I was recently diagnosed with a genetic heart condition and am now looking down the barrel of some invasive procedures.

Fortunately (or perhaps not), I have a number of knowledgeable friends who had similar situations and are offering me sound advice as to how to deal with my heart health effectively.

Many of them have been recommending trying a ketogenic diet and one – famed local ceramic artist and chef Simona Alexandrov – has offered me a copy of her wonderful book, Keto Kitchen Renaissance: Transforming family traditions to unlock vibrant health.

In this well-researched and lovingly-prepared culinary memoir, Alexandrov explains what keto is and the many good things it can do for you and then offers tasty tips on kitchen and food prep that will make it easy for anyone to transition to this promising proclivity. Along the way, she not only introduces readers to some of the favorite meals she has prepared but also the favorite people for whom she prepared them, adding an even more personal and emotional touch to her well-reasoned recommendations. Though Simona is not a licensed nutritionist, her personal story of transformation and the evidence garnered from her familial test subjects are convincing. And even if losing weight or improving your heart and mental health are not your goals (huh?!), the recipes (which range from Simona’s signature salad dressing to kelp noodles, meatballs, soups, and sushi, to keto crackers, cookies, and candies, as well as selections from what she calls the House of Laughter – are plain and simply delicious and, with Simona’s help, easy to make and enjoy!