Fresh mozzarella from Arthur Avenue, manicotti, lasagna, pizza, calzone...the foods of my youth. My Italian American heritage deeply infused my diet and associations of what tastes good with traditional cuisine from my Neopolitan-Roman-Sicilian ancestry. When I turned 22, I gave up much of what I grew up eating in pursuit of better health. After just 2 weeks eating gluten and dairy free, I noticed immeasurable differences in my energy levels, skin, sleep patterns, and overall happiness. 

The challenge of changing my cooking habits remains; some nights I wish I could just make a homemade pizza for dinner, or whip up some amazing pasta with my eyes (almost) closed. Seeking out paleo, autoimmune paleo, and traditional food cookbooks ignited my excitement for cooking again. These three books have incredible photos, easy recipes, and great ideas to make hearty, healthy food without the inflammation and setbacks in my health progress.

GATHER: THE ART OF PALEO ENTERTAINING

Authors Bill Stanley and Haley Mason compiled their book by themes of feasts, which I love. Every holiday, I pull this book out to get ideas of what to make when I host family and friends. There are loads of recipes I turn back to, but my three favorite are the Cinnamon Maple Hot Cakes, Baked Salmon with Lemon & Capers, and Pumpkin Torte. 

THE AUTOIMMUNE PALEO COOKBOOK

The food photography in this book is just stunning. Aside from that, Mickey Trescott's shopping lists and meal plans fused together my family's food plan, helping us stick to our budget and still eat well. Her simple recipes make the diet and lifestyle shift effortless. I adore the Citrus-Thyme Pot Roast, Cauliflower "Fried Rice", and Bacon-Beef Liver Pate with Rosemary and Thyme. 

NOURISH: THE PALEO HEALING COOBOOK

Rachel Bryant's book has an incredible range of cuisines, which really breaks up the monotony of typical paleo fare. The Sweet Potato Gratin, Rosemary Flatbread, and Coconut Mousse are in constant rotation at casa di Caruso. 

Do you have any favorite paleo, AIP, or Bulletproof recipes you'd like to share? I would love to hear from you!