Low Carb Express: Cut the Carbs with 130 Deliciously Healthy Recipes

In this attractive collection, British nutritionist and food writer Bell (Low Carb Revolution) offers an abundance of appetizing low-carb recipes. Bell kicks things off with recipes for low-carb coconut almond bread, sesame parmesan crackers, and buckwheat blinis. The recipe for smoked ham and Camembert muffins­—filling and easily prepared—is worth the price of the book. She also includes a refreshing melon, lime, and coriander salsa; peppers stuffed with parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes; and a mango and coconut smoothie made with silken tofu. Spicy fried chicken, lamb steaks with mint sauce and feta, and crispy salmon with green bean mimosa round out an appetizing array of healthy protein options. Bell provides a unique twist on many dishes, including her pizza omelet with mozzarella and chorizo; halved avocados used as a serving dish for shrimp, feta, or pistachios; and aubergine bruschettas that call for sliced eggplant in place of crostini. She concludes with an equally appealing group of desserts that include apple and blueberry frittata and raspberry coconut ice cream. Excellent from the first recipe to the last, Bell’s collection is a solid resource for carb-conscious home cooks. (Jan.)