Nutritious Delicious

December 11, 2017
This worthy collection of recipes made with superfoods is full of flavorful, healthy dishes. A well-researched primer includes such headings as “Nutrient-Dense Eating in a Nutshell” and “Six Simple Swaps,” as well as a detailed vitamin chart and a thorough “Decoding Phytonutrients” section (regarding beta-carotene, lycopene, etc.). From there, the authors move on to a visual guide to 50 superfoods (including apples, spinach, and sweet potatoes), and information on how to stock a pantry. Breakfast options include blueberry-oat pancakes, pumpkin spice waffles, and a fluffy omelet with smoked salmon and asparagus. Toast with avocado and mashed black beans is a quick, protein-packed workday morning option. For lunch there’s a chicken and arugula salad with figs and warm spices, and a soothing garlic, chicken, and wild rice soup for cold days. Mains are hearty and substantial, with options such as black rice bowls with salmon and grilled flank steak with tomatoes, orange, and avocado. Dinner party–worthy options include baked stuffed trout with red pepper and preserved lemon, and a spice-rubbed turkey breast with sour orange sauce. Headnotes are thoughtful and begin with “Why this recipe works” and nutritional information for each recipe. This is a wonderful, useful guide to healthy eating.

January 1, 2018

The editors at America's Test Kitchen gathered 125 nourishing recipes, including warm spiced chicken and arugula salad, swiss chard mac and cheese, along with a variety of colorful tacos, pizza, and more into this comprehensive volume of healthy meals. The book introduces common superfoods and provides tips on building a pantry of nutritious staples. For the most part, the recipes are uncomplicated and require few, if any, specialized kitchen tools. Vegetarians will appreciate the many plant-based dishes. Recipes are supplemented with nutritional information on calories, macronutrients, vitamins--useful, although best taken with a grain of salt. Unlike many diet cookbooks, the editors of this volume have not merely created low-fat or low-calorie versions of standard fare, or relied heavily on rarefied ingredients. This book uses mostly familiar foods in original, enticing ways. Overall, the editors have assembled a highly accessible collection of healthy recipes, with the possible exception of the dessert section; the sweets are solid but represent the most adventurous section. VERDICT With its mix of novel recipes and revamped classics, this cookbook is great for new and experienced home cooks seeking to add health, variety, and zest to their menus.--Meredith Powers, York Coll., Brooklyn

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