The New American Heart Association Cookbook

November 1, 2004
This perennial no-nonsense favorite, from an authoritative source, serves up a recipe on almost each of its many pages. From simple Beef Broth and Chicken Broth to Picante Shrimp with Broccoli and other complex, tasty dishes, the AHA has found a balance between health and palette that keeps readers coming back for each new edition. Each recipe comes with a breakdown of calories, protein content, carbohydrates, cholesterol, fats (broken down by saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated) and sodium content, along with a table of dietary exchange. Few readers would expect Stacked Sausage and Eggs or Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake to be among the offerings here, but they are, along with the more expected Sole with Parsley and Mint or Whole-Wheat Apricot Bread. The book's simple layout and directions make the path from preparation to table seem straight and easy. Striking such balances at every turn, this book remains a basic in many heart-conscious kitchens.

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.