Home-Cooked Meals -- The Best of 2004 -- Terra Wellington's Balanced Living

Second annual review of some of the best
cookbooks for a healthy living lifestyle.
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Originally Published November 3, 2004 -- Your Wellness Guide

Home-Cooked Meals -- The Best of 2004

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This is the second annual review of some of the best cookbooks out there if you want to eat healthy, improve your lifestyle, and learn about the food we eat.

First, let me clear the air with saying that after reviewing at least three dozen cookbooks that appeared to have promise this year, overall I was disappointed with a growing trend — little to no pictures. Much of the publishing industry isn’t investing into art like it used to, and cookbooks have not been immune.

Food is just as much about the visuals and presentation as the taste and nutrition. And when I’m looking through a cookbook to choose a dinner, side dish, or dessert for my family, I need all the visual encouragement I can get to spend the extra time necessary to make a home-cooked meal.

Check out this year’s recommendations —

Big Book of 30-Minute Dinners
(ISBN: 0760755736, Barnes & Noble Publishing, $9.98 at www.bn.com) Previously published by Better Homes and Gardens, Barnes & Noble Books has republished this kitchen staple in paperback form with gorgeous, color photos of each recipe on every page. Nutrition facts are listed for each recipe and a little red heart icon (♥) designates dozens of recipes that are particularly low in fat.

What makes this cookbook a keeper is not only because most of the food is health focused and the preparation time is minimal but also because the recipes are family friendly. If you have children that love asparagus and spinach, sing praises. But, if you’re like the majority of us, it’s a battle to cook foods that not only are healthy but also kid friendly. This book offers a lot of healthy, family-oriented dishes.

Vegetable Sides
(ISBN: 1841727210, Ryland Peters & Small, $12.95) Serving up more than veggies, this small book is inspiration. The vegetable combinations look so delectable on paper that you can practically taste them before even purchasing the ingredients.

One of my favorite recipes is the simple Green Beans with Garlic. While easy and fast, the greenery is a divine side to baked chicken, mashed potatoes, and fresh berries. I highly recommend this creative and tasty collection piece.

The High-Energy Cookbook by Rachael Anne Hill
(ISBN:1841725722, Ryland Peters & Small, $19.95) Catering to a smarter public, healthy eating does include carbohydrates, and this book helps you understand why. This cookbook offers an excellent overview of what is the glycemic index — a scientific ranking of foods based on their immediate effect on blood sugar levels. The good carbohydrates are those that have a low glycemic index.

The recipes have low preparation times, include pictures, outline nutritional information, and even include a section on healthy lunchbox ideas.

Miracle Soups by Amanda Cross
(ISBN: 0600609537, Hamlyn, $14.95) Considered the most adventurous of this year’s recommendations, Miracle Soups opens the door to experience either high energy, stress reduction, a winter warm up, or detox — depending on your soup selection.

What I’ve always liked about Cross’ works is that she helps you understand what specific foods do for you, going beyond taste and color. And Miracle Soups is no exception.

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