YOU CAN EAT THAT: Back to School, yes, here already!
By robyn | August 10, 2008
This Tuesday, August 12, I will be on Washington’s FOX morning news to talk about back to school lunch ideas for keeping your kids healthy. Yes, it’s that time of year already and so let’s keep our kids eating well!! The airing will be in the 8am hour. Check your local listings for the proper channel.
Here’s a sneak peek at the recipe I will do for the show: so get out a pretty insulated lunch bag and let’s have some lunch!
TASTY TORTELLINI TO GO SALAD
Back to school means books — and potlucks. This pasta-lover’s pleasure is packed with flavor and is just perfect for potlucks, picnics and packed lunches. Served warm or cold, it’s also terrific as a side dish when grilling.
Serves: 8 / Serving size: 1/2 cup
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
9 oz. reduced-fat cheese tortellini
1 cup broccoli florets
1 small carrot, peeled and sliced
1 medium-size ripe tomato, seeded and diced
2 scallions, trimmed and finely sliced
¼ cup reduced-fat French dressing
¼ cup diced reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Bring a medium-size pot of water to the boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions, and during the final 3 minutes, add the broccoli and carrots. Drain through a colander, rinse under cold water, then set aside to drain well.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine the cooked tortellini, broccoli and carrots, with the tomato, scallions and French dressing. Toss gently to coat then stir in the cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately or refrigerate.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories 131
Calories from Fat 38
Total Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 18mg
Sodium 297mg
Carbohydrate 18g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 1g
Protein 7g
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
YOU CAN EAT THAT: Adventures with Barb: Dining out healthfully ( or at least trying to) in DC: It’s all Greek to me.. or maybe not
By robyn | August 10, 2008
Our last recent dining adventure brought us to the land of sunny islands and beautiful blue seas. Greek food has always been a favorite of mine and my trip to Greece in 2004 was one of my most memorable.
So this time, Barb and I needing a place n Dupont Circle to enjoy our lunch, chose a cute little place called Mourayo and we were in for more than the typical Greek fare.
With less emphasis on everything phyllo, Mourayo does an outstanding job on true Greek cuisine. And true Greek cuisine can mean healthy. Barb and I think we truly hit the jackpot! With tons of vegetable dishes, a bevy of seafood items and the lack of heavy meats and too much cheese, this is just not your typical gyro joint.
I enjoyed a fabouls beet salad to start. a huge bowl of beets and the beet greens, unusual to see being served with the beets, was superb. The salad was lightly dressed with the barest hint of olive il, just prepared so well little adornment was needed. Then I opted for another appetizer as my main meal; grilled calamari steak. strips of tender and succulent calamari was presented on a bed of greens with a delicious drizzle of lemon and olive oil.
Barb chose a nice beefsteak tomato salad that did indeed have some feta on it( she said next time she would order with less cheese). The feta though was barely salty and a little could go a long way. Her main meal was almost too pretty to eat; we sat there for a minute or two, the both of us, just gazing at it. A beautifully prepared salmon filet atop a cucumber yogurt sauce and dressed with additional cucumbers was a sight not normally seen in ubiquitous Greek restaurants.
All in all, Barb and I are looking forward to our next meal in the land of sunny skies and deep blue waters. Service is excellent and the place is small, but very comfortable.
Mourayo, 1732 Conn Avenue, NW, Dc
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
YOU CAN EAT THAT: RECIPE OF THE WEEK: It’s weird doing Fall in Summer
By robyn | July 31, 2008
As part of my many ‘things” I do as a nutritionist, cookbook author and culinary instructor is to also write for magazines. For years it always struck me as so odd to be preparing foods inthe opposite season of which we might be currently in.
Most magazines have a lead time of 3-6 months and so I have to have my recipes ready then even though I am thinking Christmas pudding when its 80 degress outside!
But this process of thinking way ahead actually has some great benfits. I am always organized and by the time the actual season rolls along, I have all my food plans lined up perfectly with no last minute panic.
