Cooking Healthy Across America

I have many of JoAnna's books and this is one of my favorites. I love having recipes from across the US remade to be more healthy. I also love reading the little notes included with each recipe. It feels as if JoAnna is talking to me.

Even though JoAnna is no longer with us she lives on in her recipes. JoAnna passed away after a hard fought battle with breast cancer, May 20, 2006. I had the great pleasure of getting to know JoAnna thru a cookbook collectors group and we shared a couple of private cookbook swaps. She was an amazing lady with a wonderful attitude even while battling cancer.

As is true with all of her books the nutritional values are included which makes these recipes great for anyone following the weight watchers program.They are also great for diabetics and anyone trying to live a healthier lifestyle.

To give you an idea of the recipes in this book I'm listing our families favorites I've made from the following chapters in Cooking Healthy Across America.

From the New England section I've made Fireside Chicken with Biscuits and Corned Beef Hash.

From The Eastern Seaboard - Scaled-Down U.S. Senate Bean Soup, Jersey Tomato Salad, Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches, Maryland Crab Cakes and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet.

From The South - Dixie Grits Casserole, Brunswick Stew and Pulled-Pork Sandwiches.

The Southwest - Come and Get it Chuck Wagon Chili, Green Chili Stew, and Alamo Fudge.

While writing this review I just realized I've never made a recipe from the West Section but think that needs to be remedied soon by trying The Golden State Carrot Cake.

From the Northwest - Willamette Valley Blackberry Cobbler is often requested when we have fresh blackberries to pick.

Fruit Kolaches is what I've tried from The Heartland and from All-American Classics - Creamy coleslaw, Mainstay Meatloaf and Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting.

If you're trying to eat healthier but don't want to give up comfort food then I highly recomend any of JoAnna M. Lund's cookbooks. She even had a few that she wrote before she passed away that came out later.