A Healthy & Tasty California Raisins Evening with Chef Emmanuel Stroobant
California Raisins Asean
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Thanks for the wonderful invitation, I recently went to Samplings on the Fourteen Restaurant at Berjaya University College for a special evening event by Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC). Together with blogger guests, RAC ushered in the auspicious new year with a sweet repertoire of specially-crafted delicious recipes using California Raisins, which are a great source of nutrition and suitable to incorporate into meals amidst rising health issues due to unhealthy diets.
Before the dinner, Ms Tan Yen Sing, a certified clinical dietitian was sharing with us on the goodness and benefits of California Raisins.
“Good nutrition is the best approach for preventing diseases and being healthy. Raisins, high level of polyphenol antioxidants containing about 3,037 ORAC units (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity – a method in measuring antioxidants in food) in about 2/3 cup. This essential substance are vital for protection against oxidative stress which is related to aging and disease,” said Tan.
We were treated to an intimate dining experience and indulged recipes using California Raisines created by 2-star Michelin celebrity Chef Emmanuel Stroobant along with guest Chef Erich Anton Roos.
Need no much introduction, Chef Emmanuel Stroobant is the Belgian’s 2-star Michelin celebrity chef, who had his first brush with culinary business when he started working as a kitchen helper as young as 16 years old. He worked his way in the culinary world within a span of a decade, notably hosting the AFC channel for many years and opening his first restaurant in Singapore called Saint Pierre.
The culinary gourmet recipes using California Raisins prepared by Chef Emmanuel were :
* California Raisins, Crab, and Cauliflower
* California Raisin Pasta With Fennel and Prawns
* California Raisins With Beef Short Ribs and Winter Fruits
Chef Erich Anton Roos, a Swiss national with 40 years of culinary and international working experience covering many Western and Asian countries. Currently based in Bangkok, his role are focused in consultancy and strategic planning for kitchen training needs in international hotel chains.
Chef Erich prepared us the Symphony of California Raisins Dessert, which consisting of Apple Raisin Dumpling Puff with California Raisin Coffee Muffin, Mascarpone Raisin and Cinnamon Ice Cream.
I enjoy California Raisins as a healthy snack food compared with others because they are naturally sweet and do not contain any added sugar. It contains natural fruit sugar – 35% fructose and 35% glucose, which is a good source of energy and has no fat and no cholesterol. California Raisins are also a sugar replacement for many recipes in cooking and baking.
Some of the key benefits of California Raisins include:
* All-natural
* Naturally sweet and do not contain added sugar
* Fat- and cholesterol-free and naturally low in sodium
* A source of potassium (an important electrolyte that aids in muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function), fibre, and concentrated nutrients
* Contain phytonutrients that suppress the growth of oral bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease
California Raisins are also economical, do not bruise and are easy to use straight out of the box — no washing, peeling or chopping required — so one can create a simple meal.
“California Raisins are also a very versatile ingredient and can inspire a wide repertoire of dishes — from appetisers and main dishes to desserts and beverages — especially as consumers are becoming more health conscious and more adventurous in their culinary endeavours,” said Mr Richard Lieu, RAC’s Trade Promotions Director for Malaysia.
For information and recipes on California Raisins, visit www.calraisins.org and www.caraisins.com.
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More photos at FOOD Malaysia facebook page, a Malaysian food and lifestyle blogger since 2010
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