The Perfect Recipe for Losing Weight & Eating Great

Anderson, not to be confused with actress-model Pamela, continues her Perfect Recipe series (The Perfect Recipe, Perfect Recipes for Having People Over) with a voluminous assortment of healthy, tasty recipes. Though at times overly verbose, Anderson's approach to crafting meals is smart and accessible, especially for newcomers intimidated by cooking. Once cooks have mastered basic recipes for soups, omelets, cookies or creamy pasta (""Alfredo sauce for everyone""), Anderson provides a myriad of simple but delicious variations to stave off boredom, build confidence and develop discipline. However, she's hardly a culinary taskmaster: dieters are encouraged to snack on healthy treats like Lemon Pistachio Cookies or a glass of wine and a handful of Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Chili and Lime. Dessert lovers are rewarded with a creamy cheesecake and a riff on decadent creme brulee that employs evaporated milk in lieu of cream to diminish the caloric blow. Those who've tried fad diets and failed due to taste bud fatigue, intimidating recipes or hard-to-source ingredients will find Anderson's resourceful, imaginative compilation a welcome relief.