Publishers Weekly
As Webb (The Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible) writes in her introduction to this collection of comfort food recipes geared towards diabetics: "When people are first diagnosed with diabetes, they fear that all of the foods they cherish will be eliminated in favor of sparse, bland food." Proving that one can literally have their Double Chocolate Brownies and eat them too, Webb proves her point again and again, often by simply replacing high fat ingredients with low or no-fat alternatives. This approach, coupled with Webb's reliance on standard recipes, enables diabetics and family members to enjoy macaroni and cheese, meatloaf, and cheesecake without guilt (in addition to low-fat ingredients, she provides nutritional information for each recipe). Granted, her recipes generally adhere to the classic preparations and she heavily favors the familiar (Spaghetti Carbonara, Caesar Salad with Chicken and Cheddar Cheese and Broccoli Soup), but those recently diagnosed and/or those new to cooking will appreciate this solid, wide-ranging collection of diabetic-friendly dishes for all times and appetites. Bonus points for picking recipes that call for ingredients virtually anyone, anywhere can source. Photos. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
Robyn Webb’s Diabetes Comfort Food Cookbook is as good as it gets! Robyn’s clear and creative recipes and obvious passion and reverence for the quality and source of ingredients are the perfect medicine for people with diabetes and their families.”
—Michel Nuschan, owner and founder of Dressing Room, his homegrown restaurant in Westport, CT and CEO and president of Wholesome Wave Foundation.
“What a beautiful, compelling book! The recipes are at once simple, sensual, and customized for people with diabetes. Robyn’s overall comfort food message reassures that one’s diet needn’t compromise on pleasure when skewing healthy. Good food can do us a world of good, and can taste great in the process. Robyn makes this very clear.”
—Mollie Katzen, author of Moosewood Cookbook
“After drooling over the beautiful food photography, I found myself wish that the Diabetes Comfort Food Cookbook was a scratch and sniff cookbook. Robyn Webb has single-handedly changed the stigma of the diabetic diet from one of deprivation to celebration! Brava, Robyn!”
—David Grotto, RD, LDN, author of 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life!
Library Journal
Webb (Eat To Beat Diabetes) gives comfort food recipes a makeover, adjusting the fat, sodium, sugar, and serving size for people using diet to help manage their diabetes. Hamburgers, baked potato skins, creamy mushroom soup, barbecue chicken, crab cakes, quesadillas, cheesecake, and brownies all appear in chapters covering everything from appetizers to American classics and international dishes to desserts. For maximum flavor and convenience, fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs are combined with preprepared ingredients like canned beans and condiments. While some ingredients lists are long, recipe preparation and cooking are generally simple. Helpful cooking tips, serving size and nutrition information, and a produce-buying guide are included. VERDICT With its unintimidating style and diverse collection of recipes, this recommended book offers comfort food as well as mealtime variety for diabetics and nondiabetics alike.—J.B.
