cover image The Power of Prevention Cookbook: A Return to Traditional Healthy Eating for the 21st Century

The Power of Prevention Cookbook: A Return to Traditional Healthy Eating for the 21st Century

Sandra J. Dickerson. Saville Books, $22 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-929693-02-6

In the burgeoning literature of low-fat, low-calorie cookbooks there are few that truly whittle the fat-per-portion down to less than a gram. In this companion volume to Alabaster's The Power of Prevention , Dickerson attempts this task with recipes that are high in fiber and appear quick to prepare. One of the book's better sections is devoted to low-fat versions of chicken enchiladas, eggplant parmigiana and chili mac using Alpine Lace ``Free n' Lean'' nonfat cheesesic . Unfortunately, many of the volume's best ideas are marred by overly brief descriptions of ingredients. The virtue of an intriguing preparation for pan-smoked salmon, for example, is diminished by the author's suggestion of topping with ``finely chopped relish,'' with no further explanation. Further, cooks enticed by a low-fat rendition of cheesecake will be frustrated as they scan the supermarket shelves for the ``no-oil oatmeal cookies'' required for the crust. Without proper brand identification, the nutritional analysis can become suspect and, with it, much of this book's merit. (June)