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| Vol. 25, No. 5 |
| March 15, 2003 |
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Compliments to the Chef(s) Texas Medical Center institutions have long been credited with setting the “gold standard” in world-class medical care, research and education. But did you know that many TMC hospitals and universities have also given rise to critically acclaimed cookbooks that grace the kitchens of master chefs and moms alike? Some are sold as scholarship fundraisers, some are designed to educate, and some are simply fun. March is National Nutrition Month, and to commemorate this event, Texas Medical Center News offers a sampling of some of the best-loved cookbooks born in the Texas Medical Center. Bon Appétit! IN THE BEGINNING The history of cookbooks in the Texas Medical Center dates back more than a half century, when the Blue Bird Circle, a charitable, volunteer-driven organization, began publishing cookbooks to raise money for a small children’s hospital on the grounds of The Methodist Hospital, prior to the formation of the Texas Medical Center. In 1949, the Blue Birds agreed to support a second pediatric clinic – this one dedicated to neurology. Since 1977, this clinic has been located in The Methodist Hospital’s Neurosensory Center. “To my knowledge, in Houston the Blue Bird Circle cookbooks were the first to specifically support the health care needs of Houstonians by establishing a hospital and then supporting a pediatric clinic,” says Beth White, who on weekends collects cookbooks and during the week collects historical documents for the John P. McGovern Historical Collections and Research Center in the Houston Academy of Medicine’s Texas Medical Center Library. American charitable cookbooks, also called community cookbooks, were first published after the Civil War to aid the victims of war – orphans, widows and the wounded, White says. “What began with just a few titles being published in the 1860s and 1870s is now a large industry with thousands of these charitable cookbooks published each year,” she says. MEMORIAL HERMANN HOSPITAL “Meal Solutions for Busy People” is the creation of Memorial Hermann registered dietitians Shirley Chambers and Sharon Smalling, two working moms who share favorite recipes from their own kitchens. Their book offers a realistic approach to total health and wellness with tasty and timesaving meal plans. Four weeks’ worth of fast, easy and practical menus designed around the latest nutrition guidelines are included, plus 29 recipes, complete with nutritional analyses and shopping lists for each week. The duo credit Tropical Storm Allison with giving them time to write and complete their cookbook. “Our busy schedules made it hard to find time to write,” Smalling says. “Then Tropical Storm Allison came along and freed up our time until our patient load got back to normal.” The pair jokingly considered naming the book “Cooking Up a Storm.” Chambers has been with Memorial Hermann since 1992 and is the nutrition specialist for the Mind/Body Medical Institute Cardiac Wellness Programs at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital. She has more than 25 years experience in wellness, specializing in stress management, cardiovascular nutrition, diabetes and weight management. Smalling has been in practice since 1980 and serves as dietitian with Memorial Hermann Hospital Nutrition Consultants. Her specialty is in the area of cardiac rehabilitation, including nutrition-related research studies. In her private practice, Smalling counsels clients with a variety of medical issues, such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension and diabetes, where nutrition is a significant part of the treatment. “Meal Solutions for Busy People” may be purchased online at http://www.memorialhermann.org or by calling (713) 222-CARE (2273). The price is $10 plus shipping and handling. The book is also available at the following Houston-area locations: Memorial Hermann Cardiac The Mind/Body Medical Institute at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital Memorial Hermann Hospital RONALD McDONALD HOUSE/ THE METHODIST HOSPITAL Ronald McDonald House and The Methodist Hospital have joined together to offer “One Cup of Love,” a cookbook dedicated to “anyone who loves good food.” Recipes are from various supporters of the Ronald McDonald House Charities. To purchase a copy for $10, call Erin Ayers at The Methodist Hospital, (713) 795-3580. TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY The Texas Woman’s University Association of Service and Support Employees’ cookbook, “TWU Cooks: Recipes and Memories,” is filled with historical pictures and notes, and delicious recipes from past and present TWU associates. All proceeds go to TWU staff scholarship funds. The books are $12.95 each, plus $1 tax (Texas residents only) and $2.50 shipping. Send check or money order payable to A.S.S.E.T., P.O. Box 425379, Denton, Texas 76024, along with name and address. TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL At Texas Children’s Hospital, pint-sized patients enroll in the “Weigh of Life” program to learn healthy eating and exercise habits that will last a lifetime. The program offers the “Weigh of Life Cookbook,” filled with kid-friendly recipes that even the most finicky of eaters can’t resist. What’s more, all recipes are nutritionally sound and taste-tested by kids prior to being issued the stamp of approval. The “Weigh of Life Cookbook” is authored by registered dietitian Laura Laine, and sells for $25. To order, call (832) 822-3823. THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL SCHOOL AT HOUSTON The Faculty Wives and Women Faculty organization at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston has put together “Something’s Cooking!,” a collection of recipes to raise money for medical student scholarships. Recipes in “Something’s Cooking!” are triple-tested, and dishes from some of Houston’s best restaurants are included. An outstanding feature of the book is the article “Wines of the World for Food and Fun,” including a wine/food pairing chart, written by Max Buja, M.D., dean of the medical school. Books can be purchased at the UT-Houston Medical School Bookstore, River Oaks Bookstore, Brazos Bookstore, Majors Bookstore, Bering’s Hardware on Weslayan and Westheimer, Central Market on Westheimer, and at the John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science. Purchases may also be made online at http://www.med.uth.tmc.edu/fw&wf/. Cost is $20, plus shipping. HOUSTON VA MEDICAL CENTER At the Houston VA Medical Center, a Vietnam veteran who was awarded two Purple Hearts and The Bronze Star with a ‘V’ for valor has created a cookbook specifically for cancer patients. Allen Davis, who underwent treatment for throat cancer, recognized a need for a cookbook that would tantalize cancer patients and entice them to eat. “A Cookbook for Cancer Patients” is filled with recipes for down-home comfort foods such as oven-barbecued spareribs, potato salad, and peach cobbler. The book also includes dietary and life tips and observations learned from Davis’ own cancer experience. For ordering information, e-mail cancercookbook@wt.net.
©2006 Texas Medical Center E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/03_15_03/page_01.html |