Blink and there's another Ainsley Harriott book out, this incarnation is Low Fat Meals in Minutes. The target audience this time is the weight-watching home-maker, struggling to fit those healthy lifestyle changes into a busy schedule; and perhaps also keeping an eye on the kids' fat intake. You really have to hand it to Harriott: he's very good at what he does. Low Fat Meals in Minutes presents 80 fresh, interesting, tasty, low-fat recipes, none of which takes more than an hour to prepare and cook (and most a lot less), and each of which is accompanied by a clear colour photograph--so you know exactly what it's supposed to look like--and nutrition notes. What could be simpler or more encouraging?

In the usual Harriott manner, inspiration ranges all over, with a preference for the flavours of Latin America, the Mediterranean and South-East Asia. So Prawn, Mushroom and Bean Sprout Noodles sits cheek-by-jowl with Jalapeno Tiger-Prawn Ginger Skewers; while not far away is Roast Lemon Bay-Scented Cod. Cajun and Jamaican jerk seasonings are also used to good effect, for example in the Louisiana Blue Cheese and Chicken Sandwich and Jamaican Jerk Chicken. Puddings are strong on fruit: a particularly happy invention is the "Live and Kicking" Lemon and Chilli Sorbet. A handy collection, therefore, of speedy, waistline-friendly recipe ideas, which might prove something of a primer in expanding culinary horizons. The drawback, for some, will be Harriott himself. You don't have to be a toffee-nosed Elizabeth-David-or-nothing purist to find his manner grating ("Slap 'em on the barbie" "Dee-lish!" "Wowee"). But he's nothing if not friendly. --Robin Davidson

2008-09-30 Tasty low fat dishes!

I received this as a gift and despite the fact that I have more cookery books at home than I know what to do with I have made good use of this one. The recipes are easy to follow and are illustrated, which I find helpful as I like to know what I'm aiming for. I thoroughly recommend the oven baked soy marinated cod (I make this regularly now) and also the Wok-It Chinese Chicken salad.

I actually find it a shame that they have included the words 'low fat' into the cover - this will probably lead some people to assume the recipes are tasteless, which they certainly are not! Even if you are not on a diet you will enjoy creating the recipes in this book and I defy you not to find one you will want to make again!