Anaīs Nin said that “we write to taste life twice.” For those of us who create cookbooks, however, we write to help others taste the best that life has to offer. In honor of World Book Day and the official launch date of my 17 th cookbook, the Diabetes Cookbook for Dummies on April 23, I’m suggesting 3 ways to celebrate!

Even though I’ve written many books on diabetes, I’m especially proud of this book because it offers a lot of solutions for people at home on how to prevent, care for, and possibly even transform diabetes while eating delicious and visually appealing food. In order to celebrate, I’m offering a complimentary package of Amy Riolo Selections Maccheroni Pugliesi pasta with each book purchase, while supplies last. You will also enjoy free shipping on orders over $80.

I’m proud to say that Amy Riolo Selections Maccheroni Pugliesi Italian organic pasta is made from 100% Senatore Cappelli grains which are known as the “chosen wheat” in Puglia Italy where it is grown. This type of wheat was cultivated in the 1930s and 1940s in Puglia by Senator Raffaele Cappelli after whom it is named. Senatore Cappelli wheat contains trace elements such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and zinc as well as B vitamins and E that are not found in industrially manufactured pasta. It also has a higher protein content and lower glycemic index than commercially prepared pasta, making it the perfect choice for those with diabetes.

In the Diabetes Cookbook For Dummies, I’ve included 135 recipes - each of them is a complete balanced meal which takes the guesswork out of meal planning for anyone who wants to be healthy. Plus, it contains all my co-author, internationally renowned Dr. Simon Poole’s research, scientific knowledge, and easy ways that people can supercharge their diets and lifestyle while enjoying themselves in the process.

3 Ways to Honor World Book Day

1. Make this fun recipe!

Tulip Bruschetta

Since it’s tulip season I thought that this simple and fun recipe would be a great way to get into the springtime mood. Use it as an appetizer, snack, part of a brunch table or as a light meal with a green salad and soft-boiled egg.

*Recipe from the Diabetes Cookbook For Dummies

Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 5 min Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

4 thin slices Homemade Whole Grain Bread, or your favorite 100% whole grain bread
1 tablespoon Amy Riolo Selections or other good quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 (4 ounce) log goat cheese
A wooden or metal skewer
12 chives
12 red and yellow cherry tomatoes
Handful of fresh small basil or Italian parsley

Directions

1 Heat broiler to high. Brush olive oil over both sides of each piece of bread. Broil 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden, watching carefully so that the bread doesn’t burn. Remove from oven and set aside.

2 Place the goat cheese in a small bowl and add 1 tablespoon of water. Mash with a fork and stir to create a creamy, spreadable consistency. Add additional water a tablespoon at a time if needed.

3 Using a skewer, make an indentation in the center of the part of the tomato which is attached to a stem. Then place a piece of chive inside to resemble an actual stem.

4. Using a paring knife, make a cross indentation on the other end (top) of the cherry tomato. Open the indentation slightly to resemble a flower.

5. Lay the 3 tomato tulips on top of each slice of bread with the stems overlapping as in a bunch of flowers.

6. Tear off the basil and parsley leaves and place a few around the chive “stems” to look like the leaves on a flower stem. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

7. To serve, scatter remaining herbs on the bottom of a platter and place bruschetta on top.

2. Learn to write, publish, and promote your own books!

If you’re interested in writing your own books, check out my Creating a Cookbook: How to Write, Publish, and Promote Your Culinary Philosophy.

3. Purchase a new book!

For information on my other books and specials, click here.

Wishing everyone a beautiful and delicious day full of lots of good reads!

A Celebratory Recipe & 3 Ways to Honor World Book Day