So this week ( a the next few!) is my time for my annual food issue for Diabetes Forecast Magazine of which I am the Food Editor. Just as a sneak peek, I’ll let you take a look at one of the recipes, you’ll just have to wait until there is a bit of frost on the ground to see the rest!
PUMPKIN BARS
2 eggs
1 cup Splenda for baking
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup plain non fat yogurt
1 ( 15 ounce) can pumpkin
11/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
Icing:
1 ( 8 ounce) package nonfat cream cheese
2 Tbsp lite buttery spread ( such as Promise Activ)
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix together the eggs and Splenda with an electric mixer on medium speed until mixture is lemon colored. Add in the oil, yogurt and pumpkin and beat on medium for 2 minutes.
2. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix well; do not overbeat.
4. Pour the batter into a 8X8 baking pan. Bake for 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool before cutting into squares.
5. To prepare the icing: Cream together the cream cheese and butter on medium speed of an electric mixer. Slowly add the powdered sugar until mixture forms an icing. Addinthe vanilla and mix again. Spread on top of the cooled pumpkin bars.
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
YOU CAN EAT THAT: Dining out with Barb: Adventures in DC in trying to eat out healthfully
By robyn | July 22, 2008
Well Barb and I reconnected after my trip and her busy schedule to sit down and begin our reviews of places to eat in DC that won’t break the fat budget. But we try to select places that are a bit hard, so there is a bit of a challenge there.
And here was our new challenge. How to navigate a favorite DC haunt; the Daily Grill ( at M and 18th Streets, NW)
After perusing a lengthy, but of so calorific menu, here is where our food selection skills paid off.
There was nothing and I mean nothing on the menu for lunch as is that would have done a body good. Except for ordering the salmon at $23 for lunch( I never mind spending money on my body, but at $23 for lunch, come on)
So what did we end up doing. I ordered a bowl of the gazpacho soup and a side salad and barb has the salad too, but the shrimp cocktail instead of the soup.
Was it good? Yes, the gazpacho was tangy and cooling and had lots of cooked strands of sweet onions added ( a nice touch, I love onions), but the side salad was just ordinary. Barb’s shrimp were large and tender and for sure satisfying.
So sometimes in a restaurant, you just can’t deconstruct menu items to suit your diet. Everything in this restaurant was large portions of meats, sandwiches, burgers, steaks and the like; there was nothing to mix and match with. Sometimes you have to look up in the appetizer sections and piece things together. As we did.
But a good lesson here for those who may be stuck with a restaurant not of their choice and who are serious about making the meal as healthy as it can be.
Next up: We are going to a National Game soon and will report from the “trenches” so to speak on the food offerings for baseball fans everywhere!
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
YOU CAN EAT THAT: Recipe of the week: Now that tomatoes…
By robyn | July 22, 2008
Now that it appears tomatoes are off the hook and the attnetion has turned to jalapenos as the source of that nasty illness, once again, its time to enjoy those round orbs of juicy goodness!!
Remember with fresh tomtatoes to keep them at room temperature so the flavor is preserved. And try to use them up within 2-3 days from purchase for best results.
Here is one of my all time favorites to prepare:
GARLICKY TOMATO SALAD
Dressing;
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
salt and pepper
Salad:
4 plum tomatoes, sliced
2 yellow tomatoes, diced
20 cherry tomatoes, halved
16 fresh basil leaves
1. Combine the ingredients for the dressing and set aside.
2. Toss together the salad ingredients. Add the dressing and toss well.
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
I’m Back from Africa!!! Blog to start again!
By robyn | July 8, 2008
Hello all!
As you all know I have been in Africa and the trip was so good that my head has been wrapped around it ever since we have been back. Lots fo catch up and so this blog suffered some lapses. But I am back and wil be back this summer with recipes, restaurants, products and all thoughts on food!
