CATEGORY

From the wife of the late Dr. Robert Atkins, here is an inventive cookbook that will allow low carb devotees to keep the faith without cutting down the fat. Grounded in the carb counting, fat allowing formula that launched millions of dieters, Veronica Atkins has designed a book "to make doing Atkins a permanent part of your life."

Following a refresher course on the four phases of Atkins, she includes 250 easy to follow recipes and cooking tips geared for people close to their weight goals, in which she underlines the essentials of low carb ingredients and preparation (substitute wheat for white, splenda for sugar, nuts for breadcrumbs, cream or broth for flour). Gathered into three main sections ("day by day", "on the weekend", and "party and holiday menus"), recipes range from family dinners, brownbag lunches and snacks to brunch dishes and camping treats. Singles "tired of dividing recipes by four" will also enjoy the "cooking for one" section, and those who fear the holiday temptations will find inspiration to stay on track in such creative fares as Atkins-friendly Thanksgiving side dishes, low carb Xmas eggnog, Zucchini Hanukkah latkes, Superbowl pomegranate guacamole, Oscar Night chocolate martinis and a dozen uses for leftover matzo.

Readers may be distracted from the simplicity and freshness of the recipes by a few zany suggestions (alphabetizing spices to save time) and the marketing of the Atkins brand products in the many recipes that use Atkins mixes, pastas and flavorings. Yet the book's creative approach will assure the faithful that a low carb diet can be a moveable feast. --Barbara Mackoff