Ballwin Author Mixes Low-Fat Living with Farm-Styled Favorites

Cheryl Hughey of Ballwin wanted her newly-released cook book to be engaging, but not without providing some practical value.

In an age where news reports and health studies are constantly revising good measures of healthy eating, Hughey saw an opportunity to integrate traditional American culinary styles with the expectations of a health-conscious foodie.

"I've designed something that I want to be useful and fun," Hughey said. "I want folks to grab a cup of coffee and enjoy my recipes."

To help create an accessible style, her book, "Beyond Bacon Grease: A Farm-Inspired Cookbook for the Low-Fat Generation" uses kitschy advice and sometimes even folk poetry to help set the desired tone.

Hughey said "Beyond Bacon Grease" was inspired by her own journey to better health, and features cover artwork by Shelley Jacobs Rodner, who won a "Dream Room Decorator of the Year" award.

Paperback copies or e-book versions of "Beyond Bacon Grease" can be ordered here.

You also can hear a podcast radio interview with Hughey here.