The Spice Diet

December 18, 2017
In this inspiring debut, Next Food Network Star finalist Allen offers home cooks a weight-loss solution with appealing recipes. Allen, who once struggled with obesity, argues that foods seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices are the key to diminishing intense cravings for junk food. Among the dozens of recipes presented are healthier yet equally flavorful versions of decadent dishes, such as lemon-blueberry pancakes, Cajun lobster macaroni and cheese, and pecan-crusted catfish. Allen’s bold flavors also breathe new life into recipes for superfood staples such as sesame-ginger kale chips, zucchini noodles (zoodles) with a creamy roasted-tomato sauce, and spiced coconut-quinoa stir-fry. In conjunction with these recipes, Allen includes comprehensive spice and herb profiles (chervil, for example is a “mild” herb that’s sweet and has “hints of anise with undertones of parsley and pepper”), a complete dieting program, and feasible workout plans. Written in an infectiously positive voice, this book will motivate readers to “retrain” their taste buds by preparing “irresistible, healthy meals” at home. Agent: David Vigliano, AGI Vigliano Literary.