Book Reviews by Cherie' Davidson

Christmas Cookies E-book

noreply@blogger.com (Cherie' Davidson) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:45:00 +0000

My friend and fellow writer, Jan McCracken wrote this charming (and free) Christmas cookie recipe book. Since I collaborated with her to turn it into an ebook, I wanted to offer it to all my friends and blog readers!

This colorful collection has some great and fun recipes, including one reputedly used by Laura Ingles Wilder herself! These are Jan's recipes and her words, and I put the ebook itself together. Hope you enjoy it!

Please download and share this ebook with friends and family, as my Christmas card to all of you!

Merriest of Christmases, happiest of holidays, and brightest of new years to you all!

~ Cherié

Why Can't I Lose Weight? The real reasons diets fail and what to do about it by Jackie Bushell

noreply@blogger.com (Cherie' Davidson) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 23:21:00 +0000

Every so often, I will read a book that captures my attention so completely that I hate to put it down. Then I go back to it repeatedly, long after I have finished the review. Jackie Bushell's 116-page ebook, Why Can't I Lose Weight? (2006 DietPlateau.com) is such a book.

There are truckloads of diet books available that claim to have the "secrets" of weight loss, or the diet supplement or plan that is the long awaited magic bullet. Many are gimmicks, some are completely misleading, and others only touch on the problems but offer no real solutions. Not the case with Why Can't I Lose Weight?.

I found this ebook to be filled with practical medically-based answers to many of my questions about weight loss, plateaus, healthy fat loss, metabolism and that all important question of why the weight so often comes back no matter how "good" I am on my diet du jour.

Based on the long-term research and study from an impressive list of health and medical reference sources, Bushell writes about the changing theories of diet and exercise, addresses diet hype, fads, trends and introduces solid information based in biochemistry and documented scientific facts. Her goal is to start with facts and toss out misleading and misinterpreted data, along with outdated beliefs. In her book, she introduces her readers to current, relevant and proven facts about low calorie, low fat, low carb, and low glycemic diets. This book helps clear the fog of myths and unsupported claims and shine a logical, detailed light on diet and healthy weight loss facts.

This straightforward and honest statement from her conclusion sums up the philosophy, tone and mission of her book:

"Getting your body ‘fit for weight loss’ is about making your body healthy in general, and that takes time and patience. Getting healthy is not about quick fixes, and nor is successful weight loss.... Making sure you lose the right kind of weight and in the right way is key to ensuring that when the weight comes off, it stays off."

There are 15 chapters and three appendices that include topics and detailed "secrets" about:

• Famine syndrome and the set point
• The blood sugar/insulin connection
• Metabolic rate
• Stress
• Food allergies/sensitivities
• Candida/yeast overgrowth
• Fluid retention
• Malnutrition
• Toxic overload
• Genetic inheritance
• Exercise
• Hormonal imbalance
• Prescription medicines
• Compulsive eating and cravings
• Diet "politics" and how overweight perceptions can cause overlooked medical issues
• Thermogenic & fat burning supplements
• A Personal Action Plan for Weight Loss Success

Author Jackie Bushell is dedicated to the message in her book. As she stated at the close, "So what I hope to have achieved with this book is to bring together all of the most important knowledge and new ideas related specifically to weight loss problems, screening out the many ideas that are unsupported by science." Personally, I think she has accomplished this.

As I read her ebook, I was struck at the dedication and depth of research she put into the project. There is no doubt that she is very knowledgeable – and passionate – about this subject, and her list of resources backs up her work. Why Can't I Lose Weight? contains a lot of common sense and medically supported nutritional information that is applicable to a great many frustrated dieters, just like myself. I experienced many "ah-ha!" moments while reading through the pages.

I recommend this book for anyone who has questions about healthy weight loss, curiosity about diet hype and trends, interest in nutritional weight loss, or anyone wanting to know the truth about the "low carb" diet phenomenon. But I especially recommend this book to anyone who suspects there could be an underlying health issue causing them to be resistant to weight loss. Why Can't I Lose Weight? could answer many of your questions…it sure did for me.

