~ A KEY TO WELLNESS ~
This edition is all about healthy green living in the kitchen and home. It features my interviews with two
extraordinary celebrity chefs that are definitively passionate when it comes to
healthy cooking and eating. In addition
to my interviews with Chef Cat Cora and Chef Curtis Stone, I’ll talk a bit
about their exiting new cookware lines and cookbooks. Also featured will be information and reviews
of “Gadgets, Gizmos & Other Stuff” from the recent International
Home+Housewares Show.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We’re all striving to live a healthy lifestyle, which
includes being mindful, green and sustainable about the environment. Research and development plus technological
advances all remain at the forefront of the related trends that include recycling,
farming, manufacturing and consumer needs, such as clothing, shelter, food and culinary.
I recently attended the International Home+Housewares Show.
Throughout the show there was a major presence of exhibitors showcasing their
latest innovative and technology-based products conducive to both the industry
and consumer commitment to green and sustainable. While it makes sense to do whatever is
possible to achieve sustainability, businesses and consumers that do also realize
cost savings because of changes; for businesses, those cost savings are
realized in operational methodologies, while for the consumers, cost savings
are realized in various aspects of their personal lives. The environment wins, businesses win and
consumers win.
In this article, I want to share with you some innovative
products that will give the individual a definite advantage in their quest to
do more for the environment while being aid in their quest for a healthy
lifestyle. The products will include
gadgets, staples, food preparation and even some food related. I’ll also be including reviews of two
cookbooks by individual celebrity chefs, Cat
Cora and Curtis Stone. Additionally, I had the extreme pleasure of
sitting down with each of these inspiring chefs to interview them on their
attitudes toward healthy cooking, food preparation, and how their cookware
lines will benefit the home cook.
While I was able to take in a great deal of this four-day
enormous trade show, I barely scratched the surface. With over two
thousand exhibitors and over sixty
thousand global attendees, it was understandable why I couldn’t facilitate
covering the show in its entirety. That
being said, what I’m presenting here will give you a glimpse into this
extraordinary event.
GET YOUR HEALTHY COOKING ON ~ WITH CHEF CAT CORA & CHEF CURTIS
STONE
During the IHA, I
had the privilege of interviewing two iconic celebrity chefs, Chef Cat Cora and Chef Curtis Stone. We discussed their new cookware lines and
their philosophy on healthy eating and healthy cooking at home. Each of these new lines makes kitchen prep
organized, stylized, beautiful and functional, while elevating cooking from an
inconvenience to something enjoyable pieces.
I was also fortunate enough to get an autographed copy of their cookbooks.
CHEF CAT CORA ~ This busy mother of four young boys (need we say more!)
knows all about the key to a healthy lifestyle, and that’s having balance in
one’s life. When it comes to healthy
cooking and eating, it’s also about balance between the foods prepared and how
they’re prepared. Having good cookware
that allows you to “work smarter, not harder” is key, as well as being mindful
of measurements and portion sizes. And,
while she’s aware of the emphasis on healthy eating, she also recognizes that
sometimes busy parents don’t always have the time to prepare a totally from-scratch
healthy meal, and shouldn’t feel guilty about using healthy substitutions from
a local market, like a market cooked organic or free-range chicken, and then serving
it with a fresh made salad.
Cat
Cora for Startfrit Cookware is
a comprehensive line of beautifully designed must-have 18/10 stainless steel cookware
pieces. Since home cooks aren’t all the
same, their individual preferences in appearance and overall design of staple
cookware will also varies. The Cat Cora for Starfrit Cookware
collection offers various stylized designs to appeal to all interests and
likes. Each one is unique and practical and also beautiful in appearance. These designs include Cook ‘n Serve, Tri-Ply, Stackable, Hard Anodized and Non-Stick. I especially love the Cook ‘n Serve line; these varying sized
casseroles are made of an 18/10 stainless steel cooking chamber with a separate
bamboo server that the casserole fits into; the bamboo server insulates the
casserole chamber, while maintaining the food’s temperature; the bamboo server
also doubles as a stylized and beautiful tabletop piece. All items were Chef inspired and designed, and
rigorously tested for ease of use; the easy grip slanted and generously sized
handles and cooking chambers are all durably constructed and weighted for
stability, while optimizing efficient heat disbursement and maintaining its temperature
consistency. Other items included in Chef Cora’s line include bamboo-cooking utensils,
acacia cutting boards, cutting knives, thermal lunch carryall, pantry staples
like olives and olive oils, plus various wines. Everything in her line is functionally
beautiful, while emphasizing simplicity in food prep and cooking. Lastly, Chef
Cora’s passion transcends cooking with her committed involvement with the
charity, Chefs for Humanity.
