It should be no surprise that I am here again with another Catherine Atkinson cookbook. Quick and Easy Low-Fat Cooking follows the same format as all the Quick and Easy series. Slim volumes but full of delicious recipes, mouth-watering photography and, most important, the information is always accurate and understandable.
It’s probably true to say that there are quite a few Low-Fat cookery books around but the recipes here have the advantage of speed without sacrificing taste. Catherine has selected dishes that trick you into thinking that these are not light foods at all. The combinations of ingredients, spices and textures will allow you to make healthy choices and you’ll enjoy doing it.
Quick and Easy Low-Fat Cooking isn’t exactly a “diet” book but rather a “change your eating habits because you need to shed some weight and live a healthy life” book. Have a flick through the pages and you’ll see that making some simple adjustments will make a big difference.
Take the time to read the few short chapters before the recipes. These give key advice on eating well and cutting down on fat. There is a Weekly Meal Planner which will help you through the first four weeks and Catherine has even provided shopping lists so there will be no excuse to resort to the chippie or take-away half way through week two!
It’s not necessary to be overweight to use and enjoy this book. The food is just tasty. Moroccan Chicken is seasoned with coriander, cumin and cinnamon with a tang of fresh ginger. It’s the spice here that gives the impression of richness that is often provided by oil. Catherine suggests green beans with this and I reckon that would be smart enough for a dinner party. This dish is ready in less than 40 minutes and it is simple.
There are plenty of vegetarian dishes on offer. Many vegetarians say that too often they resort to cheese as the main meal ingredient. Open Lasagne is stuffed with fresh vegetables and has the stylish contemporary look of a real cheffy dish. The recipe uses only 25g (1oz) of grated Parmesan to garnish.
Quick and Easy Low-Fat Cooking will be welcomed by anyone who either wants or needs to consider a lower-fat diet. Remember that there are more things to eat than to avoid. Catherine Atkinson has provided a tool to make a positive and painless life change. Enjoy!
Quick and Easy Low-Fat Cooking
Author: Catherine Atkinson
Published by: Foulsham
Price: £7.99
ISBN 978-0-572-03455-9
Cookbook review by Chrissie Walker © 2018
See more books by Catherine Atkinson here