Do you have food intolerance yet still crave something sweet for your afternoon tea?

Is it possible to go on a

 gluten free

grain free

dairy free

nut free

and refined sugar free diet

and still enjoy dessert?

Suzanne Perazzini the wonderful talent behind Strands of my life says

YES.

I had the pleasure of being asked to review Suzanne’s cookbook Afternoon tea. Suzanne not only created the recipes but she also styled, photographed and wrote the book all by herself and I have to say she did a wonderful job at it.  Afternoon tea comes in 107 pages. In it you will get to explore and enjoy 50 gluten free, grain  free, dairy free, nut free and refined sugar free treats to serve with your afternoon tea. Before you look away, the book is not only directed at people with food allergies or intolerance. There is something to learn for everyone who wants to lead a healthier life style. You will be introduced to different sweetener options, different types of gluten free flours and how to use them, a variety of treats that don’t make you feel guilty with every bite, and much more.

The book starts with an introduction to the different ingredients used in the recipes. Next comes a chapter with basic recipes, ranging from a dairy free caramel to basic pastry dough recipes with a variety of chocolate frosting ideas using avocados and bananas.

 Then comes the real treat with her beautifully photographed recipes divided into these categories: slices,tarts, cakes, muffins,cookies, and other Treats.

Suzanne kindly agreed to share one of her recipes with my readers and I chose to make Chocolate avocado frosting/ mousse because it would be a perfect example of how the book has recipes for everyone to enjoy.

The idea of a chocolate mousse/ frosting without the use of cream or butter was really tempting. We love chocolate treats in this house but I keep them to a minimum because I worry about the fat and sugar content. Well, not any more! This chocolate avocado mousse / frosting checks all the boxes you would expect a luscious chocolate mousse to. It is velvety and smooth,” rich” and creamy, sweet but not overly so, you can pipe it into perfect decorative swirls makes it a wonderful choice to top your favorite cupcakes.

I made this when my daughter was at school and then gave her some to “taste test ” when she got home. She loved it and asked for a little more, I told her she can have a little plate full of it, sprinkled with some toasted coconut. It was gone in minutes. She even took some in her lunch box the next day!

Suzanne shares a number of recipes using this heavenly treat.Like this chocolate fudge cake

Chocolate avocado mousse

Recipe source: Afternoon tea

Ingredients

2 large avocados

1/8 cup coconut milk

24g/1 oz 70% cocoa chocolate (melted)

2 tablespoons cocoa

3 tablespoons date puree

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

pinch of salt

Place everything into the food processor.

Process until smooth and creamy.

Place in an airtight container in the fridge for 30 minutes

Afternoon tea

• Who wrote it: Suzanne Perazzini

• Recommended? Yes!  With its wide range of flavors, beautiful photographs, and deceptively simple recipes. It is a great addition to your collection if you or someone you know suffers from food allergies and intolerance.

• Other highlights: The book is arranged by treat type, which is really a wonderful way to browse for inspiration.The book starts with an introduction to the different ingredients used in the recipes. Next comes a chapter with basic recipes, ranging from a dairy free caramel to basic pastry dough recipes with a variety of chocolate frosting ideas using avocados and bananas.There is a lot of practical information in the front of the book on special ingredients, used in it the recipes.  So beginners will not be daunted but experts will find plenty here as well.

• Who would enjoy this book? Anyone with food allergies and intolerance, of course, but also for those who are keen on introducing healthier desserts into their diet.

How can I get the book? Simply Click here to visit Strands of My Life.