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Make it Paleo: Over 200 Grain Free Recipes for Any Occasion

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Transitioning from conventional foods to a grain-free Paleo lifestyle can be a daunting proposition to most people. Hayley Mason and Bill Staley, authors of "The Food Lovers Primal Palate", show you how easy it is to take any dish and Make it Paleo! Adapted from Chinese, French, Mexican and classic American meals, the over 200 mouth-watering recipes are each accompanied by vibrant photos and thoughtful notes to ensure you recreate each dish with ease.

Beyond its wealth of recipes, "Make it Paleo" describes fundamental cooking techniques, includes tips for selecting the best ingredients, and chronicles a variety of menus for holidays and special occasions. Hayley and Bill demonstrate how to make cooking gourmet Paleo meals a carefree affair for everyone, from a kitchen rookie to a seasoned chef. "Make it Paleo" is filled with meals that all lovers of great food will enjoy, whether they follow a grain-free lifestyle or not.


About the Authors
Hayley Mason, a high definition makeup artist trained in Hollywood, never thought she would be applying her styling talents to grass fed beef and grain free desserts rather than the eyes and cheek bones of movie stars. In just over a year, Hayley has become one of the most acclaimed culinary forces driving the grain free cooking movement. Her practical, efficient and methodical cooking style in "Make it Paleo" shows that delicious grain-free eating can be easily attained by anyone and leave you feeling as if nothing is missing from your plate. Her holistic approach to health, wellness and nutrition is a common thread that weaves its way through every recipe in "Make it Paleo".

Bill Staley, a landscape architect and seasoned artist, brings his wealth of creative talents to the table in "Make it Paleo". Drawing upon nearly a decade of experience in graphic design, photography, and various other artistic pursuits, Bill now brings his eye for aesthetics to the kitchen. His keen sense of photo composition and expertise with the software and technology required to record each dish are both immeasurable and integral to his role in creating "Make it Paleo" and "The Food Lovers Primal Palate".

682 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2011

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Hayley Mason

6 books1 follower

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5 stars
411 (39%)
4 stars
350 (33%)
3 stars
202 (19%)
2 stars
53 (5%)
1 star
23 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Keri.
129 reviews15 followers
July 23, 2012
This is an excellent book to read if you are interested in Paleo. What is Paleo? Well, there's a lot of background information and science to it, but in a nutshell, it's eating much in the way that Paleolithic man did way back when. The premise behind the eating is that we have not evolved enough to be able to consume the amount of grains and dairy that we currently do (at least in the Standard American Diet.) So, when you eat Paleo, you eat no grains and no dairy (and no sugar.) It's pretty much all meat and veggies, a few fruits, nuts, and a few tubers (no legumes either.) I'm not sure about all the science, but I can tell you that eating Paleo is a very healthy way to eat.

I began experiencing gut trouble about 10 years ago. After a colonoscopy (I know TMI,) and a battery of tests (including the test for Celiac disease,) the doctor was able to come up with nothing other than Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Well, duh, I could have told him I had that (not with a fancy name, but I knew my bowels were "irritated.") Anyway, I just chalked it up to bad luck (and genes,) and figured I would have to live my entire life always knowing where the nearest bathroom was in case my bowels decided to be irritated on the spur of the moment.

A few years ago, I heard about Paleo. I looked into it, but decided it was a little too extreme for me. Over the last few years, it's become more mainstream with more and more blogs and books coming out designated as "Paleo." So, I decided to do more research. What I found was a very informed group of people who are dedicated to passing their knowledge about nutrition and fitness along to the masses (often for no profit at all.) So, I have been experimenting here and there with Paleo eating (and also Primal--which isn't too different.) I find that when I do eat Paleo, I feel much better and have more energy. I have not lost weight, but I contribute this to my inability to adhere strictly to Paleo (mainly because the rest of my family is still eating the Standard American Diet.) I'm gradually trying to transition us all to the Paleo way of eating, but it isn't easy. I have a child with ADHD and sensory issues, who mainly lives on carbs and cheese (which are both forbidden in Paleo.) I have made progress, though, and I will continue to try and achieve Paleo bliss.

