The New American Heart Association Cookbook

November 30, 1998
The AHA contends that healthful eating is possible "without sacrificing taste, enjoyment or convenience." The introduction discusses the role of diet in cardiovascular health, diet-related risk factors (high cholesterol, high sodium) and clearly explains AHA guidelines, including the Healthy Heart Pyramid. More than 600 easy-to-make recipes are accompanied by nutritional analyses, shopping equivalents (2 limes equals approximately 3 tablespoons of lime juice) and cook's tips (characteristics of a ripe melon, for example). Appealing to American palates and pantries, the relatively basic recipes balance such zesty, healthful preparations as Grilled Tuna with Pineapple-Nectarine Salsa with flavorful ethnic dishes (Grilled Lemongrass Flank Steak and Meatless Moussaka) and salubrious versions of Americana standards (Beef Stroganoff and Philadelphia-Style Cheese Steak Wrap). Margarine, fat-free milk, reduced-fat cheeses and low-sodium broths replace butter and cream, and herbs and spices prevail as the primary flavor enhancers. Tips, including rinsing canned items (capers, clams, beans, etc.) to reduce sodium intake or rinsing ground beef under hot water after browning to get rid of excess fat, take readers to new levels of dietary vigilance. With its eclectic collection of useful recipes, the AHA demonstrates inventive approaches to eating and cooking, empowering readers to achieve a healthy diet.