Golden Door Cooks at Home

Golden Door, the Southern California luxury spa known for its inspired cuisine, marks its 50th anniversary with the publication of its first cookbook, bringing its flavorful, healthy dishes into the home. The spa advocates that good food is about feeling sated, nurtured and healthy, so its recipes center on lean proteins, whole grains and fresh vegetables, using natural whole foods. Most of the recipes included in this volume are new, although some have been on the spa's menu for decades, such as its famed Potassium Broth. Highlights include beer-steamed shrimp with avocado-citrus vinaigrette; red lentil veggie burger with garlicky yam fries and a spicy mango ketchup; and Maryland crab cakes with caramelized pineapple and roasted pepper remoulade. Lean meats and desserts also get ample attention, including crispy duck breast with cracked wheat, caramelized shallots and blackberry gastrique; and a warm flourless chocolate cake with Grand Marnier orange sauce. Nutritional information for each recipe is listed, and the basics section includes recipes for staples such as stocks, herb oil and caramelized onions. Offering a variety of appealing, healthful recipes with numerous sidebars on better living, this long overdue volume offers appetizing alternatives for everyday meals and everyday living. (Apr.)