"It sounds sexy," states Dana Jacobi in the introduction to 12 Best Foods, "but voluptuous means 'delighting the senses.' And for most of us, myself included, the food we eat must ignite our senses or we're unlikely to eat it."
With that premise in mind, Jacobi has given us the gift of gifts: recipes that taste delicious while simultaneously serving our health concerns. Jacobi has identified twelve of the most nutritious foods. These are foods that have disease-fighting abilities, health benefits in the micronutrients and vitamins found in them, and Jacobi has seen to it that the foods are prepared to her voluptuous standards. Chocoholics may rejoice as Jacobi includes this healthy ingredient in the list of twelve, and uses chocolate in new, surprising, dare we say voluptuous ways. Here are Jacobi's twelve best foods:
- black beans
- blueberries
- broccoli
- chocolate
- oats
- onions
- salmon
- soy
- spinach
- sweet potatoes
- tomatoes
- walnuts
Jacobi has selected these twelve to show how simple it is to make a move to life-enhancing foods. Many will already be in the refrigerator. The first chapter is devoted to an understanding of these foods. It is a rich resource guide, offering a wealth of information. For each food Jacobi lists the benefits at a glance, everyday ways of using, buying and storing tips as well as cooking tips. Written with clarity, this is not a dull scientific rant, but a support and a guide to enjoyment.
Many foods are rich in nutrients, but Jacobi has selected these twelve stars because they "provide more nutritional bang for the caloric buck." In addition, she states that "I've found that when it comes to food, becoming expert in ways to prepare one choice, such as spinach, is much easier than keeping a list of all the other dark leafy greens and learning the best ways to cook each of them." Expertise makes the kitchen run smoother and faster, and speed is a necessary ingredient in our contemporary lives.
True to her philosophy, Jacobi's recipes are sensuous. Dig in, eat healthy, love your food they say. You can start your day with healthy chocolate pancakes, or enjoy the surprise of Chocolate Bruschetta. You can make a Blueberry Butter that uses frozen blueberries and is a tasty spread for whole grain toast or an addition to plain yogurt. Make a Black Soybean and Butternut Squash Stew or a Corn and Broccoli Pudding for a hearty (and vegetarian) meal or indulge in Sake-Poached Salmon with Ginger Gremolata. Make a Scalloped Sweet Potato with Apple instead of baking yams with marshmallows - an almost fat-free dish. For dessert, make a Spinach Strudel - yes spinach for dessert, made with apple, lemon zest and walnuts a recipe that drew raves in the test kitchen at Rodale. Sidebars accompany each recipe, providing nuggets of information.
With such taste delights, you'll forget you're eating healthy. Be strong, be healthy, love life and eat succulent food. Is there a better way? Go ahead - follow Jacobi's lead and be a sensualist, be a health nut.
The luminous photographs through the book are by Maren Caruso.
About the author: After apprenticing at three-star restaurants in France, Dana Jacobi opened a catering business and marketed her own line of gourmet sauces. She has since authored five cookbooks, contributed to several others, and written for several publications. Her work has won a GourmandWorld Cookbook Award and been nominated for a James Beard Foundation Book Award. Presently Jacobi writes a weekly newspaper column, "Something Different" for the American Institute for Cancer Research. She also consults in product development and teaches cooking classes.
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