The American Heart Association's Meals in Minutes Cookbook

A Review

By Donna Smith

When I first picked up Meals in Minutes and saw it was a low-fat cookbook, thoughts of bland, flavorless dishes started parading through my head. Most low-fat cookbooks I've flipped through feature recipes like Steamed Tofu, Chicken A La Bland and No-Meat Mushy Meatloaf. I was pleasantly surprised, however, after looking through Meals in Minutes, a wonderful cookbook released by the American Heart Association. No Chicken A La Bland here!

The book begins with basic information for maintaining a healthy diet. You'll learn how cholesterol, alcohol, fats and sodium affect your health. The food pyramid is covered, as well as eating plans and actually shopping for your meal. Other useful information included is what to look for on food labels, freezer basics and how to cook "heart healthy."

The recipes are innovative and delicious! Most of the 200-plus recipes contain easy-to-find ingredients, and most cook up rather quickly. Soup lovers will savor Turkey Tortilla Soup, with only 6 grams of fat per serving, and Creamy Mushroom Barley Soup, featuring two types of mushrooms and only 2 grams of fat per serving. Flank Steak Burritos will keep the meat-lovers happy, with only 5 grams of fat per serving. Sole Mozzarella, with only 3 grams of fat per serving, pairs heart-smart fish with low-fat cheese and garlic. Vegetarians have many recipes to choose from as well, such as Exotic Mushroom Stroganoff and Pasta with Italian Vegetables.

Want to see more?

• Super Easy Bag Lunches -- an excerpt from the book by Maxine Sprague
• Read a review of Aunt Bee's Mayberry Cookbook.
• Heart-Healthy Eating
• What's your favorite cookbook? Tell us at the Recipes Today MomsTalk Board.