Cookbooks

Go Fresh: A Heart Healthy Cookbook


American Heart Association Go Fresh: A Heart-Healthy Cookbook with Shopping and Storage TipsMy typical routine when reviewing books is to read them, then place them near my computer so I have them handy when writing the review (and so I *remember* to write the review!) In this case, I *did* forget to write the review because this book hasn’t left my kitchen! Go Fresh by the American Heart Association is packed with tasty, healthy, and easy recipes that can satisfy even the most reluctant healthy eater.

Beginning with short, easy to read sections on how to build healthy eating habits, this book includes everything from how to buy and store fresh foods, to kitchen & cooking tips, to lucid, straightforward advice on how to achieve a healthy lifestyle, to dozens of delicious recipes. I really appreciate a cookbook that is written in a simple, consistent style, and Go Fresh is definitely that. The recipe layout is uncluttered and includes clear, step by step directions. Boxes listing serving sizes, prep time, cook time, and standing time appear in the upper corners of each recipe page. In addition, there are numerous “Cook’s Tip” boxes throughout the book, offering useful advice for the novice to the experienced cook.

A center section of lovely, full-color photos adds a nice touch to the book. Every recipe I tried came out beautifully and all were well-received by my family. Some new favorites include: Parmesan-Spinach Soup, Citrus-Soy Tilapia, Espresso-Rubbed Flank Steak, and Broccolini with Toasted Walnuts. It was a special treat to have this book during the summer harvest season, when so much fresh food is available.

I have tried many, many healthy eating cookbooks over the years and always seem to come back to those from the AHA. There are no gimmicks, no strange foods that cost the earth, or special cooking utensils required here – just good, fresh food. I highly recommend this book.