Much has already been written about the delightful cookbook Beyond Bacon: Paleo Recipes That Respect The Whole Hog. Authors Matthew McCarry and Stacy Toth, known as The Paleo Parents, have produced a standout hardback that earns a place on any cook’s shelf. In an era when many titles are digital-only, a tangible book needs to be exceptional to justify space and investment—Beyond Bacon meets that standard.
Beyond Bacon is a fully paleo cookbook, with recipes free of gluten, grains, legumes, and dairy. Even if you don’t follow the paleo diet strictly, you’ll find plenty of approachable, flavorful dishes accompanied by mouth-watering photography. Framing a book around pork—plus several dessert recipes that feature lard—requires addressing common misconceptions, and the authors handle this well. They present clear, science-backed nutrition explanations alongside practical guidance on sourcing and preparing pork. The writing is engaging and informative, guiding readers through pork basics and offering numerous recipes that demonstrate why properly raised pork can be both delicious and healthful.
Some standout recipes from the book include:
- Apple and Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops
- Cuban Porchetta
- Faux-Tato Salad
- Lard Pie Crust
- Salted Caramel Bacon Sauce
Other enticing recipes you’ll encounter are:
- Maple Sage Breakfast Sausage
- Sweet and Sour Pork
- Crispy Lardons
- Fried Yuca
- Green Papaya Salad with Poached Jowl
- Prosciutto and Roasted Peach Ice Cream
The Salted Caramel Bacon Sauce in particular has drawn rave reactions for its balance of sweet and savory flavors, and many readers will find themselves eager to try it immediately.
Why Beyond Bacon deserves a spot in your cookbook collection:
- Clear explanation of the health benefits of pastured pork
- Science and nutrition information presented in an accessible format
- Practical sections on pork basics: sausage-making, smoking, rendering lard, curing bacon, and more
- Real-food recipes that avoid hard-to-find ingredients
- Beautiful, full-page photographs for each recipe
- An engaging, friendly writing style
- Thoughtful layout with recipes organized by meal type and ingredient
- All recipes adhere to paleo principles—gluten-, grain-, legume-, and dairy-free
I highly recommend Beyond Bacon. If you want a cookbook that helps you eat better while using whole ingredients economically, and that explains the benefits of returning to traditional food practices, this book is an excellent choice. If you appreciate cookbooks with appetizing recipes, attractive photography, and smart design, add Beyond Bacon to your collection.
On Sale Now! Consider purchasing Beyond Bacon; it’s a worthwhile addition to any kitchen library.
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