Skinny Feasts

Jo-Anne Mary Benson is the book review columnist for Ottawa Parent
magazine.

The words “deceptively rich” apply to the recipes in this book of
“low-fat cooking” or “skinny feasts.”

An introduction to kitchen basics provides insights into cooking
techniques, food preservation, and the balancing of flavors. It is
followed with a selection of recipes, from preserves and dressings to
main courses and sweets. The author was trained in France and Ireland,
and owned her own restaurant. Her love of international cuisine is
reflected in such recipes as Thai-flavored Postickers, Ethiopian
Vegetable Stew, and Miso-Gari Vinaigrette. Recipes with a greater focus
on simplicity include Gram Doris’s Gingerbread, Marinated Flank Steak,
and Magic Muffins.

Although the book does not include photographs, which would have
enhanced the overall presentation, it does feature bulleted lists and
sidebars that contain personal anecdotes, serving or cooking tips, wine
choices, and information on the purchasing of ingredients. The recipes
require a minimum to moderate number of ingredients; directions are
clearly presented and easy to follow.

Skinny Feast reflects the nutritional Zeitgeist while recognizing the
time constraints that affect everyday cooks.