Have you ever wondered what a Betty Crocker cookbook might look like if "Betty" decided to consider that some of her readers might have dietary restrictions? Though the face at left may not look like a Betty Crocker housewife, it is pretty darn cute ... and it represents one of the many adaptable recipes in a new cookbook A Bite of Heaven: A Family Cookbook with a Mix of Traditional & Allergen Free Recipes for Pleasure & Health by Torie Christensen.

This cookbook is a "traditional" one, with recipes that will please non-restricted guests. However, Torie explains that unlike Betty's books, "This cookbook includes many fun and easy recipes to please eaters of all types: adaptable dairy, gluten, egg, and/or nut free as needed."

Keep in mind that this isn't a complete free-from cookbook - many of the recipes are "adaptable" to cater to both restrictive and non-restrictive diets. Below are some stats on A Bite of Heaven, and to offer an example of what is within, Torie shared with us this adorable Strawberry Pig Muffin recipe ...

In A Bite of Heaven you can expect to find ...

• A beautiful full-color presentation with over 75 photos
• Just under 100 sweet and savory recipes in total - 80 of which are dairy-free or dairy-free adaptable.
• Recipes like Egg Nests, Peppermint Hot Cocoa Coffee Cake, Gingerbread Pecan Sticky Buns, Lime Zing Dip, Peanut Butter Confetti Balls, Enchilada Pizza, Zucchini Parmesan Pita Pocket Burgers, Gluten Free Biscuits, Blueberry Bumps, Chocolate Clouds, Lemon Rainbow Cake, Chocolate Orange Ice Cream, and of course, much, much more.
• The gluten-free version of the Strawberry Pig Muffin recipe that follows ...

Strawberry Pig Muffins
Makes 2 dozen medium muffins

Recipe from A Bite of Heaven: A Family Cookbook with a Mix of Traditional & Allergen Free Recipes for Pleasure & Health by Torie Christensen

• 2/3 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 heaping teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup rice or soy milk
• 2 cups sliced fresh or frozen strawberries (if frozen, slightly thawed)
• 3 to 5 drops red food coloring
• 12 small fresh strawberries
• 12 large marshmallows
• 1-3/4 cups non-dairy dark chocolate chips, reserve 1/4 cup for topping

Preheat oven to 375˚F.  Place medium muffin papers in two dozen muffin cups or grease with non-stick cooking spray.  In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth.  Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Add dry mixture alternately with rice or soy milk, mix on low just until combined.  Fold in sliced strawberries and 1-½ cups non-dairy dark chocolate chips and red food coloring. 

Spoon into prepared muffin cups, filling each one about ⅔ full.  Bake 20-22 minutes, until light brown and tops spring back when gently pressed with finger.  Best served warm.

To make pigs: Remove stems from strawberries and slice in half length- wise.  Cut marshmallows in half, to make 2 circles.  Press 2 chocolate chips into each marshmallow half.  Place strawberry halves on pig muffins for ears, marshmallows for snout, and 2 more chocolate chips for eyes.  See picture.

About the Author

Torie Christensen is a college student and nutrition enthusiast who is currently studying dietetics.  She believes in the value of eating food that is both delicious and healthful, while also enjoying splendid treats, in moderation, without feeling guilty. The mission of this book is to inspire this same enthusiasm in others.

Torie was inspired to create delicious recipes for specialty and traditional diets because she believes that everyone deserves to enjoy scrumptious food.  Many of the recipes included in this collection are suitable for specialty diets: gluten free, dairy free, egg free, and nut free.  She has a great deal of personal experience in this area as she has been on a very restrictive diet for several years. 

A Bite of Heaven is available to purchase from Amazon or direct from the author at www.biteoheaven.com.