Why Can't I Lose Weight? is a downloadable PDF ebook, available at GoodDietGoodHealth.com or DietPlateau.com.

Is Your House Making You Overweight, Sick, or Tired? by Margaret Rouse Shontz

noreply@blogger.com (Cherie' Davidson) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 23:14:00 +0000

External Diet Perception - An absolutely fascinating theory

I found this book, Is Your House Making You Overweight, Sick, or Tired?, written by a highly educated wife and mother of three, to be a fascinating read. Backed by a great deal of references, facts and experienced conjecture, Ms. Shontz has woven an information packed guide and reference book. Her style is easy to read, and alternates between health indications, possible reasons, possible solutions and personal experiences, so that it reads almost like a diary interwoven with a how-to guide.

This book is based on the theory that there are definite connections between external factors, in this case in our homes, and health. After being diagnosed with cancer, I found the subject matter even more interesting than I may have before. Ms. Shontz writes a compelling argument for her theory, and a great deal of what she describes has wide spread impact.

I agree with this author that outside factors can have a huge impact on health and wellness. We are creatures of our environment; she makes sense when she tells about how everything that touches our skin can and will make some impact on us. And her descriptions of how her house, electricity, plumbing and other factors influenced and directly caused serious health issues for her and her family, kept me reading, page after page.

This is an interesting book, and I am glad I got a chance to read it. There is a lot of information packed between the covers, so reading it several times will really help you to digest it all...it did for me. Every time I read it, I notice something new, or something makes more sense to me.

If you are interested in environmental health cause and effect, holistic and/or alternative health and medicines, or just aren't sure why you feel worse at home than you do at work, then I would suggest you read this book. It's obvious Ms. Shontz put a great deal of time, work and dedication in the production of this book. It's also very obvious that it was a work of earnest compassion...she wants to help people, and this book is a way to do that.

Which is More Round, the World or Your Tummy? by Leslie Miklosy

noreply@blogger.com (Cherie' Davidson) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 23:04:00 +0000

When was the last time your mind danced when you read a book?

"Dance with me so I can show you the way to get gloriously lost in the forest." This charming quote from the book, Which is More Round, the World or Your Tummy, is a great introduction to the delightful dance of words found on every page. The author, Leslie Miklosy, lets his prose twirl and play, dance and giggle, hit and run. I found reading his book to be a thoroughly engaging and enchanting experience that made me smile, think, nod, and even scratch my head a little now and then.

Once you open the cover, you will find a book that is fast and easy to read if you choose, yet if you prefer to read it slowly and thoroughly, you will have a greater appreciation of the writing skill and talent of this writer. Which is More Round, the World or Your Tummy is a completely original, quizzical, fanciful little book packed with serious delights for the mind, heart, soul and … funny bone.

I recommend this imaginative and insightful collection of original quotes, musings, poetry, philosophy, observations and thoughts to anyone who likes to read for mental stimulation or for plain entertainment. "Tummy" covers such a wide variety of topics that I cannot imagine anyone not finding something to thoroughly enjoy.

If thoughts are nourishment of the mind and words are food for the soul, then Mr. Miklosy has written a delightful side dish of life. I hope there will be a second helping in the future!

Low Carb is Easy Online Interactive Cookbook

noreply@blogger.com (Cherie' Davidson) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 23:00:00 +0000

A good cookbook gets well used and eventually becomes filled with notes, papers, smudges and miscellaneous residue from family gatherings. It is repeatedly hauled on and off the bookshelf, and the better the recipes it contains, the more quickly it shows loving wear. However, I was recently introduced to a fresh, fun and innovative cookbook that I can’t wear out, no matter how much I love it. And that’s only the beginning of its advantages and delights….

