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.

Each recipe contains complete nutritional information, cooking tips, and variations for making other dishes. The Pasta with Italian Vegetables can easily be made into Italian Vegetable Stew, Italian Vegetable Stew with Pasta or Italian Vegetables. Many of the recipes can be used to make other dishes. The Yucatecan Wraps -- shredded chicken breast in a tangy sauce wrapped up in a tortilla with sour cream, cheese and cilantro -- is made from Two-Way Border Chicken leftovers. A great time-saver!

Don't think you'll find desserts in a low-fat cookbook? Think again. How does Yogurt Brulee with Blueberries sound? Each serving contains zero grams of fat! Or what about a rich Chocolate Pudding Cake with only 1 gram of fat per serving? Cinnamon Apple Bars bake up in 20 minutes and have only 2 grams of fat per serving, and the Bread Pudding with Peaches and Bourbon Sauce is the perfect ending to any meal.

Healthy, low-fat eating does not have to be boring. Meals in Minutes has proved that, and who better to trust your heart with than the American Heart Association?