On to this book. Bill Staley and Hayley Mason (I think they are a couple, but why would she change her name: Haley Staley? I don't know if this is the case, but it's cute either way,) have put together a wonderfully informative book about the Paleo lifestyle and included many delicious recipes. I've only tried a few, but just in reading the other recipes, I can only assume they will be delicious as well. Many traditional "diet" books are often so dry, but I found this book to be written in a very down-to-earth style. I enjoyed reading it and cannot wait to try the rest of the recipes.

I recommend this book to anyone who has gut problems or problems with inflammation. It's worth a try to explore Paleo. I don't believe there is a better path to health out there than following the Paleo lifestyle.
Profile Image for Lydia.
4 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2016
There are things I liked about this Paleo cookbook and things I didn't. The photography was well done. A few of the recipes sounded interesting but a lot of the meat recipes seemed similar with slight variations. I was disappointed there wasn't more variety and creativity in the recipes. Most of them are basics you can find in any Paleo cookbook. If you are new to the Paleo way of eating or new to home cooking in general this would probably be a helpful book for you. I made the Paleo mayo recipe and used it on my own Waldorf salad creation. It turned out rather well. Before you invesr the money in it, see if your local library has it available. That is what I did and I am glad I checked it out before buying it.
Profile Image for Alison Golden.
Author 105 books335 followers
June 23, 2013
This is one of the classic paleo cookbooks. It has a lot of recipes (it is big and heavy!) which work very well and it is, of course, because Bill is a great photographer, full of great images. The recipes are easy, well laid out and easy to read (something I am increasingly coming to appreciate. I like the fact that they make a statement of caution at the beginning of the dessert section. It is a misconception that we can eat as many desserts as there are paleo dessert recipes and stay healthy/achieve our health goals. The only beef I have with it is that it is so big and heavy. I like my recipes books small enough that they won't topple over my book stand and are easy to handle. :-)
Profile Image for Marty Wilson.
20 reviews17 followers
June 13, 2012
These guys have written the most amazing and comprehensive, life-saving book on the Paleo lifestyle. Well researched and amazingly tasty foods that will ensure that you are on your way to a more healthy body.

A BIG book. I loved it!
Profile Image for Steph.
5 reviews
July 25, 2019
I just finished it for the same week and i really enjoyed it. I loved how at first the story lines didn't seem to have anything to do with each other but slowly details were revealed to show how they are all connected.
161 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2013
I waited a month for this book in my library system, which tells me that there is at least some demand for books with Paleo recipes or about the Paleo lifestyle. I say that to say this: this book would probably sell reasonably well if it had a better publisher, including 1. a copy editor 2. a developmental editor 3. a graphic designer 4. a photo editor and 5. a format that does not resemble a softcover heavy glossy-stock catalog that necessitates carrying and reading with two hands.

There are probably very decent recipes in here, but I couldn't get past items 1 through 5 above.
Profile Image for Deodand.
1,307 reviews22 followers
June 3, 2013
I'm not a paleo/primal eater - I came to this book for advice and recipes that feature fewer grains. There are a few recipes here I'll try, and some pretty good ideas for side dishes. But...I'm not thrilled with the amount of coconut in this recipe book. I realize it's a major source of sweetness to the paleo/primal crowd but it's not very sustainable where I live.

My opinions about the recipes aside, this is a nicely-organized book with big photos of every recipe.
Profile Image for Crystal.
Author 1 book11 followers
November 27, 2011
Yes, I read this recipe book. It's just fantastic. EACH recipe comes with a full color photo which is really phenomenal. There are a lot of good ideas, information on the Paleo diet and personal anecdotes on the recipes that really make this book feel as if you have been given a personal gift from the authors.
Profile Image for AnandaTashie.
272 reviews12 followers
October 20, 2012
This book features over 200 grain-free recipes, each with full color photos and easy to follow instructions. None of the recipes call for a million ingredients, which is much appreciated by me. And, though it's not "strictly paleo", the dessert section is completely fantastic for grain-free, low-sweetener yummies.
Profile Image for Jenna.
182 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2014
Beautiful but complicated. A better cooking book for entertaining and special occasions. For example, most of the recipes use palm shortening and I can't find this anywhere. While there are substitutes offered, I like to stick with the original recipes first time around. Other than that, useful and pretty. The layout could be better (it's a bit cluttered), but all around good effort.
1 review3 followers
March 19, 2015
beautiful deliciousness!

