Book Review: Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC™ Gulf Coast Favorites (Favorite Recipes Press, 2008) by Holly Clegg

Holly Clegg is the author of the trim&TERRIFIC cookbook series and Eating Well Through Cancer. Her focus is on healthy cooking, and in this case emphasizes a unique region of our country—the Gulf Coast. Her recent book takes the deliciousness of Southern home cooking, and lightens it all up, offering today’s cooks healthier traditional favorites able to be prepared in a time-friendly manner. Her philosophy, “Never Sacrifice Taste.”

Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Gulf Coast Favorites offers over 250 recipes from the heart of Louisiana. They cover the beginning—appetizers, to the end—sweet treats and even highlight special Cajun and Creole choices as well. Holly Clegg assumes that no food is forbidden, so foods that used to be loaded with fat, sugar, and calories have been trimmed down. She’s included vegetarian recipes –indicated with a carrot symbol, prepare-ahead meals (snowflake symbol which means they’re freezable), and diabetic exchanges.

Throughout the book are beautiful photographs, taken by David Humphreys, an award-winning professional photographer who has worked with Holly Clegg on six of her books. The back of the book hosts sections for menu and pantry suggestions, and a Cajun/Creole glossary (example: corn maque-choux, etouffee).

Each recipe includes a favorable comment from Holly Clegg, an ingredient listing using common items, simple directions, and complete nutritional information per serving. Many pages have a “Terrific Tidbit” to make the cooking process easier. Example, “If using frozen blueberries, don’t defrost before adding to the mixture. Try using whole wheat flour to boost nutrition while adding a rich nutty flavor.”—from p. 34 Blueberry Muffins With Tropical Streusel Topping.

Ideas of regional recipes to try:

Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya, Crawfish Cakes with Horseradish Sauce, Red Beans and Rice, Cheese Grits, Tropical Yam Trifle

A portion of the proceeds of the sale of Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Gulf Coast Favorites will go the America’s Wetland Foundation, specifically aimed at the Gulf Coast region. Holly Clegg was approached by this organization and asked if she would participate in writing a book which uses indigenous recipes from the Gulf area. Throughout this unique cookbook, you’ll find Wetlands Facts.

Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Gulf Coast Favorites is Southern cooking at it’s best—prepared properly it is healthful and delicious—but not health food. A classic, it’s an American cookbook for every kitchen.

5 Stars