This summer, I was lucky enough to travel through Italy with several journalists from around the U.S. One of them, whom I hit it off with immediately, was Susan Irby. Susan is known as the “Bikini Chef”, the host of the well-loved Bikini Lifestyles on 790 KABC in Los Angeles, CA. This radio station actually spans the globe with listeners in Italy, France, Germany, Australia, Canada and many other countries worldwide. She was a blast to be with on the trip, and I’m so excited to share her current cookbook with you, Substitute Yourself Skinny. Susan is a 7-time author who helps people obtain their healthy bikini goals by focusing on lifestyle changes rather than a short term diet.

Her recipe for “Lazy Lasagna” really caught my eye. It’s perfect for when the weather is cool, and kids love it. For only 308 calories and 3 grams of fat per serving, everyone can feel good about eating a hearty slice of this family favorite. This is just one of many delicious low-fat and beautiful recipes in her book. I am excited to give away one copy of her book. Just follow the steps below for a chance to win a copy. Winner will be chosen Sunday, October 30th at 8 a.m.

1. Leave a comment below telling me your favorite healthy pasta recipe.

2. Follow Alison Lewis on Twitter

3. Like Ingredients, Inc. on Facebook

4. Follow Susan Irby, The Bikini Chef on Twitter

5. Like The Bikini Chef on Facebook

Wow, cookies are in abundance this time of year, and instead of racking my brain trying to create something new to give as holiday gifts, I decided to go back to a tried and true favorite. Dark Chocolate Chip-Peanut Butter Cookies are so incredibly fabulous. This recipe is adapted from a “Cooking Light” recipe that I have made many times. What I love about it is that it is lightened up a bit since it has no butter. Instead, it uses Canola oil, water and egg whites. These cookies come out soft and moist with just a hint of peanut butter. Feel free to substitute semisweet chocolate chips or even mini chocolate chips if you like. These are great to give as gifts to neighbors and teachers as well as to leave out for Santa on Christmas eve.

When I saw this cookie recipe for Candy Cane Gingersnaps, I was wowed. This recipe, as well 149 other creative cookie recipes can be found in the recently released book, “Cookielicious” by Janet Keeler, Food Editor of the St. Petersburg Times. This awesome cookie cookbook is a compilation of reader’s favorites and staff original cookie recipes. What a great holiday gift idea! Chapters include “Anytime Cookies”, “Sharing Cookies”, “Chocolate Cookies”, “Kids Cookies” and “Holiday Cookies” with recipes such as Lemon Raspberry Thumbprints, White Christmas Shortbread, Chocolate Walnut Puffs and more. If you would like the chance to enter to win this giveaway, leave a comment below telling me your favorite holiday cookie recipe. The winner will be drawn this Friday, December 3rd.

One of my favorite things to snack on is granola. In town, Big Sky Granola is one of my favorites because it’s chunky like this Chunky Nut and Dried Fruit Granola recipe. I made this for a special treat for my friend who just had surgery, and she took one bite and said, “This granola rocks!” It is as good as it looks and full of wonderful ingredients.

I have been out of touch this week looking at some of the beauty like you see here, but I’m on the way back and would love to announce the winner of the “Martha Stewart Dinner at Home” cookbook. The winner is Kathryn who said, “This website was suggested to me just in time. I was nearly a total loss as a cook! Tight on time, weird ingredients and one too many noses turn up at my latest attempt to appease three kids frustrated us all. Alas, we began with the ribs and are happily eating our way through your blog. We’re in!” Thanks to all of you who participated as I loved hearing your comments. I have a busy week ahead shooting 4 shows next week for NBC 13 “Daytime Alabama”, a cooking class next week at Birmingham Bake and Cook and TV in Nashville in early December. Not to mention, Thanksgiving at my house. Glad I had a few days of rest.

I don’t know if many of you have traveled lately on Delta, but I’m typing this post 10,000 feet up in the air. How strange is it, that I can access the internet in the air but can’t turn on my cell phone. Anyway, it is pretty cool. If my blog posts are few this week, please understand that I’m not in my office this week.

In the meantime, I have my first Cookbook Give-Away for the new “Martha Stewart’s Diner at Home: 52 Quick Meals to Cook for Family and Friends”. It is a new cookbook just out in October 2009. I love mine!

Here are the rules to enter (It’s simple):

1. Leave a comment on my blog telling me what it is you like about my blog, and a way to contact you, if you’re the winner.

2. Deadline is Thursday, November 5, 2009

I recently put together a cookbook which is a compilation of recipes for college students or busy people who want healthy, easy recipes. It’s been a hit so far. If you’re interested, just send me an email. It’s $15 plus shipping. I will have it in my “Shop” on my site in the next few weeks. Thanks for your support, Alison

Buy this book

If you’re looking for the best new grilling book, look no further. Weber’s newest book, Weber’s Way To Cook, by Jamie Purviance, is filled with incredible recipes, photos, tips and techniques. Actually, I had the opportunity to work with Jamie on this fabulous cookbook, and I want to personally try every recipe myself. In fact, I love so may of the recipes that I couldn’t decide which one to put in my blog, but since so many people ask me for chicken ideas, I thought the Lemon-Oregano Chicken Breasts would be a nice fit. This recipe is so simple, healthy and flavorful and perfect for the entire family. Trust me, on about this book, you will love it.