The extra (non-recipe) materials included in this cookbook are also a feast for the heart of the adventurous or even the day-to-day type cook. The Essential Ingredients and Shopping Tips is a vital resource if you are not used to shopping for natural ingredients. The Equipment and Essential Techniques chapters are easy to read, and don't overwhelm the reader with the need to rush out for expensive tools — she emphasizes what the essentials are. (I love the fact that the number one essential is an ice cream maker machine!) Her appendixes are enjoyable too — even though often when we read a novel or fiction we skip those parts. However, the lists of Mail Order and Internet Sources, Recommended Reading, National Celiac Associations and Liquid / Dry Measure Equivalents truly help change our perspectives on eating healthy food, even when we are talking about desserts!

The other recipes, outside of the realm of "ice dream" include pies, compotes (to serve a la mode, of course), and yummy-sounding sauces, such as Peanut Buttery Hot Chocolate Sauce, and even Applesauce.  Drink alternatives to coffee are also discussed, and their preparation offered.

Overall, this cookbook has a definite place on the shelves of those trying to reach dessert nirvana without spinning their blood sugars out of whack, worsening celiac attacks or feeding their children tons of preservative-laden junk food. Chef Rachel Albert-Matesz understands cooks and non-cooks alike, and gives terrific hints, suggestions and guidelines for creating company-worthy desserts that will tease the palate as well as keeping unhealthy food out of your system. ENJOY!