Cliff
Kendra says
I’m hoping to do more recipes from the cookbook this winter and post the results! I know my little ones can be rather picky eaters at times.
Jessie says
Really excited for this book! Recently we’ve made the switch to healthier eating and this cookbook would be a great start! Thanks so much 🙂
Kendra says
You’re welcome! Sounds like you are off to a good start already.
Lori says
I hope I can win this cookbook cuz it looks just like what I’ve been looking for… To contribute more healthy dishes at the supper table.
Kendra says
Too bad I don’t have more than one to give away!!
Diana says
looks like a wonderful addition to the kitchen!
Dinah says
Sounds like a wonderful cookbook.
Rose Bontrager says
Looks like a great cookbook!
eldoncrystal says
I try cooking and eating healthy, but a little more help is always nice.
MelanieB says
I have been trying to get more fresh fruit & vegetables in by making more smoothies with spinach & fruits.
Tina says
I’d love to win this pretty cookbook!:)