TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Eat Their Words

ADVERTISEMENT

By JEFF HOUCK

jhouck@tampatrib.com

Published: February 1, 2009

"The Chopstick Diet," by Kimiko Barber (Kyle Books, $19.95)

Jerry Seinfeld used to goof on the Japanese for using chopsticks: "I mean, they've seen the fork ..." Maybe so, Jerry, but using chopsticks - and eating a diet rich with rice, fish, soy and vegetables - has kept the Japanese among the more healthy populations in the world. Barber's book is less a diet plan than a lifestyle change that adopts Eastern eating philosophies and ingredients. And, yes, using chopsticks helps curb the amount and pace of food consumed during a meal.

"The Sweet Life," by Antony Worrall Thompson (Kyle Books, $19.95)

Splenda is a godsend for those who avoid processed sugar; it provides similar sweet flavor and allows cooks to use it in their recipes. Most times, Splenda cooks must fumble for conversions for sugar-to-sweetener, or comb the Web for appropriate recipes. This book pools a range of desserts in one place. Using Splenda doesn't mean you can have an extra slice of that ricotta cake, but it's one way to cut back on empty calories.

"Slow & Easy," by Natalie Haughton (Wiley, $22.95)

Perhaps it's a sign of the times that a slow-cooker is the hot new kitchen bling for 2009. That trend has elicited a Crock-Pot full of new titles aimed at working parents and those who strive for efficiency as well as flavor. Most intriguing in this book are the breakfast and dessert recipes. You can start the day with a French toast bake and finish with an apricot-coconut crumble.

Jeff Houck

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT