Cooking from the Hip: Fast, Easy, Phenomenal Meals

"Cora, the lone woman to be anointed an 'Iron Chef' in the Food Network's American version of the series, aims to translate the fast, flashy style of that high-pressure kitchen into recipes that home cooks who have similar time constraints but comparatively modest gadgets and pantries can enjoy. The results are generally pleasing and more accessible than many of the concoctions presented on TV by battling chefs. Four sections break the food into 'fast,' 'easy,' 'fun,' and 'phenomenal' categories that are a welcome change from the traditional progression through each course and show Cora's spontaneous, easygoing yet stylish way to its best advantage. Simple variations on classics stand out, as in a Curried Broccoli Salad ('fast') and spiky, flavorful Watermelon Gazpacho ('easy') even when some recipes' placements are questionable: a silky Potato-Celery Root soup is nice, but hardly phenomenal, and beginning or busy cooks may find recipes like hand-rolled Dolmathes or sushi more frustrating and time-intensive than fun, even if friends help. Fortunately, Cora's sunny, can-do attitude and the boxed tips on ingredients and preparation sprinkled throughout will help to dispel many doubts. Home cooks will appreciate the way they expand the repertory of recipes that are upscale enough to impress company, but simple enough to encourage use throughout a busy week. Color photos not seen by PW." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

The vivacious star of Food Network's "Iron Chef America" shows how to apply her friendly "go-with-what-you've-got" philosophy to create simple, sensational meals. Showcasing more than 100 dishes, the book is divided into convenient categories: fast, easy, fun, and phenomenal.

As the star of the enormously popular TV program Iron Chef America, Cat Cora regularly battles the legendary chefs Bobby Flay, Mario Batali, and Masaharu Morimoto to create spectacular meals in record time. So she is used to putting together inspired dishes on a moment's notice. Now the vivacious chef and mom shows how to apply her friendly "go-with-what-you've-got" philosophy to create simple, sensational meals.

Cooking from the Hip showcases more than 100 dishes, divided into convenient categories: FAST (thirty minutes or less), EASY (interruption-proof), FUN (relaxing to prepare with friends), and PHENOMENAL (special dishes for special evenings). Cooks can turn to whichever section suits their needs, whether it be dinner in twenty minutes or a fantastic recipe for a spur-of-the-moment Friday gettogether.

"Cooking from the hip" means flexibility. It means cutting down steps, combining just a few ingredients in inventive ways, pulling in leftovers, and wowing family and friends in the process.

'CAT CORA attended the Culinary Institute of America and trained with suchcelebrated chefs as Larry Forgione, George Blanc, and Roger Vergé. Sherecently starred in NBC\'s Celebrity Cooking Showdown. As president and cofounder of Chefs for Humanity, she spearheads a number of charityevents, including Hurricane Katrina relief efforts for New Orleans and hernative state, Mississippi.'