Variety of Meals

Kaffeehaus: Exquisite Desserts from the Classic Cafés of Vienna, Budapest, and Prague by Rick Rodgers (Barbecues 101, etc.) celebrates the sweet excesses of the Austro-Hungarian Empire's fascination with elegance, music and romance. Rodgers explores the lore of these legendary establishments, traces the creation of their extraordinary desserts loved throughout the world and provides detailed instructions for their re-creation at home for the enjoyment of new generations. Kelly Bugden's full-color photographs of the sumptuous confections, as well as the coffeehouses themselves, pay homage to an earlier more gracious era. Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel and Croissants are among the creations Rodgers demystifies. (Clarkson Potter, $37.50 248p ISBN 0-609-60453-8; Feb.)

In Betty Crocker's Living with Cancer Cookbook doctors Kris Ghosh and Linda Carson along with Elyse Cohen begin with a discussion of the disease and how to cope then outline and identify dietary considerations. A q&a section answers patients' common questions, such as "Why am I too tired to eat?" and is followed by such soothing recipes as Berry-Banana Smoothie. Each dish in the main section, many from patients, includes nutritional and fiber information and is color-coded to indicate which side-effects it helps. One important tip is that extra flavor helps to stimulate the appetite and mask unpleasant tastes from radiation and chemotherapy. Pasta with Chicken in Chili Sauce and Savory Scallops and Shrimp are among the temptations anyone might enjoy. The full-color presentation lifts the spirits. (Hungry Minds, $24.95 256p ISBN 0-7645-6549-4; Jan.)

Biba Caggiano, Bologna-born and raised in the Emiglia-Romagna region, gives her audience the chance to cook like a native in Biba's Northern Italian Cooking. The author of six cookbooks and owner and chef of Biba restaurant in Sacramento, Calif., prepares simple to sumptuous meals, from antipasto to dessert, with dishes for all occasions. First she discusses essential Italian ingredients and equivalents and begins each course section with a brief account of what it entails. Her Green Lasagne Bologna Style, Shellfish Risotto, Pheasant with Gin and Juniper Berries and Pears Poached in Red Wine will lure eager diners to a bounteous table. (HPBooks, $17.95 256p ISBN 1-55788-380-7; Jan.)