03/06/2026
We are thrilled to announce that our Heart of Northside cookbook is available for purchase! Please head to heartofnorthside.org/cookbook to order your copy!
Almost a year in the making, this is a true labor of love that comes straight from the community, providing a variety of simple, heart-healthy recipes made with wholesome ingredients that come from area grocery stores, including Lierer's Market, Morsel & Nosh, Darou Salam Halal Market, Francis International Market and, coming soon, Dean's Mediterranean Imports' Northside location!
The book also references the offerings at the Northside Farmers Market, Healthy Harvest Mobile Market and the Freedom Tree Edible Forest Garden, a grove of edible fruit trees along the Mill Creek Greenway Trail that honors the freedom seekers who crossed the creek on their way to points north.
The recipes are inspired by the Mediterranean diet, which is the only diet out there with clinical trials to back up its claims! This is a diet (really, a comprehensive set of principles) that, as a cardiologist, I’ve recommended to my patients.
Occupational Therapy students at Xavier University researched local businesses and ingredients, and developed the initial recipes, chef Aden from Have a Hankering tested and refined them, and friends and family performed the taste tests. Maya Drozdz from Your Friends & Neighbors photographed everything and designed the book, with supplemental photos by Josh from Haven Photo (and also yours truly!). Teamwork makes the dream work!
