Cookbooks Galore!

     It's that time again! We've gotten a brand new crop of cookbooks with which you can hone your culinary skills. This selection contains healthy and satisfying recipes that can tame the hungriest appetite.

     First, we have Jamie Deen's Good Food by Jamie Deen (of course) and his son, Jack. These classic recipes have been cooked and passed down for generations. There are chapters on soups, vegetables, sandwiches, desserts, and more. If you flip the book over, you get a special section called, Rooster's Cafe where Jamie's son, Jack, shares kid-friendly recipes that he loves. There are also family stories and tips for stocking your pantry and spice rack. Jamie and Jack's goal for this book is getting families cooking and eating healthful meals together. And, with recipes like Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons, Broccoli and Bacon Twice-Baked Potatoes, Lemon Shortbread Cookies, and Candied Orange Peel, who could resist trying these simple, delicious recipes with their own children?

     Next, we have Prevention RD's Everyday Healthy Cooking: 100 Light and Delicious Recipes to Promote Energy, Weight Loss, and Well-Being by Nicole Morrissey who is a registered dietitian and diabetes educator. This book was designed with the health conscious in mind. Morrissey has been posting light and healthy recipes on her blog since 2009. These recipes are well-balanced and delicious and each one includes complete nutritional facts and serving suggestions. She also includes information on adjusting portion sizes as well as converting recipes for gluten-free, vegan, and diabetic friends. Why not try the Zucchini-Sausage Pizza, Watermelon Slush, Baked Falafel, or the Coconut Shrimp and Chickpea Curry? What have you got to lose except pounds and bad eating habits?

     Along the same lines as the previous book is The Diabetes Comfort Food Diet by Laura Cipullo, RD, CDE and the editors of Prevention. With recipes like Guilt-Free Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Grilled Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa, Beef Stroganoff, and Creamy Pumpkin Mousse, who can resist these "healthified" versions of comfort food classics? This eating plan is approved by the folks at Prevention magazine and is designed to give you the tools you'll need to manage--and even reverse--your insulin resistance while enjoying those foods you absolutely love.

     Finally, we have Dinner Pies: from Shepherd's Pies and Pot Pies to Turnovers, Quiches, Hand Pies, and More by Ken Haedrich. The author's breezy style takes you through these 100 creative (and delicious) recipes that could be used as a tasty main course for your weeknight supper for family or that get together with friends this weekend. Haedrich gives his best tips and tricks for perfect crusts so that cooks of all skill levels will enjoy these savory recipes. There are recipes for Bacon & Tomato Mini Tarts; Cabbage & Brie Torta; Broccoli, Mushroom, & Ham Quiche; Classic Beef Pot Pie; and my all-time favorite Natchitoches Meat Pies!

Why not check out one of these new cookbooks today?

Bon Appetit!