Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites: Flavorful Recipes for Healthful Meals

The Moosewood Collective delivers toothsome fare for health-conscious carnivores as well as vegetarians in their latest collection (which joins Sundays at Moosewood Restaurant, Moosewood Restaurant Cooks for a Crowd, etc.). With an average of 16% of calories from fat, these 250 recipes rely on fruits, vegetables and grains for high variety, taste and nourishment. A brief introduction gives general tips for low-fat cooking and eating; e.g., use evaporated skim milk in place of cream, applesauce instead of oil. Recipes range from appetizers to savory soups, Mediterranean- and Asian-inspired dishes, main dish salads and desserts. Most appealing is finding low-fat variations on familiar favorites: cottage cheese adds heft without calories to both Guacamole and Macaroni and Cheese; Another Shepherd's Pie is hearty with vegetables, a mashed potato crust and flourless mushroom gravy. Penne with Creamy Walnut Sauce might even fool a fat lover. Herbs and spices are used lavishly and to excellent effect: in Sweet and Sour Lentils, Asian seasonings (ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar) substitute for curry. Each recipe is followed by nutritional analysis and menu suggestions. Illustrations not seen by PW. One Spirit, Good Cook and Prevention Book Club selections; BOMC alternate; authors tour. (Nov.)