Family Health Cookbook: Good Food That's Good for You9

Happily, the AMA's concern for healthful meals is matched by the cookbook writers' regard for flavorful ones, making this dull-sounding collection in fact a most engaging cookbook. Following the government-promulgated Food Guide Pyramid recommendations explained in the introduction, the 350 recipes feature wholesome grains, fruits, vegetables and beans, often in unusual combinations. For example, strawberries are a surprise ingredient in Very Cool Beet and Berry Borscht, and jicama and currants jazz up a cole slaw. Mexican, Mediterranean and Asian seasonings abound, with sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, jalapeno peppers and green chiles punching up many of the dishes. While the meat section is modest, included are such old favorites as stews, pot roasts, a Contemporary Shepherd's Pie and a Five-Alarm Firehouse Chili. The dessert section gently modifies some traditionally richer offerings: Deep-Dish Apple Pie has no bottom crust, and Double Chocolate Brownies have apple sauce substituting for some of the shortening. All recipes have a nutritional analysis, and a back-of-the-book chart identifies dishes especially high in vitamins A and C, calcium, iron and fiber. Extensive and reliable, this collection will suit home cooks who hope to fix healthful meals but refuse to sacrifice the pleasures of taste. $150,000 ad/promo; author tour. (Nov.)