In the meantime, I thought I would add an excerpt from my Trip Report on Africa I did on www.fodors.com . As mentioned before I departed, I was going to do a radio show form Africa. Pierre Wolfe( www.pierrewolfe.com ) host of the Dining and Travel, Business Talk Radio, Sundays 3-5pm EST, had me on from Africa on June 1st!
What a blast.
We broadcast from the Azure Restaurant located in the ultraglamourous Tweleve Apostles Hotel in Camps Bay, Cape Town. the show consisted of me, the executive chef, Roberto Cavahlo and the awardwinning sommelier, Luvo Nteso.
Here is excerpt from my trip report. To view the entire report which contains LOTS of food experiences, log onto www.fodors.com. Click on TALK. Then click on AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST. My Trip report is entitled: Just Back from South africa and Botswana: The Best Trip in 20 Years of International Travel.
I’ll be back this Sunday with more YOU CAN EAT THAT news: recipes, products and more!!
June 1st: Dinner: Radio, Food and Wine
As some of you know I posted here before I left that I would be doing a radio show from Africa! I began doing segments for the Dining and Travel Guide with Pierre Wolfe, a famous chef here in the states who broadcasts every Sunday 3-5pmEST and can be heard in 60 syndicated markets on Business Talk Radio.
Anyway, before I left I did his show and when my publicist told him I was going to be in Africa the following week, he wanted to broadcast from Africa!
We were already scheduled to dine at Azure, the restaurant in the Twelve Apostles Hotel during broadcast time, so this was all perfect.
Once the restaurant and hotel happily agreed to be on the show, they made all kinds of lovely arrangments with us.
They sent a car to the Cape Grace to pick us up and upon arrival a team of managers greeted us at the door to welcome us. It was quite the scene.
We started off having drinks with the General Manager of the hotel, Jeremy Flowerday and then were quickly joined by the executive chef, Roberto Cavalho and the award winning sommelier, Luvo Nteso. We had a ball sitting around sipping elegant South Africa wines.
The Twelve Apostles is quite the hotel. Had it not been our first time in Cape Town where we wanted to be a bit closer to the city, we would have stayed here. Not that anything is to be taken away from the Cape Grace. We loved it there. Just after seeing the 12 Apostles, it is also our kind of hotel, it was just too far from the center of things for a first time visit we felt. It was a great mixture of funkiness, warmth and a dramatic setting afronting the sea.
After enjoying our drinks we were ushered to a fabulous table to have dinner. The meal was incredible. We started with a crab cocktail served in a martini glass and then shared their infamous seafood platter,: an assortment of clams, mussels, calamari, kingklip and all sorts of vegetables with the crowing achievement: a hanging disply of prawns. The prawns were skewered onto a hanging metal rod that towered over the seafood resting on a large platter below. Roberto Explained this is the typical Portuguese preparation; his background is as such.
We enjoyed a flourless chocolate tart with rooibos ice cream and a luscious cheesecake. All washed downed with wines Luvo selected for us.
Wrapping up dinner with fabulous service, we were then brought upstairs to a private room to do the show.
The show started with me describing my first impressions of Cape Town and South Africa and then going into our meal at Azure. Pierre was so gracious as to really give a nice plug to the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Azure, he kept repeating it all throughout the show.
Then we took a little break and then Roberto and Luvo came on to describe more in depth all about the menu and wines and trends in todays South African dining scene.
Everyone had so much fun and Jeremy was most pleased.
Alas, we are not done yet… more drinking in the bar again. After dinner drinks for all! We spent more time with Jeremy and Roberto( Luvo had to go) . We discuss everything from politics to food to our families and our travels. As it happened we somehow got onto a discussion of American football and Jeremy was so intrigued as to understand it. So my husband spent about the next 45 minutes discussing how football works. Both Roberto and Jeremy were glued to his every word ( I don’t know if it was out of courtesy or that they were generally interested!)
