I am such a huge fan of the movie "Xanadu," that when I saw Olivia Newton-John had a cookbook out, I had to get "Kira's" cookbook immediately!
Newton-John's "Livwise: Easy Recipes for a Healthy, Happy Life" makes use of her experience in the kitchen, as well as help of nutritionist friends and chefs from Gaia, her spa. And 100 percent of profits from her book will go to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre to help cancer research and make available treatments, so there is yummy recipes that are good for you and help others too!
The book is divided into Breakfast; Shakes, Smoothies and Juices; Starters, Snacks and Breads; Salads and Dressings; Entrees; and Sweets. Breakfast dishes range from several different types of museli, poached eggs with cilantro pesto, and almond pancakes with berries and yogurt. Shakes, Smoothies and Juices are a Pina Colada Breakfast Shake, Banana, Pear and Yogurt Smoothie and Apple, Pear and Guava Juice. Starters, Snacks andBreads are dishes like Cornbread, Guacamole Dip and Vegan Cream Cheese. Salads and Dressings range from Quinoa Salad, Tomato and Bocconcini Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette and Green Papaya Salad. Entrees are such dishes as Bush-Spiced Fish with Sweet Potato Mash and Fruit Salad, Spicy Dhal, Olivia's Lemon Chicken and Pizza Italiano. Sweets wrap up the book with recipes like Cashew, Macadamia and Raspberry Tart, Summer Pudding and Oatmeal Cookies.
I decided to make Mexican Chili Beef Tacos. This recipe forgoes any "taco seasoning packets" which I hate, and instead depends on onions, garlic, beef bouillon, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, coriander and oregano for flavor. Red kidney beans are also added for the "chili" element.
The girls and I loved these tacos. Better than any "taco kit," these were full of fresh flavor and made plenty for us all. I will definitely be making this one again!
"Livwise" is published by Lyons Press. It is $27.50.
Contact Amy Phelps at aphelps@newsandsentinel.com
