Brachman (Cakes and Cowpokes
) aims this collection of 125 shortcut-filled recipes at harried Harrys who've never thought to read the back of a spaghetti box nor imagined melting cheese over nacho chips in the microwave. Ultra-simple preparation is at the heart of his effort. Most concoctions require about five basic ingredients (e.g., bouillon cubes serve as the dynamo in a chicken salad that otherwise blends the bird with ho-hum mayo, celery, salt and pepper). Occasional entrees of interest do appear, such as Shrimp Oreganata, which calls for oregano leaves and lemon and lime juice to offset the familiar chicken broth and garlic. Creamy Macaroni and Cheese uses pecorino and cheddar, as well as American. But often as not, Brachman goes lowbrow. His recipe for sauerkraut calls for a dash of oil, an onion and a pound of sauerkraut. Brachman livens up the fairly short dessert chapter with several baked challenges such as Multi-Grain Apple Muffins and Butterscotch Chippers. They are warm and challenging alternatives to Dad's Kitchen-Sink Sundae, for which no self-respecting father should ever need a printed recipe. 40 line drawings. (May)
