AMERICA'S MOST WANTED RECIPES WITHOUT THE GUILT

The cook who created the copycat version of KFC’s chicken returns with more mouthwatering restaurant-style recipes without all the calories.

After a friend’s unexpected death, Douglas (America’s Most Wanted Recipes, 2009, etc.) decided to create a cookbook to help educate readers on healthier eating. With the assistance of registered dietician Mary Franz, the author's provides an easy-to-read cookbook and nutrition guide. Expert advice includes a chart to determine the best sources of fiber, a list of high-sodium foods and 10 “super food." Each taste-alike recipe is alphabetized according to restaurant name and contains nutritional information, as well as calories saved. Instead of 869 calories found in The Cheesecake Factory’s Oreo cheesecake, Douglas’ version of the recipe substitutes a little magic—e.g., diet margarine, fat-free cream cheese and sour cream—to save 427 calories per serving. Cracker Barrel’s baked macaroni and cheese is reduced by 57 calories per serving in Douglas’ makeover. There is meat aplenty in this edition, including a hearty substitute for Applebee’s Baby Back Ribs, minus 126 calories per serving. And those secret herbs and spices in KFC’s Original Recipe Chicken? This time, the chicken is coated with seasoned bread crumbs and baked. Douglas’ offerings aren’t truly “without the guilt," but they sure beat the drive-thru, calorie-wise.