Delicious Cousine

Book Review - Low-Carb Sweets and The Art of Self-Indulgence by Sharon Allbright

As a "low-carber," the types of recipes I look for most in a good lifestyle cookbook are really easy, completely delicious, low carb, sugar-free dessert and snack recipes. I think it is partly psychological, in other words, having these kinds of recipes at my fingertips makes me feel prepared and reinforces that I can truly enjoy my low carb lifestyle without being deprived of the sweet things in life. I suspect cookbook author, Sharon Allbright, read my mind when she wrote her 216-page book, Low-Carb Sweets and "The Art of Self-Indulgence" (Paisley Print House, 2003).Low-Carb Sweets is one of the most delightful recipe books I've read recently. This book is a complete package: over 100 easy-to-follow recipes, fun and friendly images, helpful tips and warm guidance and support with just the right measure of motivational gusto. From the delightful, bright cover to the rosy-colored pages, this cookbook is completely charming.I recommend Low-Carb Sweets for beginning low carb cooks as well as for more experienced "lifers." The 100+ recipes are sandwiched between helpful chapters for living a healthy, sugar-free, protein-packed lifestyle. From the opening line, "This isn't going to be a 'She lives by the ocean with her husband and dog' introduction..." I knew this would be a fun book to read as well as keep.Allbright's goal "to turn low-carb eating into a lifestyle of pleasure" is admirable, and just the philosophy I can get behind. Reading through chapters such as, "On The Low-Carb Trail (In Search of Dessert Nirvana)" and "Ready To Dive In? (Tricks of the Treats)", started me salivating to try her recipes. And there is a mouth-watering variety of them. "Waffles, Pancakes, Crepes & Blintzes," "Cookies, Brownies & Bars," "Ice Cream & Other creamy Delights" are a few of the chapters, with recipes for cakes, muffins and cupcakes, pies, shakes and drinks, and candies filling the pages.A few of the recipes included: "Zero-Carb Waffle," "Very Berry Blintzes," "Coconut Chip Cookies," "Black Forrest Cake," "Devil's Food Cupcakes," "Orange Brandy Cream," "Luscious Lemony Pie," "Vanilla Chippies," "Mocha Kicker," and "Root Beer Supreme." All the recipes in this book fit the fundamentals of low-carb. The ingredients used are "back to low-carb basics" such as protein powders, unflavored gelatin, flaxseed and other seed meals and psyllium. Sweeteners include sucralose, stevia and saccharin. I found that Allbright's goal was to use natural, nutrition-packed ingredients.The third section of the book is called, "The Art of Self-Indulgence" with six fun and inspirational chapters, "Stepping into a Dream," "Pleasure Principles," "Journaling (Dreams to Reality)," "Ashley's Journal (A Window to Discovery)," "Blowing It (With Style)," and "24 Hour Makeover." I found these chapters to be an enjoyable read filled with little pointers, inspiration, motivation and real experiences that I most definitely identified with. Allbright hit the mark when she wrote "Low-Carb Sweets" ... and how sweet it is!