As a low carber for many years I have found a great majority of terrific “low-carbed” recipes online through forums, e-mail groups, friends, and various low carb Websites. I can’t even begin to estimate the hours spent online gathering great recipes. I had always had an idea in the back of mind that it would be great to have some way to organize online, some kind of online recipe book, and I am very pleased to tell you that someone has done exactly that…and in a fun, organized and very interactive way.

Low Carb Is Easy (www.lowcarbiseasy.com) is a clever meshing of an interactive cookbook and an information Website. The cookbook software contains a database of over 100 recipes tested and approved as low carb, low GI (Glycemic Index), and tasty – with most being only three carbohydrate grams or less. And these are recipes specifically meant for enjoyment and to offer instructions on foods that can be tricky to recreate in a low carb version. Chapters cover Biscuits, bread and cakes; Desserts and ices; Main courses - cheeses, eggs, fish and nuts; Main courses - meat and poultry; Salads, soups and vegetables; Sauces, snacks and sweets. All recipes come with complete nutritional information, including carb counts.

Once you subscribe to Low Carb is Easy, you receive full access to all the recipes, and great customization tools for personalizing your cookbook:

• Existing recipes can be edited to suit your family’s needs, and the nutritional information will automatically update for you.
• New recipes can be imported and added directly to the cookbook.
• Carb calculator allows adjustments and updating for any ingredients or portion size changes you might want to make.
• Contents page can be personalized with your new recipes.
• You can print out individual recipes or the entire cookbook for real hands-on use.

The folks at Low Carb is Easy put a lot of thought in this online cookbook, making it easy to use online and offline in print form. They have also provided a wealth of information for serious cooks as well as those who want low carb and low GI information, articles, measurement and reference tables, and related resources.

I was delighted to find so much helpful information at my fingertips, but even more than that, I love the idea of this easy and fun way to organize, update and tailor all my recipes. If you have ever wished for a better way to control your individual recipes, or keep your collection of favorites conveniently on your computer, then I recommend taking a look at the Low Carb is Easy interactive cookbook. I have found it to be a great solution…and no matter how well loved, there’s no wear, tear, smudges or sticky spots to be found.

Low-Carb Sweets and "The Art of Self-Indulgence" by Sharon Allbright

noreply@blogger.com (Cherie' Davidson) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 22:56:00 +0000

As a "low-carb lifer," the types of recipes I look for most in a good lifestyle cookbook are really easy, completely delicious, low carb, sugar-free dessert and snack recipes. I think it is partly psychological, in other words, having these kinds of recipes at my fingertips makes me feel prepared and reinforces that I can truly enjoy my low carb lifestyle without being deprived of the sweet things in life. I suspect cookbook author, Sharon Allbright, read my mind when she wrote her 216-page book, Low-Carb Sweets and "The Art of Self-Indulgence" (Paisley Print House, 2003).

Low-Carb Sweets is one of the most delightful recipe books I've read recently. This book is a complete package: over 100 easy-to-follow recipes, fun and friendly images, helpful tips and warm guidance and support with just the right measure of motivational gusto. From the delightful, bright cover to the rosy-colored pages, this cookbook is completely charming.

I recommend Low-Carb Sweets for beginning low carb cooks as well as for more experienced "lifers." The 100+ recipes are sandwiched between helpful chapters for living a healthy, sugar-free, protein-packed lifestyle. From the opening line, "This isn't going to be a 'She lives by the ocean with her husband and dog' introduction..." I knew this would be a fun book to read as well as keep.

Allbright's goal "to turn low-carb eating into a lifestyle of pleasure" is admirable, and just the philosophy I can get behind. Reading through chapters such as, "On The Low-Carb Trail (In Search of Dessert Nirvana)" and "Ready To Dive In? (Tricks of the Treats)", started me salivating to try her recipes. And there is a mouth-watering variety of them. "Waffles, Pancakes, Crepes & Blintzes," "Cookies, Brownies & Bars," "Ice Cream & Other creamy Delights" are a few of the chapters, with recipes for cakes, muffins and cupcakes, pies, shakes and drinks, and candies filling the pages.

