Member Reviews
This cookbook had some really great recipes. The recipes were easy to understand and not too complicated for the average cook. I enjoyed the illustrations and look forward to making these recipes for years to come.
This cookbook was not my favorite. The recipes were bland and/or nothing out of the ordinary that I don't already cook at home. I do believe there is a market for cookbooks like these, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
I received a copy of this arc from NetGalley for an honest review. This book although geared towards a low cholesterol diest is perfect for anyone looking for quick and healthy 30 minute meals.
It’s always nice to pick up a cookbook written by veteran authors who have proven themselves. That’s one reason that The 30-minute Low-Cholesterol Cookbook: 125 Satisfying Recipes for a Healthy Lifestyle is such an excellent cookbook. Karen L Swanson and Linda Larsen aren’t new at this, so this cookbook is one that everyone will definitely want to own. While high cholesterol can be controlled by drugs, it’s much healthier and easier to learn to eat right so that it isn’t a problem. There are dozens of good recipes in this cookbook that make it easy to eat healthy. Not only are the recipes low in cholesterol, they are also heart healthy.
There is some important information for those who have high cholesterol, such as what is cholesterol, types of cholesterol, and cholesterol levels, as well as eating a heart-healthy diet. This is information for all of us, since most of us have someone in our family who would benefit from more healthy eating. The information is a good reminder and written in a way that is easy to understand. However, the best part of this cookbook is the recipes, because they make it easy to eat healthy due to the fact that they are quick (30 minutes or less), fairly easy to prepare, and mouthwatering. A bonus is that the recipes aren’t for disgusting diet food, rather they are for dishes real people will want to eat.
Favorite recipes include a delicious Korean Beef Bowl, a lower-cholesterol version of Cioppino (classic fish stew), Stir-Fried Crispy Orange Beef, and Pasta Puttanesca. Others worth trying are Mango Blood Orange Sorbet (very refreshing), Dark Chocolate Brownie Bites, Lemon Basil Pork Medallions, and Pumpkin Soup with Crunchy Seeds. There are also sauces such as Tzatziki, Chimichurri, and a yummy Spicy Peanut Sauce.
The only drawback to this cookbook is that there are very few photographs; cooks like to see what the finished product will look like, and there are dozens of recipes that sound good, but aren’t pictured. Shame on the publisher for trying to cut costs in what could be a perfect cookbook. It is still worth purchasing, however, because of the expertise of the authors.
Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.
Rockridge Press and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The 30-Minute Low-Cholesterol Cookbook: 125 Satisfying Recipes for a Healthy Lifestyle. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
This cookbook is broken down logically and includes an excellent section called The Cholesterol-Diet Connection. Here, the authors explain how heart healthy foods, combined with regular exercise, are key to lowering cholesterol. The section also gives a good description of what cholesterol is and what readers can use to fight against it. The part that I found particularly interesting was the list of foods that can help lower cholesterol, like dark chocolate, nuts, and oatmeal.
As the recipes are introduced, each gives dietary restrictions like vegetarian, gluten-free, and the like. The first section is entitled Smoothies, Beverages, and Breakfasts, with offerings such as Scrambled Egg Tacos, Nutty Quinoa Waffles, and Pineapple Mixed Berry Smoothie. Too often lately, cookbooks are smoothie heavy for breakfast, so I appreciate the great variety here. As we move into the Fish and Seafood section, there are great recipes like Red Snapper Scampi and Steamed Sole Rolls with Greens. The Poultry section included many recipes that I would like to try, with well flavored offerings like Basil Chicken Meatballs and Tandoori Turkey Pizzas. The Beef and Pork section will delight eaters with varied and flavorful options like Korean Beef Bowl and Beef Burrito Skillet. The Plant-Based Dishes are eye opening, giving eaters great flavors and textures without meat. My favorites are the Thai Soba Noodles with Spring Veggies and the Lentil Pilaf. Potatoes, Pastas, and Grains has variation like Vegetable Egg Fried Rice and Fruited Quinoa Salad. The Soups and Stews section has many options for different tastes, with meat, poultry, fish, and vegetarian dishes included. Yes, you can have dessert on a heart healthy diet. The Desserts section includes Almond Strawberry Parfaits and Dark Chocolate Brownie Bites. The Sauces and Dressings section has great options like Tzatziki Sauce, Spicy Peanut Sauce, and Mustard Berry Vinaigrette.
Here are a few notes that I have made about The 30-Minute Low-Cholesterol Cookbook. The title is a little misleading, as there are quite a few recipes that cannot be completed in the time period. That being said, the process of cooking for your health should be very enjoyable and a time limit need not be placed. The lack of photographs is a huge disappointment, especially in a cookbook which could be used to change someone's eating habits. Without the visual aspect, the recipes are just words on a page and may not entice a change to a more healthy lifestyle. The thing that I liked the most about the recipes contained within the pages of this cookbook is that they are healthy for anyone and can be enjoyed by all. I will admit that some of the recipes need more seasoning, but those on a less restrictive diet can adjust the salt level more to their liking. Overall, there are great recipes here and this is a cookbook that I would recommend to readers looking to lower their cholesterol.
Who wouldn't love a cookbook full of fast low cholesterol meals and desserts!!! So many delicious ideas to choose from. Ways to lower fat and substitute, favorite foods recreated for your family to enjoy with you. I am loving the asparagus frittata and the butter chicken. I look forward to trying the Korean Beef Bowl and the Beef and Avacado Quesadillas next.
This cookbook is a perfect addition to a personal library or a public library.
If you are looking for low cholesterol recipes that can be prepared quickly, this book has lots of them. Although it has a gorgeous photo on the cover, the book is really lacking in photos of the recipes. This somehow made the recipe chapters seem quite boring, as if I've seen all those recipes before. Some more photos like that on the cover would help to encourage the browser to consider purchasing the book. Otherwise, there's nothing really unique about this cookbook.
I have been trying to eat healthier, but have had a hard time finding easy to make meals that are tasty. I have been experimenting with different cookbooks and have loved everything that I have made from this one! I highly recommend it!
If you, or someone in your family has been diagnosed with high cholesterol, this is the book for you. Not only does this book contain mouth watering heart healthy recipes, but also a whole wealth of information on cholesterol. For anyone struggling and not knowing how or where to turn, this is a perfect beginning to start your journey to great ❤️ health!
3 out of 5
**OMG! I cannot believe that these reviews haven't been done! I am so sorry they are so late!!!**
I asked to review this new book because I have been making similar lifestyle changes as the author and am always looking for new recipes. The first chapter gives a nice overview of what lowering dietary cholesterol entails and how to go about restructuring your food choices. The final chapter is chock full of reputable websites related to healthy eating and cholesterol related news/concerns; this was a nice surprise. Options for vegetarian/vegan eaters are noted in many recipes, also nice to see. There is even a desserts chapter. My opinion: If you have a generous food budget, access to a good range of spices (especially Asian, Indian, and Italian) locally or mail order, plus a source for fresh vegetables and whole grains, you should find many meals to try and like. If your family only wants roasted meat and boiled vegs, you may have a challenge ahead. BUT for those of us who prefer unprocessed foods with lots of flavor and little oil, these recipes are a nice addition to our meal prep repertoire. 3-1/2 stars.