Deliciously Ella

March 2, 2015
Health-minded home cooks of the world, who have a seemingly bottomless appetite for gluten-free and vegan recipe hacks, will devour this accessible and inventive compilation. Drawing from the eponymous blog by the London-based author, this cookbook offers 120 dishes that are plant-based, gluten-free and dairy-free. Woodward explains that swapping out wheat for quinoa in her pizza crust and beef for lentils in her Bolognese helped her fight a serious health issue into remission. Beetroot carpaccio, stuffed chestnut mushrooms, and fresh spring rolls are virtuous choices with big flavor, but the cookbook really shines with its remixed treats such as sweet potato brownies, double-layered hazelnut cake, and berry cheesecake, with nary a pat of butter in sight. The frequently pictured author is also a model and the epitome of wholesome beauty, which may boost sales. What makes her book a valued contribution to the genre, however, are her easy-to-follow instructions and relatively straightforward ingredients that together deliver satisfying results. Color photos.