Cook
‘n Serve 1.5 qt. Casserole ~ I made lamb stew (my own
throw-together recipe) in this Casserole
pot the other day. It’s the perfect size
for individuals or small families; it's stylish, functional and compact,
too. I loved the sturdiness of the pot,
which didn’t add any weight to the filled chamber. The large curved handles fit easily into the
palms, making it easy and safe to remove the pot from the oven; after letting
it rest for about twenty minutes, I placed in into its beautiful bamboo server;
the overall appearance of the presentation was impressive. Made of double-walled 18/10 stainless steel
with a reinforced bottom, easy grip generously sized angled solid riveted
handles; there are also interior fill markings in both U.S./metric
measurements; fill capacity is approximately 2 qt./2 L; cleans up easily and
stores compactly; stackable with other pieces from line. 
Cat
Cora’s Classics With A Twist: Fresh Takes on Favorite Dishes (with
Ann Krueger Spivack) cookbook offers the beginner to the advanced
home cook a journey into simple, delicious, quick and healthy dishes. The cookbook’s Introduction presents a glimpse into Chef Cora’s background and motivation to transform many
traditional foods and recipes she grew up on.
She wanted to simplify and make healthier many of these dishes, as well
as others that are popular to most palates, while keeping in mind the demands
of busy parents who may not have a lot of time to prepare a full meal that’s
healthy, but want to provide healthy food for their loved ones everyday. The cookbook is full of easy to follow
recipes with a simplified list of ingredients.
The cookbook is full of beautifully photographed finished dishes that
realistically illustrate what the dish will look like. Sections include recipes on Appetizers and Drinks, Soups and Salads,
Main Dishes and Sides and Desserts. There’s also a Good to Know section that is a primer of how-tos on making kitchen
staples like soup stocks, homemade mayonnaise, infused oils, salsa, roasted garlic,
southern corn bread and Herbes de Provence mix.
There’s also a Resources
section that lists companies that sell some of the ingredients used in some of the
recipes that might be a bit difficult to find in some areas. The recipes, like the chef, are honest,
simple and uncomplicated, down to earth and refreshing.
CHEF CURTIS STONE ~ This new dad also knows about the key to achieving a healthy
lifestyle in one’s life and lives his tagline with panache, “Don’t just cook to live – live to cook.” While he also recognizes the push by others
to work towards achieving a healthy lifestyle, he’s also a strong advocate of approaching
this goal as a journey and having balance in that journey. He believes in starting out with small steps,
like walking, and gradually expanding the daily routine to include other
healthy lifestyle choices; these are all part of the journey. Also included in the journey is being conscious
about eating healthy and nutritious foods, since controlling what’s in your
food, such as choosing natural or organic foods, will invariably lead to a
better control of the types of foods going into your body, which translates to
a healthy lifestyle. Another element to
achieving a healthy lifestyle through healthy eating is also having the right cooking
accessories and cookware that makes food preparation effortless.
Curtis
Stone Kitchen Solutions offers a comprehensive line of all-things
needed in the kitchen, 
including bamboo-cutting boards, prep ware, bake ware,
serve ware and cook ware. Each piece is designed
ergonomically for ease of use, ease of grip and stability, and they’re lovely
to look at as well. I love the artistic flowing line of many of his pieces, but
especially his Go With The Flow Oil Can;
it could easily qualify as a display piece in MOMA; it’s that beautiful. Prep
ware pieces have stylized over-sized handles that make gripping easier and more
logical, making the gripping action more confident and stable. I also love the clever design of his bake
ware pieces. The bottoms of each item
are designed to with a silicone bottom and a reinforced stainless steel inset
piece for stability and heat disbursement.
