Uncomplicate food, cookbook author says
The idea that "good food does not have to be complicated" pretty much sums up Marie Simmons' approach to cooking, and it's the underlying theme of her new book, "Fresh & Fast" (Chapters, $29.95). Recipes include mussels in white wine with fresh tomato salsa, black bean and yellow rice salad with fresh corn and tomatoes, and melon and berries with lime sugar syrup.
Gadget savvy
It's probably happened to you. You buy a clever gadget, then when you get it home, you wonder which is dumber, you or the device. Cook's Illustrated magazine wants to avert such headaches with a pamphlet describing the best equipment from its test kitchen. "Equipping Your Kitchen" is free if you order a trial issue of the magazine; call (800) 764-7882.
Competitive cooking
Are you a wizard of the salad bowl? You could win a weekend for two in California wine country if you can come up with a winning recipe in the "Great Salad Toss III," sponsored by Fetzer Vineyards. You must use one of a number of branded ingredients. For complete rules, call (800) 846-8637.
The real crab
Fresh Maryland crab meat has a new container design that will make it easier to spot the genuine item in stores. The label sports the Maryland colors: black, gold, red and white.
Pub Date: 6/26/96
