THE CAN-OPENER COOKBOOK

Don't stick your nose in the air and think you are beyond the point of condescending to use a can-opener. Here's a book that proved -- to one doubter at least- that a can opener might well provide a short-cut to a reputation for being a new candidate for the cordon blen. The gourmet approach to canned and packaged goods is news. There's imagination and zest and originality here, and Miss Cannon (well-known to readers of Park East, House Beautiful etc.) has given us an unorthodox cookbook. There's representative assortment of dishes in all the established categories- and each recipe has a short out. She's added a personal touch by her introductory bits and her method of listing ingredients, and then- in the body of the recipes- indicating her quantities along with her processes. There are lots of suggested menus. And there's some heartening advice on how to serve the succulent dishes she provides. Another cookbook for my groaning shelves (but oh how useful when you live 8 miles from a store.)