Anyway, a most delightful evening and we were indeed treated like rock stars. They insisted on picking up the tab for everythng and as much as we even tried to leave a generous tip, they would not hear of it. I’m going to be sending a little bit of Virginia to them: I’m planning on a basket filled with native Virginia foods and wine and perhaps I will enclose a football magazine or two!!!
It’s nice to have some new friends in the culinary world. Roberto and I have exchanged e mails since.
I’d highly reocmmed a dinner at Azure as it is so relaxing and the scenery can’t be beat. Or at the least have a drink in their funky bar, its decorated so wildly, but tastefully and is much fun.
The driver is ready for us and off we go back to the Cape Grace having just spent a fabulous evening of fun, new friends, and indulging in the best food and wine.
I later caught up with a gal from Atlanta, Lisa, who I met my very last day at Singita ( they were coming in and we were leaving). We had arranged to meet each other before both of us left.( we know each other from fodors.com) When we met, she was with 3 other friends and her husband and she told me she heard the show and commented how fun it was to listen knowing that she was going to meet me later in the trip!
All in all a magnificent evening and one of my favorite radio shows I have done.. ever!
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
YOU CAN EAT THAT: Robyn to broadcast from Africa this Sunday June 1st at 4:20pmEST, Dining and Travel guide with Chef Pierre Wolf, Business Talk Radio
By robyn | May 29, 2008
Well today my husband and I are off to Africa for 3 weeks: South Africa and Botswana
Last Sunday I was on the Dining and Travel Guide with Chef Pierre Wolfe on Business Talk Radio ( syndicated in 60 markets throughout the US, www.pierrewolfe.com). We discussed all things diabetes and making foood for people with diabetes much more flavorful. I had a ball, and when Pierre found out I was going to be in Africa this week, he was excited to have me broadcast with him from Africa!
So this Sunday, June 1st at 4:20EST( 10:20pm for me!) I will be on the air from Capetown broadcasting from the fabulous Azure Restaurant located in the stunning location of Camps Bay right on the water. The restaurant is situated in the famous Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa and scenery is just magnificient. Think glorious mountains dropping deeply into the water. It’s one of the finest places from which to enjoy the South African sunsets.
I will be joined on air with their awardwinning chef and awardwinning sommelier. Attached is detailed about Azure in case anyone might be planning a trip to South Africa. We are going to talk about my impressions of South African food and the chef and sommelier will talk about their passions.
Anyway, go to the website to find the station that works for you to listen.
Go to go finish packing now….
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
YOU CAN EAT THAT: Robyn to be on the Pierre Wolfe Show today at 3:40pm
By robyn | May 25, 2008
Today at 3:40EST, I will be the guest of renowned chef Pierre Wolf. Pierre has been a luminary in the culinary world for many years and hosts a fantastic show live on Business Radio every Sunday from 3-5pm.
Here is the attached blog all about today’s show. And many of you will recognize the first guest, the chef Jacques Haeringer from our very L’ Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls! You will click on the “find a station” so you can tune in.
Anyway, for more information about Pierre and all is wonderful contributions to the culinary world go to www.pierrewolfe.com
Here is all about todays show, please tune in.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Diabetic Cooking, Mexico and Central America, Jacques Haeringer, Maison Louis Latour
This Week on
Americas Dining and Travel Guide
Sunday, May 25
Live on Business Talk Radio Network
find a station –download previous shows
First of, let me wish you a fun filled Memorial Day weekend, and give thanks to those who serve our nation and to our fallen soldiers.
3:00 PM EST
Once again, meet my associate host Jacques Haeringer, Chef de Cuisine at the legendary L’Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls, Virginia. Jacques is one of America’s most respected and innovative culinary personalities. Continuing in his father’s footsteps, Jacques specializes in reinterpreting Alsatian and French cuisine for American palates. Joining Jacques is Mr. Ducker, representing the world famous wines of Maison Louis Latour from Burgundy, France. Maison Louis Latour is the producer of some some of the finest Burgundian wines. The Latour family themselves have been viticulteurs since the 17th century.
