Review by JUDY BART KANCIGOR
Orange County Register/Fullerton News Tribune, 10 January 2008
It’s resolution time again! According to USA.gov, the most popular New Year’s resolution is (drum roll please) lose weight! What a surprise.
If, like me, you make this same resolution every year, two new books may turn things around, and then maybe next year we can all resolve to reduce carbon emissions and promote world peace…
…“Food that’s good for you should taste good,” says Norene Gilletz, whose latest cookbook Norene’s Healthy Kitchen (Whitecap, $29.95) contains over 600 recipes that prove that we don’t have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition. “My recipes are heart-healthy and weight-loss friendly, offer low glycemic index values (GI) and are suitable for people with diabetes,” writes Gilletz.
A lengthy introduction give tips on everything from meal-planning for diabetics to choosing healthier sweets, shaking the salt habit, storing food, cooking and baking substitutions, and even food safety. And like her popular “Healthy Helpings” (originally titled “MealLeaniYumm,”) the book is kosher and includes a Passover chapter.
But you needn’t be kosher or diabetic to appreciate these healthful and tasty recipes that are short on deprivation and long on flavor. Confetti Vegetable Strudel. Spanikopita Roll-Ups. Chimichurri Chicken. Luscious Lemon Berry Mousse.
Gilletz is in the kitchen with you, encouraging you with tips and advice. “Did you know that if you eat a bowl of vegetable soup, you will feel full for a longer period of time than if you drink a glass of water and eat the vegetables separately?”
This “multivitamin in a bowl” is a dieter’s friend. Follow Gilletz’s tips: Cut the fat by using a mere tablespoon of olive or canola oil to sauté three to four cups of vegetables. Use nonstick cookware or cooking spray, or even chicken or vegetable broth instead of oil.
CURRIED CARROT AND CASHEW SOUP
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped
2 pounds baby carrots
8 cups vegetable broth
1/3 cup roasted cashews
1 to 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 to 2 teaspoons curry powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Chopped cashews, for garnish (optional)
Heat oil in large soup pot on medium-high heat. Add onion, apple, sweet potato, and carrots and sauté until tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
Add broth, cashews, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until tender, 30 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Using an immersion blender, purée soup, or purée in batches in blender or food processor. If too thick, add broth or water (milk or soymilk are also good choices). Stir in curry powder and chili powder and serve hot. Sprinkle with chopped cashews, if desired. 6 to 8 servings.
(Judy Bart Kancigor is author of Cooking Jewish: 532 Great Recipes from the Rabinowitz Family and may be contacted through www.cookingjewish.com)
Norene’s Healthy Kitchen – Eat Your Way to Good Health
by Norene Gilletz
Published by: Whitecap Books
ISBN 978-1-55285-802-8
CDN $34.95, paperback
8″ x 9″, 512 pages
colour photographs throughout