Description:
Yes, the recipes in 500 Low-Fat and Fat-Free Appetizers, Snacks, and Hors D'Oeuvres are low-fat, and that's a benefit, but it's almost beside the point. This book's real value lies in its comprehensive coverage, intelligent presentation, and clear instructions. Plus, these 500 recipes may be low-fat, but they are also practical. Who needs another cookbook with recipes calling for 20 uncommon ingredients per item, not to mention a cooking-school degree to master the techniques? There is nothing here that you wouldn't want to make for your next office party, bridal shower, after-school gathering, slumber party, tailgate event, Super Bowl celebration, or even as a home-alone, don't-feel-much-like-cooking taste treat. The recipes are organized as vegetable appetizers; fruit appetizers; canapés (fancy! but simple to prepare); dumplings, tortillas, pizzas, and nachos; poultry appetizers; seafood appetizers, dips, and spreads; grilled appetizers; chips, snacks, and sweets; and microwave appetizers. Shrimp Toasts, a Chinese favorite that is usually deep-fried, are offered in a baked presentation that takes only 30 minutes to prepare with only half a gram of fat in each toast. Nachos with Mozzarella-Tomato Sauce are ready in less than half an hour and pack a lot of flavor, but only one gram of fat per serving. A sub-contents page is provided at the start of each chapter (there are 14 varieties of crostini in the canapés section, and 16 different "nuggets, bites, and meatballs" listed under poultry appetizers), and the index, so often the downfall of an otherwise-excellent cookbook, is thorough and amply cross-referenced. --Brenda Pittsley
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