3:40 PM EST
Robyn Webb, Author of You Can Eat That. Robyn Webb is an award winning nutritionist and is nationally recognized in diabetes management, plus is the author of 11 cookbooks for diabetics.
4:00 PM EST
Rob Sangster and Tim Leffel, authors of Traveler’s Tool Kit: Mexico and Central America. This book contains valuable information on the aforementioned areas and is essential to enjoyable travel. Rob Sangster is a remarkable individual, who after many successful undertakings, came to the conclusion that living fully is infinitely more important to him than earning the last dollar. I had the great pleasure of meeting Rob personally, broadcasting America’s Dining and Travel Guide while laying on his bed in Nova Scotia. Don’t get the wrong idea–it was the only place where two phones were available to us. Joining Rob Sangster is co-author Tim Leffel, who lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and is author of two books: The World`s Cheapest Destinations, and Make Your Dollars Worth a Fortune. You cannot afford to miss Sunday’s broadcasts…
The World A La Carte
A free travel and dining podcast
Last week’s podcast on The World A La Carte featured an interview with the Captain of the Regatta Cruise Ship, live in the Mediterranean Sea. The Regatta is part of Oceania Lines.
Recipe of the Week
Gazpacho- Spanish Soup
3 medium size tomatoes, halved, seeded, diced
1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, diced
1/2 red bell pepper and 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded, diced
1 small red onion, peeled, diced
1 large garlic clove
1 slice of bread
2 1/2 cups of tomato juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup sherry wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
Summer is almost here; this a great, cold Spanish soup. Directions: Tear bread into small pieces, place all veggies in food processor and process till smooth, add all remaining ingredients, process again till smooth and chill.
Bon Appetit and so long
-Pierre
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom
Wondering what’s for
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
YOU CAN EAT THAT: Robyn’s Trip to Africa commences this week
By robyn | May 25, 2008
I’m off the great continent Africa this Thursday May 29th in search of lions, tigers and food.. oh my!
My dear husband and I are off on a trip of a lifetime to South Africa and Botswana for three weeks, but I promise upon my return, I will report on all especially my thoughts on the food.
One of the reasons I decided on becoming a nutritionist ions ago had a little do with Africa. I was stuyding nutrition at Syracuse University and was pretty sure I did want to actually become a nutrtionist. but when an assignment in my public health class was to research a foreign country and their nutritional habits, I chose Africa. The images of starving and malnourished Africas pervade our media, however, I reported on something entirely different.
Through research I discovered that in many of the African countries their diet is so high in fiber that diseases such as cancer and diabetes were virtually unknown. Now this research was done in 1979 when I was attending SU, and things have probably changed, but it was enough to convince me that if a foreign country such as Africa could have better health stats that the US, we could learn from these cultures to improve our own health. We are supposed to be the most advanced and most developed nations on earth and yet our health stats can prove to less than ideal.
So intrigued by this idea, it cinched the deal for me to become a nutritionist. And so dear readers, I ‘ll let you all know what I discover about the traditional foods of Africa! I know so much abuot other cultures and their food, but Africa is a new one for me, so this will indeed be an adventure in more ways than one!
Stay tuned!
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
ADVENTURES WITH BARB: Dining out healthfully or at least trying to in DC
By robyn | May 25, 2008
Just to let you all know Barb and I will be back on the dining trail as soon as I return from my trip to Africa commencing this week.
We’ve been a tad busy with Barb out of town and me doing lots of pulbicity for my newest books: YOU CAN THAT: AWESOME FOOD FOR KIDS WITH DIABETES. So we’ve skiped a few meals over the past few weeks ( don’t worry, we are still eating our meals!!)
But we’ll be back mid June and with the next adventure: Tackling food at the Baseball Game. That’s right, Barb and I go to a Nationals game and we will uncover if there really is anything worth eating at the ball park!
Stay tuned!!
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
« Previous Entries