Low Carb Sweets: The Art of Self-Indulgence

Having been on low-carbs for several years, I was certain that there was no way to actually satisfy my sweet tooth, much less make some of my favorite desserts like the ones I have found in this book. Granted, the cookies aren't Milanos but the Macadamia Fudge had everyone at my party asking for the recipe. I love this book. I especially like the fact that the author tries to use healthy ingredients because that is essential in anything I give to my children. My latest family favorites are the strawberry pie and the cheesecake is soul satisfying. I keep trying new recipes and delighting my family, friends and myself. If you or your kids are raised on Twinkies, these recipes will take some getting used to.

I feel compelled to write a review for this book as it has literally changed my attitude regarding being able to stay on a low-carb and (in my case) gluten-free diet. While there are many low-carb dessert recipes out there, most of them contain vital wheat gluten, or special baking mixes containing gluten, which would not work for someone like me with celiac disease or others with gluten intolerance. The author recommends healthy, fiber-filled ingredients (flaxseed & psyllium) plus lecithin (a natural cholesterol reducer) and various protein powders that are easy to find in a health food store or online. While it is true that the textures of many of her creations differ from those that are traditionally made with wheat flour, they have their own uniquely appealing taste. By the time you make them for a second time, you can appreciate how good they really are instead of being so busy comparing them to flour or sugar-based items. The Chocolate Chip Delights are my absolute favorite and make a perfect grab-and-go breakfast treat. You can eat two or three of them and be satisfied, unlike with a flour-based cookie which makes you want to eat more and more. In my oven, I had to adjust the cooking times downward so keep this in mind while baking. Perhaps the people who wrote reviews that the recipes were terrible simply overcooked them. Also, be sure to use Splenda (r) granular - not the little packets - in these recipes. It makes for a much better taste and texture. I make these treats for my whole family and find that even my finicky children like them. You can't get a much better endorsement than that! Aside from the recipes, the author also includes a kind of self-help section ("The Art of Self-Indulgence") to help the reader explore any feelings of inadequacy that they might subconsciously possess. While some of it may be a bit corny, you can't help but feel a whole lot better, and more worthwhile, after reading her suggestions. Even if you skip these sections completely, the recipes alone are worth the price of admission.

I am so excited to have found this wonderful book! It is so original, well-written, and the recipes are just delicious. They are easy to make, and are a dream come true for someone with a sweet tooth like me. Even my husband, who is not on a low-carb diet, is a huge fan of the desserts I've made for him. In fact, he still has no idea they were low-carb! I would recommend this to anyone, whether they adhere to a low-carb diet or not. 5 STARS*****

I am so thrilled to discover this book. Being on a low carb diet for years was a nightmare because of a raging sweet tooth. This book is fabulous, the waffles are amazing and I have even indulged in low-carb macadamia fudge. The recipes are healthy, delicious and also have a lot of fiber---who could ask for anything more? There is one more thing...they are quick to make. I love this book. This writer speaks from the heart. Hooray.

I loved this book from the moment I saw its colorful, enticing cover. The recipes that I have tried (the Zero Carb Waffles are sublime) got thumbs up from the entire family (yes, that includes kids too!). On the plus side,the format of the recipes in this book are very easy to read which makes trying new recipes a joy. Several of the ingredients were new to me but were easy to purchase and tasted good. I like the fact that I can make these treats quickly (most use a food processor and clean up is very easy) and they truly satisfy my sweet tooth.The last half of the book is dedicated to journaling and has many poignant discoveries shared by the author.The font, format and graphics in this book really make it fun to read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to make tasty sweets regardless if they eat low carb or not.