Williams-Sonoma Essentials of Healthful Cooking »

A hearty stew of fish in a saffron-scented broth. A salad of grill-seared beef and garden-fresh vegetables flavored with Thai herbs and seasonings. Spice-crusted pork chops topped with a luscious apple-cider sauce. Zucchini, bell peppers, and fennel roasted until tender and drizzled with a warm lemon dressing. A golden-crusted cobbler combining a trio of fresh, juicy summer berries. The secrets behind making these irresistible and nutritious dishes and dozens more can be found in Williams-Sonoma Essentials of Healthful Cooking.

Reflecting the latest nutrition research, this information-packed volume opens with suggestions for stocking a kitchen with healthful ingredients and for enjoying the health benefits of grains, legumes, soy-based foods, and seasonal produce. Abundant tips cover ways to use delicious, naturally low-fat ingredients and practical strategies for maximizing flavor with well-chosen fats. Detailed written instructions and step-by-step photographs show how roasting, sauteing, stir-frying, and other techniques are ideal for preparing food that is both flavorful and nutritious. All the equipment and tools required are clearly described and photographed.

Eight chapters filled with more than 130 appealing recipes follow, ranging from elegant appetizers for entertaining to easy main dishes and side dishes for everyday dinners to desserts for any meal. Among the recipes are contemporary healthful versions of such favorites as corn chowder, beef bourguignon, potato gratin, breakfast waffles and pancakes, Key lime pie, and chocolate mousse. Beautiful photographs of finished dishes are accompanied by photographs of key ingredients and pertinent techniques.

Recipes for stocks, sauces, salad dressings, and toppings; a glossary; a nutrient guide to aid in meal planning; and the per-serving nutritional content of all the recipes complete this indispensable book -- inspiring readers to make healthful choices when preparing every meal.