Holly Clegg's Trim and Terrific cookbook

[ReneeV]

Hi All,
I got "Trim and Terrific" by Holly Clegg for Christmas. I added it to my wish list upon CL's recommendation in the December issue. The recipes look tasty, simple, light, but not totally devoid of all rich ingredients.

Last night I made the Chicken Soup with Barley and Bowties. It was really good! Many of the recipes can be prepared in under 30 minutes and most in under an hour. The salads are not the "same ol', same ol'" - a lot of new combinations and some old favorites too. The salad dressings are not fat free, but are light. Most contain only a couple of tablespoons of oil in the entire recipe.

She uses some "convenience" ingredients in some of her recipes, but uses them judiciously and relies on fresh veggies, fruits and herbs for flavor.

The "fun" chapters on appetizers and desserts look really good too. The only chapter which appeared a little bland, was the pasta chapter. Not much new there. Although it did contain a one-step Mac and Cheese that you bake in the oven. You mix all the ingredients together (including the dry noodles) in a cassarole dish and bake. Can't wait to try that one.

I'll let you know how the recipes turn out as I try them.

Renée

[TeriK]

Ooh, sounds good. I'd really like to hear more reviews when you've made some of the recipes. I'm currently on the market for new cookbooks and that one sounds promising. Thanks for the tip.

[Deedy]

I have a few of her books and like them all. One recipe that stands out is banana bread with butterscotch chips. I've never had a recipe "fail" from her books and highly recommend them. She is a frequent contributor to CL and other cooking magazines.

[Tally]

This is a great cookbook, full of simple but delicious recipes. The seasonings tend to run mild, so I often spice them up a bit.
The White Chili recipe is a staple in my house and on camping trips - I have the recipe memorized. The Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas, Blueberry Bread andGreen Bean Marinate are also very good.

[Mareli]

I am always on the lookout for new cookbooks. Thanks for the review. I had seen the review in CL, but always prefer to have someone trusted from the BB review recipes/cookbooks also.

I will just HAVE to go to a book store, and just HAVE to get this book. Yahooo, sounds great to me!

[Linda in MO]

Originally posted by Deedy
One recipe that stands out is banana bread with butterscotch chips.

When you have time, could you post this recipe? thanks!

[maizeyoats]

Which Holly Clegg book did you get? She has a few out that begin "Trim and Terrific".
Yours sounds very good.

[Deedy]

Linda, I'm at work - when I get home I'll put in the recipe for you and any one else who wants to make it.

[Deedy]

Butterscotch Banana Bread

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 cup mashed bananas
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup skim milk
1/2 cup butterscotch chips (sometimes I alternate with Cinnamon chips) and I usually add a bit more than called for.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl; set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed banans, sugar, egg, egg whites, and oil, blending well. Add the flour mixtrue alternately with the milk to the banana mixture. Stir in butterscotch chips. Pour into a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan coated with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 350 F. for 50 minutes to 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool about 15 minutes and invert onto a wire rack. (This does not usually take more than 50 minutes in my oven, so watch carefully) Trim and Terrific American Favorites - Holly Clegg

[Linda in MO]

Thanks Deedy! I will definitely be trying this soon.