A few of the recipes included: "Zero-Carb Waffle," "Very Berry Blintzes," "Coconut Chip Cookies," "Black Forrest Cake," "Devil's Food Cupcakes," "Orange Brandy Cream," "Luscious Lemony Pie," "Vanilla Chippies," "Mocha Kicker," and "Root Beer Supreme." All the recipes in this book fit the fundamentals of low-carb. The ingredients used are "back to low-carb basics" such as protein powders, unflavored gelatin, flaxseed and other seed meals and psyllium. Sweeteners include sucralose, stevia and saccharin. I found that Allbright's goal was to use natural, nutrition-packed ingredients.

The third section of the book is called, "The Art of Self-Indulgence" with six fun and inspirational chapters, "Stepping into a Dream," "Pleasure Principles," "Journaling (Dreams to Reality)," "Ashley's Journal (A Window to Discovery)," "Blowing It (With Style)," and "24 Hour Makeover." I found these chapters to be an enjoyable read filled with little pointers, inspiration, motivation and real experiences that I most definitely identified with. Allbright hit the mark when she wrote "Low-Carb Sweets" ... and how sweet it is!

Available here: Low-Carb Sweets: And the Art of Self-Indulgence

The Atkins Essentials by Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.

noreply@blogger.com (Cherie' Davidson) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 22:55:00 +0000

The first book published after the passing of Dr. Robert Atkins, The Atkins Essentials by Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. (Avon Books, 2004) was developed to provide a handy and easy-to-understand overview of the tremendously popular Atkins Nutritional Plan. With large print and a convenient paperback format, it is very portable and easy to read.

The Atkins Essentials provides complete guidelines, meal plans with recipes, and a layman's perspective of all four phases of the Atkins plan. I have read the Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution several times, and it is pretty heavily laden with medical jargon that tends to make it rather a difficult read at times. However, The Atkins Essentials simplifies the Plan, covering all the elements needed without the in-depth medical lingo, and addresses 100 of the most asked questions they have received from readers and users.

The back cover claims this book is "Atkins made easier" and I definitely agree. This book is divided into five easy to read chapters. "Why Atkins?", "How To Do Atkins," "It's All About The Food," "Beyond Induction" and "Frequently Asked Questions." There are also two weeks of menus and classic Atkins recipes to provide all the information needed to begin and successfully complete the two-week Induction period for starting the Atkins Plan.

For those who are not familiar with the real details of the Atkins Plan, I highly recommend this book. It will answer the questions that the media and other misinformed yet well-meaning people unknowingly generate. If you are an Atkins follower, as I am, you may want to pick this book up or borrow a friend's copy, because it helps to make sense of some of the more technical aspects of the Plan.

Carb Countin' Holiday Cookbook by Jan McCracken

noreply@blogger.com (Cherie' Davidson) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 22:53:00 +0000

Jan McCracken is back, along with her low-carbed classic recipes, signature fun and happy hijinks. And she has brought a new friend along as well.

Carb Countin' Holiday Cookbook by Jan McCracken (Poppyseed Press, 2004) introduces McCracken's high-steppin' alter ego, Sassy Stepper™. Sassy, adorned in red sweats, multi-colored sneakers and a pedometer, proudly prances across the cover, dispensing advice, wisdom and glee throughout the 176 pages of this energetic new entry in what looks to become a signature line of cookbooks for McCracken.

Carb Countin' is more than a cookbook; it is a motivational book dedicated to getting America off the couch and stepping their way to good health. McCracken believes that healthy eating and a healthy mind go hand-in-hand, and with a change of heart, we can lose weight safely and with a smile on our faces.

