DATE: Sunday, March 30, 1997                TAG: 9703270043

SECTION: FLAVOR                  PAGE: F2   EDITION: FINAL 

COLUMN: MORSELS

SOURCE: RUTH FANTASIA

                                            LENGTH:   53 lines

ON THE BOOKSHELF: TWO GUIDES TO HEALTHFUL, LOW-FAT FOOD

EVEN IF you're not a health-food person, the ``Companion Guide to Healthy Cooking: A Practical Introduction to Natural Ingredients'' is a handy reference book to have.

The operative word in the title is ``practical.'' This paperback volume contains extensive information on everything from agar to wheat. Each entry lists the name and pronunciation of the ingredient, alternate names, uses, flavor/texture notes, freshness and storage information, preparation instructions and general nutrition information.

In addition, there are charts comparing the advantages and disadvantages of thickening agents (flour, cornstarch, arrowroot, etc.), helpful tips and sources for purchasing some of the more unusual items.

``Companion Guide'' was written by the mother-daughter team of Natalie and Shirley Nigro and published in Charlottesville by Featherstone & Brown (1996). Check for it in area bookstores or call (800) 562-4292. The book costs $17.95, not including tax and shipping. TESTING FOR TASTE

Another book you may be interested in is the newly published ``Taste vs. Fat: Rating the Low-Fat and Fat-Free Foods'' by Elaine Magee (Chronimed Publishing, $12.95, 1997).

``Taste vs. Fat'' rates some of the most commonly touted reduced-fat foods on the market and gives nutritional information for each. Each product is rated on a four-star scale, with four stars denoting ``great'' and one star meaning ``skip it'' or save your money.

Here's how egg substitutes fared:

Egg Beaters (Nabisco), , 30 calories per 1/4 cup

Second Nature, , 40 calories per 1/4 cup

Scramblers, , 35 calories per 1/4 cup.

In addition you'll find ratings for mayonnaise, bacon, cookies, yogurt, cheese and so on. HOWIE MOVES IN

The first Hungry Howie's Pizza franchise in Virginia is scheduled to hold its grand opening Saturday at 1412 Greenbrier Parkway, Chesapeake (in the Crossways Center across from the mall). Greg Evans, who owns Winston's Cafe, also in Chesapeake, has joined brother Don to launch this venture.

Hungry Howie's operates more than 360 franchises in 19 states and offers pizzas, subs and salads. The chain is known for its flavored-crust pizzas. SOME HOUR!

According to a survey in the National Business Employment Weekly, the typical American lunch hour lasts barely 36 minutes. - Knight-Ridder News Service.

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