We constantly receive alerts of new books hitting the shelves in the special diet arena … dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, raw, food allergy-friendly … you name it we have our eye on it. Here is an update of the top book finds we spotted in the new releases for January through March of 2010 (book summaries and information provided by corresponding authors and publishers):

Allergen-Free Baker's Handbook (Paperback) – As the head baker for a food-allergic family, food writer Cybele Pascal shares her most in-demand treats and how to make them work without allergenic ingredients. Her collection includes a delightfully familiar array of sweet and savory goodies that are no longer off-limits, from Glazed Vanilla Scones, Cinnamon Rolls, and Lemon-Lime Squares to Chocolate Fudge Brownies, Red Velvet Cake, and every kid’s favorite: Pizza. This cookbook features 100 tried-and-true recipes that are completely free of gluten, wheat, eggs, soy, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame. [Review coming soon on Go Dairy Free – check our Book Reviews]

A couple of weeks ago a friend directed me to a new self-published cookbook called Mommy and Me Gluten-Free: Stories and Recipes to Inspire You. The author's story had been featured in the March 2010 edition of GuidePosts. Intrigued by the cute concept, and the fact that all of the recipes in this little gem are made without dairy, eggs, and gluten, I sent an inquiry. I thought perhaps the authors would like to share a recipe with our dairy-free (and many gluten-free) audience. They happily emailed over a fantastic recipe for Chocolate Cake Brownies with an accompanying Chocolate Sauce.

This recipe (below) is egg-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free, and should you wish to make it vegan, I see no reason why you couldn't substitute light agave nectar for the honey with equally delicious results ...

I received numerous questions to the tune of "Aren't they too tough to eat raw?" Though I can't speak for all collard greens, since this was only my second time consuming them and a first for having them raw, I couldn't have asked for a more wrap-worthy green. I confess, they aren't as tasty as tortillas, but I think the health value factors in to make them a worthwhile alternative, plus they are naturally free from all food allergens ... unless of course you are allergic to collard greens.

The collards from my local CSA were perfectly flat and pliable, and easier to tear into than your average sheet of nori (the seaweed used for sushi rolls). Since they were so forgiving, cutting out the stem took mere seconds and I was able to wrap the leaves as tightly or loosely as I liked.

I have since tried these greens one more time in the cooked format, and I have to admit, for once I prefer raw. Collard greens seem milder in taste when raw, and by using some flavorful ingredients (such as the hummus) their bitterness is kept in check. See the full Recipe for Collard Green Hummus Wraps on One Frugal Foodie.

To even attempt to identify ALL of the new products unveiled at Expo West 2010 would be futile. Even so, we have gathered together as many relevant new product announcements as we could unearth from this mega natural food show, in addition to some new products we have recently received announcements about via email.

Please note that I am simply reporting about these new finds - I haven't sampled any of the following as of yet, nor are we affiliated with any of these companies. The links will take you to the corresponding company websites for more information. Now, read, enjoy, and perhaps discover a new food or two to add your next online or in-store grocery list ...

So Delicious Coconut Water Sorbet - As mentioned last week, this one was given a VegNews "Best of Show" award, so I am sure it is quite tasty. It is fat-free, made with organic coconut water, sweetened with fruit juice, and pictured above.