Written in her colorful and light style, Carb Countin' is a fun read. The bright and whimsical cover and humor-filled pages decorated with cute and sometimes crazy "critters" serve to underline McCracken's message of "Smart carbs, smart steps for health and fitness." Using Sassy Stepper as a spokesperson and Move More Motivator™, McCracken has found a fun way to get a very serious point across.

Inside this book, you will find motivational, as well as good informational content with chapters such as, "The Secret Motivation of the Pedometer," "First Steps," "Sassy's Strategies for Extra Steps," and "Why Step?" The holiday recipe section includes, "A Celebration of Thanksgiving," "It's an Old-Fashioned 'Carb Countin' Christmas'," and "Ringing in the New Year."

If you know McCracken's enthusiastic and wholesome style, you will want to check this book out. If you are new to the McCracken humor and carb-conscious messages, this would be a good start. After reading her last cookbook, I became a fan, and this newest entry has not disappointed me one dollop.

Low-Carb Dieting for Dummies® by Katherine B. Chauncey, PhD, RD

noreply@blogger.com (Cherie' Davidson) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 22:50:00 +0000

Most of us are familiar with the very popular series of fun reference books known as the "For Dummies®" books. I was curious when I found out there was one for low-carbing. Of course, I had to get a copy to review for you.

Low-Carb Dieting for Dummies® by Katherine B. Chauncey, PhD, RD (Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2004) is a 334-page guide for beginning low-carbers. It follows the traditional Dummies® format, with all the tips, references, helps, and information you would expect, with 75+ recipes distributed throughout the chapters.

My first thought when beginning to read this book is that I was not comfortable with the title using the word "Dieting," because all real low carb followers know that it's not a diet, it must be a lifestyle. So I was a little skeptical. Then I read through the Introduction and realized that this book is not a general primer for Low Carb, but Dr. Chauncey's version of a "low-carb eating plan for weight loss" designed at her clinics at the Texas Tech Medical Center. Ah, then it made more sense. Once I realized this book is her version, I could sit back and enjoy reading.

In the Introduction it states, "Unlike many other popular low-carb eating plans available today, this plan helps you control, but doesn't entirely eliminate, the intake of refined sugars and flour, and it encourages you to eat whole, unprocessed food." As I read the book, I realized it was not the basic low carb structure for my personal needs, but there is a great deal of excellent information available, and even as long as I've been learning and reviewing low-carb books, I did learn a few things.

Dr. Chauncey did a good job of covering a great deal of information and touched on the fundamentals nicely. For anyone seeking information on a more modified, healthy "whole foods" approach to low-carb (or more accurately, "moderate-carb"), I would recommend giving this book a look. Chauncey really does cover a lot of ground, from health issues, controversies, nutrition boundaries to eating, recipes, fitness, mental attitude and ultimate benefits.

Low-Carb Dieting for Dummies® is a good reference book for those who are not ready or willing to give up white sugar and white flour completely, or who are looking for a more moderate way to "do low-carb."

Enjoy The Holidays Without Guilt, Even When Watching Your Carbs

noreply@blogger.com (Cherie' Davidson) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 22:47:00 +0000

Two fun and fabulous holiday cookbooks dish up smiles, laughs, health tips, walking motivation and heapin helpin of traditional recipes for eating the good old-fashioned foods we love during the holidays...without the sugar or empty carbs!

Laugh and cook with the fun-loving, old-fashioned cook known as the "Erma Bombeck of Cookbook Authors." Jan McCracken insists that food taste like "the real stuff" - without the carbs! She has been eating low carb since 1994, and is an advocate of healthy living, which includes eating good carbs, making old recipes healthier ... and heaping portions of lots of smiles.

Whimsical and light-hearted, Jan's recipe presentations will make you smile - you won't be able to help yourself. And expect wonderful compliments from family and friends when you serve the wonderful dishes from her two holiday cookbooks. No one will ever know you’re cooking low carb!

