Whether you are a longtime resident, short-term visitor, or simply intrigued by New Orleans, this book will be of interest for its Big Easy perspective on daily living. Each chapter includes creative suggestions, personal anecdotes, scientific data, and cooking tips to encourage the average cook to invite a holistic view into his/her kitchen. The authors offer ways to engage children with their food, explanations of recommended carbohydrate and cholesterol intake, recipes for healthy twists on New Orleans standards, such as "low fat red beans and rice" and "fake fried chicken," and inspiring stories about festivals and family gatherings New Orleans style.