QUICK BITES
Heart-healthy dishes target Island tastes

By Wanda A. Adams
Advertiser Food Editor

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, and a poorly chosen diet is a significant contributor to risk. The Kapi'olani Women's Center and Straub Heart Center have teamed up to create an inexpensive recipe collection, "Straub Heart Healthy Cookbook."

The booklet focuses on recipes designed to appeal to local tastes (aku poke, Thai chicken salad, Japanese pumpkin and so on). It costs $6.95 and is available at the Kapi'olani and Straub medical center gift shops.

The Women's Center is hosting free Heart Health lectures this month and next, including "Heart Attack Prevention for Women," 5:30 p.m. Feb. 26; "Supermarket Savvy," 12:15 p.m. Feb. 27; and "Luaus, Parties and Barbecues: How to Indulge Without Over-Indulging," 5:30 p.m. March 11. Call 535-7000 to register.

Ice cream nominees want your vote

And the nominees are: Lord of the Pecans: Return of the Caramel; Strawberry-iscuit; Mastermallow and Chocomander; Lost in Banana Splitation; and Minty River. Vote at www.coldstonecreamery.com after you taste them (prices range from about $3.50 to $5.50 for regular-size servings).

Pillsbury recipe contest under way

The key to winning: Read up on the rules, learn from past winners and make use of eligible products. Information: www.pillsbury.com/bakeoff or write for entry form to Pillsbury Bake-Off Entry Form Request, P.O. Box 7200, Melville, NY 11775-7200. Other useful Web sites: ilovecheese.com; www.recipecontests.com.