SMORGASBORD: Modern spices . . . Saving strategies . . . C is for complex

Modern spices

In “Modern Spice: Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen” (Simon & Schuster, $25), Monica Bhide gives eloquent voice to the aspirations of modern Indian cooks. While traditional dishes made painstakingly from scratch embody the older generation, Bhide says today’s cooks are creating dishes reflecting their contemporary lifestyle. “They are easy, fun and intensely flavorful,” she writes.

A Washington, D.C.-area food writer, Bhide was born in New Delhi, raised in the Middle East and has lived much of her adult life in the United States. Her recipes reflect a global point of view: Brussels sprouts, leeks and premade pizza crust all make an appearance. But she remains true to tradition in using spices to create layers of Indian flavor. Though the neophyte may be daunted by the variety of seasoning in some recipes, Bhide actually calls for fewer spices than traditional recipes. The book includes a thorough glossary of ingredients and a helpful guide to cooking with spices.

Fun, easy recipes and eloquent writing are hallmarks of this cookbook. Bhide is an able and persuasive ambassador for the newest generation of Indian cooks.

Saving strategies

You might think that keeping a grocery budget in check in a small household would be easy. Fewer mouths to feed equals less money flowing from the account, right? That may not always be the case — especially when it’s difficult to take advantage of volume buying.

Here are some cost-saving strategies:

— Look for large bags of frozen veggies and chicken breasts on sale. Divide contents into single-serving sizes and refreeze at home in freezer-quality sealable bags.

— Check the small print on coupons or in-store promotions to avoid buying more than you need to qualify for a discount. You may not need to buy 10 cans of beans to qualify for the same discount on just one. When in doubt, ask for a clarification at the customer-service counter.

— If you don’t have the storage space to take advantage of buy-in-bulk offers or warehouse-club savings, share the bargains with friends. You are bound to find other thrifty shoppers through church groups and book clubs.

C is for complex (and cookie)

No more snack attacks need fall flat in the wimpy arms of simpleton cookies. Back to Nature granola cookies are a full-on cookie experience, boasting 100 percent whole grain, complex flavors and textures that delivered an adventurous chew and satisfied in a smart-snack sort of way with just one cookie (which is the suggested serving size). Try the Cranberry Pecan — a treat for grown-up palates.

Find the 8.5 ounce package for $3.99 at retailers nationwide.

Tags: features, food, smorgasbord