As soon as baked goods are done, no more worries about removing the
cooked items in tact; a few gentle taps of the bake ware bottoms on the
counter, and voila, the prized recipe pops out; real sweet. All pieces throughout his line were designed
by Cookware pieces are made of 18/10 stainless steel and very durable. His Workbench
cutting board includes a drop hole for waste and a removal inset drawer for
easy disposal of the trim; very clever. His
playfulness is exemplified in his Bump
& Grind mortar and pestle sets; they pretty much sum up this chef – he
makes food prep time playing with food a fun time. Lastly, Chef
Stone works closely with various markets on ways to improve and up their
game on the quality and types of seasonal produce and healthy foods to offer to
the market’s customers; he also creates recipe cards for their customers with
an emphasis on seasonal, fresh and healthy goodness.
including bamboo-cutting boards, prep ware, bake ware,
serve ware and cook ware. Each piece is designed
ergonomically for ease of use, ease of grip and stability, and they’re lovely
to look at as well. I love the artistic flowing line of many of his pieces, but
especially his Go With The Flow Oil Can;
it could easily qualify as a display piece in MOMA; it’s that beautiful. Prep
ware pieces have stylized over-sized handles that make gripping easier and more
logical, making the gripping action more confident and stable. I also love the clever design of his bake
ware pieces. The bottoms of each item
are designed to with a silicone bottom and a reinforced stainless steel inset
piece for stability and heat disbursement.
As soon as baked goods are done, no more worries about removing the
cooked items in tact; a few gentle taps of the bake ware bottoms on the
counter, and voila, the prized recipe pops out; real sweet. All pieces throughout his line were designed
by Cookware pieces are made of 18/10 stainless steel and very durable. His Workbench
cutting board includes a drop hole for waste and a removal inset drawer for
easy disposal of the trim; very clever. His
playfulness is exemplified in his Bump
& Grind mortar and pestle sets; they pretty much sum up this chef – he
makes food prep time playing with food a fun time. Lastly, Chef
Stone works closely with various markets on ways to improve and up their
game on the quality and types of seasonal produce and healthy foods to offer to
the market’s customers; he also creates recipe cards for their customers with
an emphasis on seasonal, fresh and healthy goodness. 
Relaxed
Cooking With Curtis Stone: Recipes To Put You In My Favorite Mood
is like having the chef right in the palm of your hands. The cookbook’s Introduction provides insight into the chef’s passion for food and
how it’s transformed his life and how he wants it to transform others. The cookbook takes you on a playful excursion
of meals and include sections that are loaded with fresh and healthy recipes,
like First Thing in the Morning, Brunch
That Will Blow Their Minds, Weekend Lunches, Something to Eat on the Sofa,
Daily Dinners, Crowd-Pleasers, Sides to Share and Sweet Dreams.
CHEF TIDBITS ~ Chef Cora
is the only female Iron Chef of America
(Food Network) and is a regularly
featured guest chef on numerous television programs. She is also a successful restaurateur (CCQ and Kouzzina) and Executive Editor of Bon Appétit Magazine. Chef Stone recently hosted the popular “Take Home Chef” program (TLC) and is also a regularly featured
guest chef on numerous television programs.
These two iconic chefs have now become the new dynamic duo in chef-dom
and have paired up to host what promises to be a new sizzling reality cooking
show, “Around the World in 80 Plates”. The clever twist on two popular television
themes, reality and cooking, will premiere May
9, 2012 on BRAVO cable
television, http://www.bravotv.com/around-the-world-in-80-plates.
