The Best Low-Carb Cookbook: Over 475 Low-Carb Recipes

Theresa Paltzat is the Smart Search librarian at the Edmonton Public
Library.

With the increasing weight and diet problems of North Americans, being
carbohydrate-conscious is a rising trend in our kitchens. Many people
are interested in following a meal plan low in carbohydrates but do not
have the meal ideas necessary to make this new lifestyle an appealing
choice.

This cookbook offers an extensive collection of more than 475 low-carb
recipes compiled from 22 reputable sources. The appealing cover shows a
colourful photo of Turkiaki Fiesta. The book begins with an introduction
to a carbohydrate-conscious lifestyle, including tips for stocking a
low-carb pantry and eating out while maintaining a low-carb diet.
Section 1, “Appetizers,” grabs the reader’s attention with dips,
sauces, and other tempting nibbles. Subsequent sections on soups,
salads, side dishes, vegetarian dishes, poultry, fish and seafood, beef,
pork and lamb cover almost all possible diet choices. “Desserts”
will surprise and delight many readers: who knew there were recipes for
low-carb biscotti, cookies, and cheesecakes? Each recipe includes
nutritional information for calories, carbohydrates, and protein per
serving, and cholesterol, fibre, and sodium analysis is included for
those with additional health concerns.

One criticism of the book is the small number of photographs (there are
only 21, including the front and back covers). Many people consider
photos to be an important part of a cookbook in order to see what the
finished dishes should look like. Nevertheless, the book does provide an
interesting variety of recipes from the everyday to the exotic, with
instructions that are easy to follow. Even readers not on low-carb diets
will find many recipes to tempt them.