Low carb 1-2-3

Low carb 1-2-3 The Low-Calorie, Low Carbohydrate Cookbook, by Rozanne Gold with Helen Kimmel, MS, RD.

If you’re looking for help with your low-carb diet, this book will definitely help. Each recipe is composed of just three ingredients, so it’s really simple to use. The first part of the book describes the basic pantry items needed for the book as well as basic equipment you will need to make the recipes. The first chapter offers ideas for breakfast. Eggs go well with low carb diets, and many recipes here call for them. Ham and Eggs with Red eye Gravy is a new way of preparing an originally fat laden dish. Next is the party chapter and there are some really great dips, including Cucumber-Chive Dip. There is a meat chapter, and Gold makes it clear at the beginning that even though low carb diets can include a lot of meat, it is important to be careful about fat. Braised Hoisin Pork with Scallions is an example of using the technique of searing to cook meat in a low-fat way and bump up the flavor with Hot Hoisin Sauce. The vegetable chapter is great if you’re a vegetarian. Broccoli Smothered in Wine and Olive Oil is one of the tasty offerings, as is Roasted Cauliflower with Cheddar Cheese. The last recipe chapter offers dessert recipes. Melon Balls in Lime Syrup sounds refreshing for Summer. So does Spiced Mangoes with Coconut. The book ends with a list of foods that can be part of a successful diet. Even though you may be put off by the fact that these recipes have only three ingredients, don’t let that keep you from trying this book. These recipes can be very flavorful, and that will help you -- no matter what type of diet you are on.

-- Mary Ellen, main