Mother teams with daughter on second edition of award-winning recipe book

Sunapee, NH – Gail Piazza has taught Dustin Hoffman how to separate eggs. She’s been a food stylist for Emeril Lagasse’s cookware. She’s developed recipes and tested products for Farberware, All-Clad and William-Sonoma. You may even recognize her from appearances on Food Network. However, the most memorable and inspiring work in her food career is the adventure she’s on right now with her daughter, Laura.

“When we got into this, I was never thinking about a book. I just wanted to help heal my daughter,” recalls Gail. “I lived with unexplained chronic symptoms for years until finally being properly diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2009,” remembers Laura.

As she researched Lyme, the younger Piazza came across the book “The Lyme Disease Solution,” by Kenneth B. Singleton, MD, MPH, himself a former Lyme patient. She was particularly impressed with his diet and the results patients were getting from following it.

“Change how I felt just by changing what I ate? Sign me up,” exclaimed Laura. It was making the changes, and preparing the food that overwhelmed her. “Luckily, I have a culinary artist in the family,” said Laura.

“I asked her to send me the list of foods,” said Gail. “The next day, she sent me back recipes for the first week of meals. It made it so simple, and it was delicious,” continues Laura.

“Thoughtfully curated with an eye toward ease of implementation, these recipes are some of the most powerful tools in the anti-inflammatory kit. I couldn’t recommend this resource more.”
– Kelly Brogan, MD, NY Times best-selling author of A Mind Of Your Own

It also worked. Laura’s persistent stomach pains, indigestion, heartburn, acne and throat congestion cleared up as her eating habits changed. “All I could think was, how many people could feel better from following Dr. Singleton’s diet? They just don’t have my Mom to make easy and tasty,” states Laura.

“When she told me about the book idea, I thought she was out of her mind,” remembers Gail. “Dr. Singleton didn’t know us from a hole in the wall,” she added. But Dr. Singleton was thrilled with Gail’s recipes and expertise, Laura’s graphic design and photography skills, and the idea of a cookbook specific to his diet.

The first 10,000 copies sold out, prompting the second edition of their book, “Recipes for Repair.” “I think the popularity came from never wanting the recipes to be considered “diet.” I just wanted it to taste good – period,” said Gail, who tested the recipes with the panel of experts she’d trusted throughout her career – her neighbors.

“I would call them up and say, ‘Don’t cook this week, I’ve got your meals.’ I never mentioned the dishes were gluten-free or dairy-free or for a diet. I just insisted they be truthful and tell me if they would eat this again,” said Gail. “The best result was when they asked for the recipe.”

In the expanded second edition, the Piazzas have added 52 new recipes, revised over two dozen, and included updates made by Dr. Singleton. Of the 182 recipes, 161 are dairy-free, 155 are vegetarian, 136 are egg-free, 111 are Paleo-compliant, and every single recipe is gluten-free. This includes favorites such as Sloppy Joes, Chicken Fajitas, Meatloaf, Coconut Chicken Tenders, Homemade Pasta, and Chocolate Banana Ice Cream.

“Patients, patients’ families, and physicians will all benefit from this book as they attempt to achieve wellness. It’s like having a nutritionist sit down with every patient.”
– Steven J. Bock, MD, FAAMA, DAAAM, Integrative Lyme MD,
Secretary, International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS)

“My experience with food styling and recipe development revolves around good planning,” emphasizes Gail. “In our new Prep Phase, we encourage trying out a few recipes before starting the plan, stocking your pantry with key ingredients, and cooking and baking in bulk, then freezing meals to easily reheat on busy days.” The authors even provide a full Phase One menu to take the guesswork out of sticking with the plan.

Following the plan is something Laura has done religiously, without a single day of cheating, for seven years. Gail has followed it too, uncovering food sensitivities she never knew she had. But it’s hearing the difference the book has made for so many that makes Gail smile most.

“One reader told us all her symptoms from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and a thyroid condition were completely eliminated. She felt strong, and more energetic than she was in her 20’s. And, oh yeah, she also lost 30 pounds. Now that’s a success story,” says Gail.

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Published by Peconic Publishing, LLC in Sunapee, NH, “Recipes for Repair: A 10-week Program to Combat Chronic Inflammation and Identify Food Sensitivities” is an award-winning book by Laura and Gail Piazza. It is a practical, complete guide for adopting the Lyme Inflammation Diet© authored by Kenneth B. Singleton, MD, MPH. This highly acclaimed diet, outlined in the book, is powerfully effective, and can help to reverse chronic inflammation for inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.