I haven't actually made any of these recipes as I read this beautifully illustrated cookbook while waiting for 2 family members to get out of surgery. I want to make every recipe and then write another review which will probably be 6 stars! Can I do that?? I think that I can and I will. Thanks, Bill and Haley
Profile Image for Aimee.
72 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2011
Amazing cookbook for anyone interested in paleo/primal/gluten-free cooking. This cook book is HUGE, with a wealth of information and recipes. It reads like a novel, but with amazing photography included. All recipes tested so far have turned out as described and terrific!
Profile Image for Jeanne.
49 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2013
I thought the cookbooks had great pictures and a great layout. Most of the recipes didn't catch my eye though. Some of that is due to the fact that I live in a small town where it is difficult to find certain types of meat like lamb.
26 reviews11 followers
January 8, 2012
The recipes are phenomenal and simple, and they have some good cooking tips throughout the book. There is a full page photo for every recipe and the pictures of the food look delicious. Great cookbook for paleo lovers!
Profile Image for Amy.
369 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2012
Such a good recipe book, must buy a copy for myself so I can use it for longer than the library copy I checked out. Tons of grain free recipes, including tons of treat recipes and good main course preparations.
Profile Image for Ryan.
2 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2012
This book does an amazing job of explaining some principals of Paleo eating prior to showing you all the amazing recipies they have. Check out their website, and try their eBook "30 Day Intro to Paleo" If you are thinking about changing your diet!
Profile Image for Marina.
617 reviews29 followers
September 22, 2012
Currently on a diet similar to Paleo.Love this book.My holistic nurse suggested I read it.Still reading it.Love the images in here.Plus, easy to understand and follow recipes. Great charts in the beginning of the book.Hope to make sweet potato fries soon!
Profile Image for Rain.
40 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2016
I was really disappointed in this paleo cookbook. The recipes were not that great, or particularly original. There are better "basic" paleo cookbooks out there. This one is not going to enhance your collection much.
Profile Image for Joi.
14 reviews
January 23, 2012
I am in love with this book. It's helped others become more inteigued with Paleo and doesn't make me seem like I'm on a weird diet lol.
6 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2012
There are some definite reasons to get this book but it is probably the one we turn to least right now.
Profile Image for Kari LaMotte.
90 reviews15 followers
August 28, 2012
Best paleo book I've tried - so yummy, and great if you are celiac or diabetic! Highly recommend as the book you start with if you eliminate wheat or sugar from your diet!
Profile Image for Deb.
114 reviews
October 4, 2012
I have looked into quite a few cookbooks of the paleo/primal type. I liked this one a lot because the food is simple and delicious. Didn't need to buy a lot of strange ingredients.
Profile Image for Heather Wiese.
312 reviews17 followers
December 13, 2012
Some great recipes in here for paleo eating. I appreciate the simpler recipes, because let's face it, we don't all have time to cook extravagant meals. I need quick ideas!
Profile Image for Monique.
1,815 reviews
January 24, 2013
Wonderful book more than a cookbook. Clearly describes the Paleo way and gives you a step-by-step process of change. There were a few editing issues with cook time and ingredients.
Profile Image for Cinda.
30 reviews
January 22, 2013
Of the many paleo cookbooks that I have checked out from our library, this is one of the three I had to buy.
1 review
June 22, 2013
The recipes are so tasty! I made the lasagna for my pasta loving family and they are it up!! No complaints!!! I will be cooking with this book for a long time!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews