PATTY MILLER
Raquel “Aunt Purple” Haggard has recently completed and published her second cookbook, “Raquel’s Just Desserts.”
It joins her first published cookbook, “Let’s Get This Party Started,” a cookbook addressing 131 low fat, full-flavor recipes for appetizers, snacks and beverages.
“No one will know you’ve lowered the fat, and every recipe contains the nutritional information to assist you,” Haggard said.
Haggard is known as Aunt Purple because when her 5-year old niece, Kelsey Dent, was a year old she couldn’t say Raquel. She started calling her aunt “Purple,” and the name just sort of stuck.
Whether you are looking for a great gift to give or you are looking for some new ways to prepare favorite recipes, either or both of these cookbooks would make great gifts for someone or for yourself.
Haggard has lost 35 pounds in the last year by following the Weight Watchers program, and the weight loss — plus a friend’s advice that she needed a hobby — were the inspiration of cook turned author.
“I took some of my favorite recipes, lowered the fat content and collected them into two cookbooks,” Raquel said.
“I am working on my third and fourth books at this time, ‘Quick Meals’ and ‘Crock Pot Cooking.’ ”
They are set to be published in April and August.
“Let’s Get This Party Started” includes a recipe for Chili Cheese Pinwheels calling for reduced fat cream cheese, Crescent rolls and cheese as well as chili powder.
“Raquel’s Just Desserts” features No Bake Chocolate Cookies made of coconut, oatmeal, cocoa powder and peanut butter.
“A tip for Chex Party Mix is to use spray butter,” Haggard said.
“You get more coverage with a spray as well as less fat.”
Her Triple Chocolate Bundt cake uses no oil but incorporates egg whites and applesauce to bring down the fat content.
Haggard is a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and was a Weight Watchers leader for two years.
“I was what we call a January joiner,” she said laughingly.
“I love Weight Watchers because you can eat anything you want if you plan for it. It is a a flexible plan that you can live with for the rest of your life.”
Haggard works as a marriage and family counselor and pre-authorizes mental health services for Medicaid clients in Oklahoma. She has lived in Edmond since 1997, and she shares her home with her 22-month-old chocolate Labrador retriever, Alex.
If you are interested in ordering a cookbook you may request one from her Web site, www.auntpurples cooking.com.
Cookbooks are $8 each or two for $15.
(Food editor Patty Miller may be reached at pmiller@edmondsun.com.)