Jan is proud to have written the first Low Carb Christmas cookbook ever published, "Low Carb Christmas Cookin'." This Old Fashioned Low Carb Christmas Cookbook is still the best out there. It is a clever creation of 224 fun-filled pages sprinkled with hysterical "culinary photos" of the author, heart-warming quotes and delicious “real food” recipes.

Just published, her "Carb Countin' Holiday Cookbook" is filled with more smiles, laughs and excellent recipes that span more than just Christmas. There are ample recipes for all the holidays throughout the year, including some special ones to kick off the New Year right! "Carb Countin" also introduces Jan's new friend, Sassy Stepper, her "Move More Motivator" and "steppin off the carbs" advocate.

Both books are available at Amazon.com or for a special holiday gift price of only $9.95 directly through Jan's website: www.janmccracken.com

About Jan:
Jan McCracken is author and self-publisher of 40 gift books and cookbooks. Born in the Midwest and former owner/innkeeper of a country bed and breakfast in Branson, MO, she has been cooking since she was seventeen years old. At home in Ventura, California, Jan’s desire in writing Low Carb Christmas Cookin' is to share old
recipes "made new" and low carb user-friendly!

The Good Carb Cookbook, Secrets of Eating Low on the Glycemic Index by Sandra Woodruff, M.S., R.D.

noreply@blogger.com (Cherie' Davidson) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 22:43:00 +0000

With all the low-carb plans available, and more showing up every month, there are bound to be differing opinions on what constitutes "good" carbs and "bad" carbs. However, all low carbers seem to agree that some carbohydrates impact harder than others--and this varies according to each individual's physical make-up.

In The Good Carb Cookbook, Secrets of Eating Low on the Glycemic Index by Sandra Woodruff, M.S., R.D. (Avery, 2001), Ms. Woodruff takes the subject from introduction, through getting acquainted with different high fiber/low GI grains and foods, to living with good carbs, while providing interesting, informative, and sometimes debate-able, facts.

Published back in 2001, some of the information provided in this 312-page book was ahead of its time, just recently becoming known on a wider arena. However, there are passages that contain some "early" perceptions of low carb. Bottom line, though, is the focus on the balance of "good" and/or healthy carbs and looking for the highest nutrition choices available. The Good Carb Cookbook provides some good, solid nutritional information, details on the Glycemic index and providing strategies and tips. Personally, I enjoyed reading about fiber and the nutritional elements of individual grains, nuts and seeds, but I could not agree with all of Ms. Woodruff's advice or opinions regarding fats.

The recipe portion of the book, almost 200 pages, includes chapters such as, Breakfast and Brunch Favorites, Hors D'Oeuvres with a Difference, Heartwarming Soups, Savvy Sandwiches, Pasta Perfection, and Delectable Desserts, among others. The recipes are straightforward and written in a traditional format, each with a list of nutritional facts (calories, carbs, cholesterol, fat, fiber, protein, sodium, calcium and GI rating). Ms. Woodruff's recipes tend to be low fat, medium to high fiber, low on the GI scale, with low "budgeted" use of sugar (no sugar substitutes used) and moderate to low carb grams in the mid-30s range on average.

For those of you who low carb on a maintenance level or those who are not sensitive to grains and believe in the benefits of whole grains and rich fiber, The Good Carb Cookbook offers a nice variety of recipes that focus on nutrition and low GI impact. It would not be very helpful for those on the Atkins Nutritional Plan, pro-fat, or very low carb plans. But it would fit well with some of the other plans out there, or for those who want to eliminate "useless" carbs such as white flour, but not live without pasta, beans or whole wheat. To summarize, The Good Carb Cookbook is a moderate carb plan that advocates taking a nutrition-rich approach to eating, promoting the elimination of useless carbs and concentrating on taking in foods that benefit the body as well as please the taste buds.

The Good Carb Cookbook might be a good selection for those who want to modify unhealthy diets without drastic changes, and those who have reached their low carb goals and are maintaining a healthy low-carb lifestyle.

