LIGHT AND HEALTHY MICROWAVE COOKING

A collection that provides an array of quick-fix snacks, all relatively low in calories. In addition to a caloric listing, each of the 150-plus recipes is followed by a chart showing the number of grams of carbohydrates, protein and fat per serving. Fat is generally kept fairly low. Chicken, for instance, is usually skinless and moistened by a low-calorie sauce. Fish and shellfish are plentiful, while meats are limited to things like ""Slim Stew,"" Swiss steak, meatballs, and sweet-and-sour pork. Peculiarly (for a low-fat collection), a large number of desserts are featured. Cheese cake and cheese frostings are made with Neufchatel rather than cream cheese, hardly slimming at two-thirds the calories. But there's also a lemon-rice pudding at 74 calories and a chocolate mousse at a quite modest 133 calories. Numerous color photographs add sparkle to this collection and suggest the ideal appearance of featured foods. Most of the dishes are easy to prepare and fairly easy on the waistline--a winning combination.