Saturday, February 27, 2010

Cook This, Not That (David Zinczenko & Matt Goulding)


Cook This, Not That is the latest book about healthy eating from Zinczenko & Goulding. Eat This, Not That was hugely popular, and this one is proving to be as well. What the authors do so right is include ingredients and foods that real people actually want to eat...no nonfat whipped cream or tofu in sight. The colorful pictures and easy to follow directions make this a no-brainer. Any ordinary cook can whip up something far healthier than a chain restaurant in less time than it takes to drive there or have it delivered.


I would never recommend a cookbook that I wouldn't try, so I have tried many recipes from Cook This, Not That. The ones that I have cooked have been delicious, from appetizers to desserts. Olive Garden's Fettucine Alfredo (A.K.A. Heart Attack on a Plate) rings in at 1,220 calories. The same taste can be gained from using a few tablespoons of butter, milk, flour, and good Parmesan for 540 calories. The Cheesecake Factory's Macaroni & Cheese? 1,482 calories PER SERVING. Or you can cook it at home for 480.


No wonder we live in such an unhealthy world today with portions and ingredients that are served in these restaurants. Is there any appetizer that is not cooked in a deep fryer? Would you rather have Chili's Fire Grilled Chicken Fajita Quesadilla for 1,480 calories (FOR AN APPETIZER???) or make them at home in a cast-iron skillet for 310? It takes just as much effort.


MY RATING FOR ANY OF THE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES - 5