4 local authors share their cooking philosophy and expertise

Go into any bookstore and you'll find a sea of cookbooks from Food Network stars, celebrity chefs and even the wives of "names," such as Billy Joel and Jerry Seinfeld.

So is there any room for relatively unknown authors with a desire to share their cooking philosophy and expertise?

Here's a sneak preview of four new books by authors with Utah ties. While they probably won't replace your dog-eared "Betty Crocker" or "Joy of Cooking" tomes, they each have a niche that just might earn them a place on your cookbook shelf.

"Cooking Delight," by Jennifer Burns, Golden West Publishers, $19.95.

The author: Jennifer Burns recently completed her first season as host of "Cooking Delight!" on KJZZ TV, currently on hiatus.

Born and raised in Atlanta, she spent 15 years in Los Angeles in the TV and film industry before moving to Eden.

"I had a chance to buy a home here and fell in love with it and never wanted to leave, so I looked at what I was passionate about and what I love. Cooking was always my way to decompress," she said.

Burns presented a live cooking demonstration with musicians and artists who played and created artwork, giving participants an experience involving the sight, smell and sound.

Cooking philosophy: "My whole idea is to look at cooking as an art form. Some people see cooking as a chore and having to follow a recipe exactly, and they're afraid to be creative and take chances. Put on some music and look at it as if you're creating art."

What sets the book apart: Besides photos of the food, the book is liberally sprinkled with pictures of artwork, and there's a music CD as well.

"When you're looking at a beautiful picture on a page, it's an inspiration," Burns said.

She advises people NOT to follow the recipes exactly, but to experiment and add their own twist.

Where you can find it? Online at www.cookingdelight.tv. This summer it will be in local bookstores.

"Please Be Seated" by Shari Wells, Authorhouse, $25.95.

The author: Shari Wells was raised in Los Angeles, lived in Provo and Sandy for many years, and is currently retired and living in Montpelier, Idaho.