Eating Well is the Best Revenge: Everyday Strategies for Delicious, Healthful Food in 30 Minutes or Less

New York Times columnist Burros turns her considerable skills toward mostly family fare recipes that conform to new dietary guidelines but resist the slur, ``healthy.'' Beginning with the reminder, ``Food is not medicine,'' Burros provides recipes for simple and complete one- or two-course meals, requiring 30 minutes or less, that combine such basics as chicken and potatoes with arugula, quinoa and other newcomers to the plate. Each meal is presented succinctly and includes both nutritional information and a not always necessary ``Game Plan'' which, suggesting the quickest way to dinner, is useful for the novice. In chapters arranged by main ingredient (of the main course), are such simple, low-fat dishes as Asparagus Vinaigrette and more surprising suggestions, like Potato Salad with Smoked Salmon, served with Eggplant Tahini. Other notables include Grilled Soft Fish Tacos, Uncovered Empanadas (with beef) and Plum Buttermilk Sherbet. Fore and back matter includes discussions of the FDA's Food Guide Pyramid, mail-order resources and food-safety tips. Representative of Burros's knowledgeable, good-sense approach is her suggestion that both flavor and fat-content concerns are often served better by using a little high-quality cheese than lots of a low-fat version. HomeStyle and QPB alternates; 15-city author tour. (May)