15-Minute Low-Carb Recipes by Dana Carpender

noreply@blogger.com (Cherie' Davidson) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 22:41:00 +0000

Busy, busy, busy. Today’s schedules and fast paced, multi-tasking lifestyles make it difficult for most of us to find the time needed to prepare and serve balanced, nutritious and tasty meals. I am no exception. Since I tend to be a problem-solver by nature, I decided to gather a collection of quick, fast and easy low-carb recipes so I could save time in the kitchen but still stick to my low-carb lifestyle.

I expected it would take quite awhile to get enough recipes together to make a difference. However, thanks to Dana Carpender’s newest low-carb cookbook my collection has grown overnight!

15-Minute Low-Carb Recipes by Dana Carpender (Fair Winds Press, 2003) gave my collection a huge boost. From the introduction, I found that the entire purpose of this book is to provide a cookbook filled with recipes that take a maximum of 15 minutes to make—and that includes prep time. Sound intriguing? I thought so, too.

This 253-page compendium offers more than just microwave or “tear open a protein bar” meals. These recipes were all timed and each was considered for health, feasibility and appropriateness to the book’s theme. Dana’s introduction explains her reasons, her processes, and offers detailed hints, tips and tricks to cut down prep time.

To give you an overview of the contents, there are thirteen chapters divided by food type, such as “15-Minute Eggs,” “15-Minute Tortilla Tricks,” “15-Minute Main Dish Salads,” “15-Minute Skillet Suppers,” and Chapter 12, “15-Minute Condiments, Sauces, Dressings, and Seasonings,” which has my favorite homemade sugar-free ketchup recipe. Of course, I cannot forget to mention the last chapter, “15-Minute Desserts.”

Written in an easy to follow, relaxed style, this book feels like an old friend for those of us who have come to know Dana’s work from her 2002 cookbook, the very popular 500 Low-Carb Recipes. If you are not familiar with her previous book, I think you will be pleased with her comfortable, confidant style and helpful insights.

There seems to be recipes to suit most everyone, from low-carb soups to high-protein nuts. I especially appreciate that the recipes have short instructions, are very fast to read—and they are easy to make. A few I have tried and enjoyed include, “Houbyfest Eggs,” “Blintzlets,” “Parmesan Chicken Breasts,” “Sour Cream Ham Supper,” and “Cheater’s Chowder.” And, I am wrapping “Cinnamon Splenda® Nuts” in red plastic wrap tied with a thin velvet ribbon for Valentine’s Day mini gifts. (I will wait until next month to tell the recipients the gift was sugar-free!)

15-Minute Low-Carb Recipes by Dana Carpender is available through book retailers on and offline. Get more information on Dana Carpender, her books, projects and e-mail newsletter on her Web site at http://www.holdthetoast.com.

Suzanne Somers’ Fast & Easy by Suzanne Somers

noreply@blogger.com (Cherie' Davidson) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 22:36:00 +0000

How do you feel about Suzanne Somers--Ms. Somers the actress, the spokesperson, the multi-product home shopping guru? Ok, now what do you think about Somersizing, her low-carb program? If you are like me, you have heard pieces of interviews, read portions of articles, half listened to friends talking about it, skimmed over the subject on online message boards.

A good friend of mine loves the Somersize plan and for her sake I picked up a copy of Suzanne Somers’ Fast & Easy by Suzanne Somers (Crown Publishers, 2002). I figured it was about time I broadened my low-carb knowledge base.

Fast & Easy is a 331-page guide that offers an interesting and detailed “recap” of the Somersize plan. It provides clear and easy-to-follow information for those who are new to the plan, but also acts as a great overview and refresher guide for those who have read the earlier books. Scattered with illustrations, some hand-drawn, others richly photographed, this guide-slash-cookbook is easy to read and understand. It was written in a serious yet rather breezy, motivational style, in a tone mixed with confidence, respect, warmth and gratitude for followers of the plan. At times, it almost seemed like a reference book for the Suzanne Somers fan club. However, Ms. Somers passionately loves the low-carb lifestyle and believes deeply in Somersizing, and this is obvious as she shares insights into her home and history.

