Lean and Luscious

With more than 14,000 copies of a self-published edition sold, this praiseworthy title offers simple, quick, reduced-calorie versions of everyday favorites: potato salad, Caesar salad, ham barbecue, chocolate cake, Manhattan clam chowder. Hinman, a gourmet cook, and Snyder, who lost 100 pounds and directs a weight-loss organization, provide an easy-to-understand calorie count and nutritional analysis of each recipe, as well as the exchange value equivalents for popular diet plans. Although more healthful than traditional recipes, not all of the more than 400 dishes are nonfattening. Some, like chicken-and-broccoli bake or seafood quiche, total upwards of 400 calories per serving. The aim, however, is not to make every meal as low in calories as possible, but to preserve characteristic flavors and textures. Hinman and Snyder believe the secret to successful dieting lies in satisfying, varied and creative meals. The 133 decorative line drawings underscore the authors' point that calorie-conscious cooking need not detract from the pleasure of eating. 25,000 first printing; $23,500 ad/promo; author tour. (February 25)