GET YOUR GREEN ON ~ WITH GADGETRY, GIZMOS & OTHER STUFF
~ REVIEWS OF SOME OF MY FAVORITE SHOW PRODUCTS ~
Aladdin
Insulated To-Go Food Containers ~ From refrigerator to microwave in
a safe BPA-free sturdy double-walled insulated take-with container, will keep
foods hotter or colder for longer periods of time; leak-proof and dishwasher
safe. Economical, since it reduces
spending money on costly and unhealthy fast-food fare.
Go Picnic Ready To Eat Meals
~ This company has found a wonderful way to offer non-refrigerated packaged healthy
meals that cater to all dietary needs. I
tried one of their newest varieties, All-Natural
Sunbutter + Crackers Meal. This
delicious product is “all-natural,
gluten-free and vegan” low calorie, low-fat and high in fiber and protein; handy-sized
take-with food items included their Sunbutter Sunflowerseed Spread, Crunchmaster
Multi-Grain Crackers, Enjoy Life Seed & Fruit Trail Mix, Niagara
Natural Tropical Fruit Bites, Enjoy Life Double Chocolate Cookie. With
these types of healthy taste treats, no one needs to feel “deprived” because of
their dietary restrictions.
Marie’s Chef’s Soap ~
Made from pure saponified plant-derived oils; contains no fragrance, synthetics,
or additives. The hard-milled soap comes
in a handy one-pound brick that most find lasts a year. Great for cleaning soiled hands, as well as all
kitchenware, serve ware and utensils without any harsh or toxic chemicals;
gentle on hands and non-drying.
Mastrad
TopChips ~ This non-stick microwavable tray is designed with a
raised and pierced silicone top; a single tray or double stacked trays
accommodate thinly sliced firm fleshed fruits or vegetables. No oils or cooking sprays are required, which
makes for a natural and healthy crispy taste treat. In three minutes, crispy potato chips are ready
and definitely healthier than the deep-fried versions. Included with the tray is a mini-mandoline slicer
that assures the perfect uniform thickness of the vegetable or fruit. I love the simplicity of this ingenuous
product, and the chips taste delicious.
Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag
~ Made from bamboo charcoal and contained in a fabric bag, this product
naturally and safely purifies the air of odors, bacteria, pollutants, toxic
particulates, allergens, mold spores, mildew, and humidity; because the product
is natural and doesn’t contain any type of toxic or artificial ingredient, it’s
safe for humans and pets. Bags are
easily purified and rejuvenated by leaving them in direct sunlight outside for
at least one hour a month. Life
expectancy is approximately two years; afterwards, the bamboo charcoal can be reused
and spread on top of plants or around the base of trees. Extremely cost-effective when you consider how
expensive on a year-to-year basis other natural type air purifiers cost.
Olde Thompson Spices &
Seasonings ~ Since 1944, this company has been the iconic purveyor
of fine spices and seasonings. The
natural ingredients add just the right amount of flavoring enhancements to
prized recipes for the home cook, elevating their creations to gourmet dishes.
Products tried included Mediterranean Sea
Salt (clean and fresh tasting), Himalayan
Pink Salt (clean and fresh tasting), Pepper
Supreme (mélange of aromatic and subtle intense peppers: Tellicherry Black,
Muntok White, Black and Pink peppercorns), Malabar
Pepper (aromatic with intense flavor), and Rustic Tuscan Rub (a gourmet blend of rosemary, roasted garlic,
bell peppers, basil, lemon and oregano).
All products are available in decorative mill and grinder sets, rack
display, disposable grinder, or individual jars. The salts contain minerals and the peppers
contain anti-oxidants; both the minerals and anti-oxidants are nutritionally
beneficial. There is definitely a
difference in food preparation when using the finest salts, peppers, spice
blends and seasonings. I thoroughly
enjoyed the fresh, sweet, clean and aromatic taste properties of these
products.
Original
Spaghetti Scrub ~ This may look like a bunch of spaghetti, but its
spaghetti-like strands are made of recycled materials such as corn cobs, peach
pits and walnut shells. The recycled materials
are fabricated as a reusable scrubber that’s naturally abrasive (coarse or
gentle) for tough cleaning jobs; requires less detergent for cleaning. The fabrication is extremely strong and
rarely requires replacement compared to conventional sponges and scrubbers.
