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You probably know that a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol is good for your body, but do you know how delicious it can be? Let the third edition of the American Heart Association Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol Cookbook show you how to make heart-healthy foods a part of your lifestyle. With tantalizing choices such as Crab Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce, Zesty Potato Skins, Chicken and Spinach Enchilada Soup, Peppery Beef with Blue Cheese Sauce, and Chocolate Custard Cake with Raspberries, preparing healthful meals full of flavor and style is a snap.

This book is more than just tasty recipes. The American Heart Association, a long-trusted authority on heart health, provides information on how cholesterol affects the body, how diet and exercise affect your cholesterol levels, and how "good" and "bad" cholesterol are different. You'll also learn how to plan meals and dine out healthfully. With this book in hand, you can take charge of your cholesterol and love every bite along the way.

Try this recipe for Spinach, Chick-pea, and Olive Pasta to see just how easy it is to eat well and take care of your heart.

Spinach, Chick-pea,
    and Olive Pasta

This one-dish meal is an eye-pleasing and satisfying combination of texture and flavor. It's also a great way to enjoy the many benefits of iron- and calcium-rich spinach.

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 ounces dried radiatore or rotini pasta

2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach (about 2 ounces)

15 ounce can no-salt-added chick-peas, rinsed if desired and drained

1 cup coarsely chopped bottled roasted red bell peppers, rinsed and drained (about 6 ½ ounces)

12 Kalamata olives, drained and chopped

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 tablespoon dried basil, crumbled

2 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled (about ½ cup)

To Prepare

Prepare the pasta using the package directions, omitting the salt and oil. Drain in a colander and run under cold water until completely cooled. Drain well.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together the remaining ingredients except the feta. Add the pasta to the spinach mixture, tossing gently yet thoroughly to coat. Add the feta and toss gently.

Excerpted from The American Heart Association Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol Cookbook by American Heart Association Copyright © 2002 by American Heart Association. Excerpted by permission of Ballantine Books, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

About the Author

The American Heart Association is the nation's premier authority on heart health and stroke, with a bestselling library of cookbooks and health guides. The Association is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with affiliates that serve the entire United States. Visit the website.