Book excerpt: "As the food world has changed so has the way we think about eating and cooking. Whether you're a novice or seasoned cook, this complete guide on cooking the Weight Watchers way--that is, satisfying, healthy fare--will supply you with all the tools you need for getting flavorful meals on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. An all-encompassing compendium that includes more than three hundred recipes--everything from speedy weeknight dinners, weekend big-batch fare, basic "foundation" recipes (think stocks and sauces done easy!) or meals and menus ideal for entertaining--this cookbook also includes the latest techniques and tools that real cooks will use again and again. In addition to recipes, there is a Weight Watchers New Basics section that includes the new thinking on mandatory kitchen tools that are user friendly (like an immersion blender or handheld grater), not laborious (think food processor); the well-stocked, healthy pantries that focus on packaged and frozen foods that provide the maximum punch (like intensely flavored pastes such as pesto and herbs or anchovy); the latest thinking on food safety, as well as a complete produce primer for helping the healthy cook choose and prepare veggie-and-fruit based dishes; and much more.."--