Paper Shower ~ A
great on-the-go product that is more gentle to skin than antibacterial gels or moist
wipes. Comes as a compact two-pack; one
pack contains a pre-moistened towel for wiping down soiled body parts (legs,
arms, hands, face and feet), and the other pack is a soft dry towel for wiping
the wet cleaned areas includes recycled materials.
Primo
Sport Bottle ~ Although this BPA-free bottle is meant as a part of
this manufacturer’s beverage system, the bottle can be ordered separately. I enjoyed the sturdy ergonomic tapered design
and found it ideal as a take-with in the car; it fit easily into the glass
holder and was easy to grip. Reduces the waste of single-use
plastic bottles.
Reusable
Produce Bags ~ Made from recycled material, these reusable produce
bags are ideal for marketing and cut down on the waste of plastic or paper
bags; breathable fabric with drawstring closure; comes in a handy five-pack.
Skrub’a Glove ~ While
these may look like loofah mitts, they’re actually nylon gloves designed to
give a firm grip for holding and gently cleansing the exteriors of firm-skinned
fruits and vegetables, without stripping away any of their nutrients. Very hygienic and keeps any hand bacteria
from touching the produce.
~ YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD ~
Smith Village, the
premier senior retirement community in the
Chicago Beverly Area, has been at
the forefront of providing the finest in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, caregiving
and independent residential living for seniors since 1924. At any given time, Smith Village residents have numerous opportunities to participate
in field trips to destinations that are stimulating, informational, educational
or cultural; many of the activities also involve a front row seat for in-house
presentations. At Smith Village, residents are never at a loss for activities that
dynamically engage, 
nurture and stimulate the mental process, which is vital to
the wellness equation. On May 8th,
Smith Village will be hosting Chicago’s
very own Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh. The two noted celebrity chefs, cookbook
authors, caterers and restaurateurs are also stars of the Food Network’s “Party Line With
The Hearty Boys”. Residents and
guests will be treated to a fabulous cooking demonstration by these two
celebrity chefs. Featured will be nostalgic
and retro-food dishes, sure to conjure up memories of iconic dishes of the 40s,
50s, 60s, 70s and even 80s, which residents and guests will recall with
fondness. A tasting of these culinary
bits of nostalgia follows the cooking demonstration. The event will be more than delicious and entertaining;
it will also be an opportunity for attendees to recall bygone days and sharpen
their mental acuity with these creative reminders. For more details on the event, call 773-474-7303.
nurture and stimulate the mental process, which is vital to
the wellness equation. On May 8th,
Smith Village will be hosting Chicago’s
very own Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh. The two noted celebrity chefs, cookbook
authors, caterers and restaurateurs are also stars of the Food Network’s “Party Line With
The Hearty Boys”. Residents and
guests will be treated to a fabulous cooking demonstration by these two
celebrity chefs. Featured will be nostalgic
and retro-food dishes, sure to conjure up memories of iconic dishes of the 40s,
50s, 60s, 70s and even 80s, which residents and guests will recall with
fondness. A tasting of these culinary
bits of nostalgia follows the cooking demonstration. The event will be more than delicious and entertaining;
it will also be an opportunity for attendees to recall bygone days and sharpen
their mental acuity with these creative reminders. For more details on the event, call 773-474-7303.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I hope this edition
has inspired you towards striving for a healthy lifestyle with these
products. While there are many more fine
products available in the market today to help one on their green and healthy
journey, I hope the products I’ve presented in this edition will be just the
right ones for your healthy lifestyle.
Make it a healthy and green one…for yourself and those you love!
By Terry Herman
Terry Herman is a
recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include
business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and
trends. In addition to writing and reviewing, she is also a management
consultant and motivational speaker. She
also serves on EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat
To Wellness Advisory Board,
which is comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness
and spa. She also serves as a Group
Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz. You can email her at terry_h60559@yahoo.com.
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