Review: AIP Paleo Cajun Cookbook by Tara Perillo + A GIVEAWAY

Yes, another cookbook in the world of AIP.  What sets this one apart from the rest?  It is Cajun.  Throughout the past year of beginning a blog, I have been blessed with the opportunity to come into contact with many amazing women who are fighting back for their health in similar ways as myself.  Tara, from The Paleo Cajun Lady, is one of these ladies, whom I just so happened to meet up with at the Paleof(x) conference in Austin this past April.  Tara has always inspired me, aside from her knowledge in the field of health, she can speak five languages, and has studied various self defense systems, including jitsu, judo, krav maga, and jiu…How cool is that?!  Not to mention, she is also very talented in the kitchen.

The AIP Paleo Cajun Lady Cookbook

Once you figure out all the “ins” and “outs” eating Paleo is rather simple, as all one must really do is eat foods that don’t have an ingredient list, are edible straight from the land or sea, and ultimately are items that were not cultivated to support society at the dawn of civilization (i.e. grains, sugar, legumes, processed food, etc…).  Yet if you are anything like me, you still like food with a creative flare, or in other words, “ethnic food.”  There is no saying that Paleo food cannot be this way, and Tara Perillo is forging the way and proving just that with her new E-book, “The AIP Paleo Cajun Lady Cookbook.” What makes Tara’s book extra special, is that it is autoimmune-friendly, meaning that she delivers a variety of cajun recipes without the common nightshade vegetables, seed-based spices, nuts, and eggs. If you are unfamiliar with what, exactly “cajun” cuisine refers to, it is said to originate from a mixture of Canadian, French, African, and Native American cooking.  However, it is said that Louisiana, USA, is the “hub” of Cajun cooking, which is precisely where Tara Parillo grew up, a long side her grandfather who had a boat named “Cajun Lady,” hence the name of her book.  Much like many individuals who find the autoimmune-protocol by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, Tara was able to use the protocol to heal her autoimmune conditions and“reconnect with the lifestyle she was born to live.”

An Overview

The AIP Paleo Cajun Lady Cookbook starts of with a short history and introduction of Tara herself, followed by an easy-to-read list of foods to include in their healing journey.  What I enjoyed is that Tara does not harp, or even mention, foods that are not allowed on the protocol.  In a way, this makes it easier for individuals memorize and expand on those that they can cook with and eat, while also making it less overwhelming. Sections in the cookbook include soups, salads, sauces, meats, seafood, sides, sweets, drinks, and last but not least, tips and tricks, AIP resources, and a recipe index for quick and easy searching.  Together, there are 63 autoimmune-friendly, cajun recipes, of which all include links to the ingredients that are used throughout the cookbook.   Outside from the simple layout, all of the recipes fit on one page.  What does this mean?  It means that everything Tara shares is no-fuss, and available to anyone who is simply looking for flavorful dishes to fill their stomach and heal their body. Cheesy Cauli-Grits, Fried Okra, Maple Cinnamon Ice Cream, Sweet Potato Coconut Crisps, Stuffed Mushrooms, and Crispy Pork Belly, what is not to love? It is both a cajun and all-things food lovers dream! While my family had yet to ever have okra, Tara’s shrimp gumbo completely won them over.   To learn more and support Tara, you can find her at her site The Paleo Cajun Lady, or through social media channels Instagram and Facebook.  Also, for your chance to win a copy of The AIP Paleo Cajun Cookbook, enter in the giveaway below! (Open worldwide – ends June 2nd) 

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John 3:17 “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”