ST. CATHARINES — When coming up with ideas to help mark the 40th anniversary of Heart Niagara, the folks at the cardiac health agency decided to get cookin’.

Rather, they let residents have a say in what would be included in what was to become The Heart of Your Communitycookbook.

“We just wanted to be able to share some ideas with the community and eat healthier together,” executive director Karen Stearne said during a book launch held at Chapter’s in St. Catharines.

The focus of the cookbook is Niagara’s bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables while providing guidance on how to eat seasonally using local food options. Additionally, the cookbook will promote heart healthy eating options to manage premature risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Readers will enjoy 160 recipes, divided into four seasons that were compiled from recipes contributed by residents along with photos by Niagara landscape photographer Doug Hagadorn. Categories include appetizers, beverages, desserts, main dishes, side dishes and soups/salads.

It is the third time Heart Niagara has produced a cookbook. Previous volumes were created for Heart Niagara’s 20th and 30th anniversaries.

“This third cookbook is more than a showpiece in our legacy,” Stearne said. “The resources developed will assist the community to continue on a road to a healthier Niagara. The cookbook will provide tools, techniques and sources to eat local, eat healthy, and celebrate the beauty of Niagara from the landscape to the people.”

Heart Niagara staff will be on-site promoting and selling copies of the cookbook for $20 each. The cookbooks cost $20 with all proceeds going to support the agency’s services and programming.

For information on how to obtain a cookbook, call Heart Niagara at 905-358-5552 or email info@heartnigara.com.