The first 176 pages focus on the plan, breaking it down into elements (such as the levels and foods), including some great low carb information, nutritional tips and a question-answer section. The second section offers over 100 recipes divided into sub-chapters such as Breakfast, Appetizers & Snacks, Soups, Salads, Hometown Favorites, Desserts, etc., and organized by level and food group (i.e., Pro/Fat and Veggie, etc.).

If you are interested in using the recipes on a general low-carb eating plan, you will need to do a little “exchanging” of ingredients, as all these recipes use Somersize products, such as the sugar substitute, “SomerSweet,” and other products like “Somersize Marinara Sauce.” However, if you are a Somersizer, there are some really good recipes that should add a nice variety to your menu.

Overall, I found it an interesting book and it gave me some great ideas for recipes. Personally I wasn’t converted to the Somersize plan, but I can see the merit of it, picked up some good information and I got some great ideas from the recipe section. For those of you who are fans of Ms. Somers’s plan, you should really enjoy having this book on your shelf.

Suzanne Somers’ Fast & Easy by Suzanne Somers can be purchased through http://www.suzannesomers.com and most book retailers on and offline.

Low Carb Christmas Cookin’ With an “Old-Fashioned” Cook by Jan McCracken

noreply@blogger.com (Cherie' Davidson) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 22:18:00 +0000

"I love low carbing, but I'm getting so tired of the same old foods."

"I wish I had time to figure out how to convert my family recipes to low carb!"

"I love finding old recipes done low carb!"

Do any of these comments sound familiar? They sure do to me; I have said them all at one time or another. And they are so true—two years later and I am still trying to find the time to learn how to convert some of my favorite old recipes!

I am determined this holiday season to stick with my low-carb eating plan, and I decided since I could not find the time to convert my own recipes, I needed to find some good alternatives. I hit the jackpot with Low Carb Christmas Cookin' With an "Old-Fashioned" Cook by Jan McCracken (Poppyseed Press, 2003).

Jan's brand new cookbook is an entertaining delight. Every page delivers a smile, laugh or grin—and terrific recipes. Low Carb Christmas Cookin' is a colorful, easy-to-read, 224-page paperback book liberally sprinkled with fun. From funny and sometimes outrageous photos of the author mugging for the camera to anecdotes, homespun quotes, and humorous ways to prepare recipes, all the way through I got a strong sense of the fun and spirit of this feisty and entertaining lady.

Low Carb Christmas Cookin' isn't just fun. Though smiles lurk on every page, the recipes are seriously good. The cookbook is broken into nine chapters. Some of my favorites are, "Dollops & Plops," "Feliz Navidad... Low Carb Fiesta Christmas!" and "Holiday Affair with Chocolate." The "All Thru the House" chapter has some great potpourri recipes, too.

I have tried several recipes from the book, and so far they are all keepers. My mom adores "Ole'...It's Holy Guacamole!" and I made the "Staggerin' Swiss Chicken" for friends, and it was a huge hit. Other personal favorites from Jan's book include, "Pineapple Upside-Down French Toast Casserole" and "Hot Cashew Chicken Salad." Since this is primarily a holiday recipe collection, you should expect that there are some recipes that call for fruit, so for those on very low carbs you may need to watch the portions, but Jan has done a good job of keeping her recipes low on the low carb scale.

I just fell in love with the humor and joy so obvious throughout the entire book, and I drooled over the recipes. Honestly, I am not sure what I enjoyed more, reading it or making the recipes. Either way, I will be sending copies of this low-carb cookbook to low carbers on my Christmas list... and I know one old sugar grouch that will find one in his stocking!

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Low Carb Christmas Cookin' With an "Old-Fashioned" Cook by Jan McCracken can be purchased through www.lowcarbchristmas.com.