Not Just About Thanksgiving

Much of November is dedicated to all things Thanksgiving, but it is also American Diabetes Month.  This year the American Diabetes Association asked Americans to “take a bolder, more audacious approach to American Diabetes Month” and consider that:

• 24 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes
• 57 million Americans are at risk for type 2 diabetes
• 1 out of every 3 children born today will face a future with diabetes if current trends continue

These statistics are shocking and we, as individuals and parents can certainly work towards lowering our risk and that of our children.  As adults we are shaped by what was consumed in our homes during our childhood and many of us have made a concerted effort to adopt healthier eating habits as information on the correlation of the American lifestyle and diet to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes has been revealed.  The leading cause of Type 2 diabetes among children is obesity; other contributing factors are lack of exercise and genetics.  As parents, we influence what our kids eat and are directly responsible for what becomes life-long diet and exercise habits for them.

On the Friday before Thanksgiving, Chef Priscilla Willis of the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa performed a healthy cooking demonstration in honor of American Diabetes Month.  Chef Willis specializes in light, healthy, often vegetarian, cuisine with an Asian influence.  Her passion for healthy eating began around the age of 23 and is rooted in her family history of diabetes and her own failing health.

For the demonstration, Chef Willis prepared an Asian infused three course lunch with wellness in mind:

Appetizer Nori Wrap of Julienne Vegetables with Tofu and Miso Sauce

Entree Poached Salmon with Soba Noodles Seasoned with a Soy Sauce Broth

Dessert Vanilla Sorbet with a Balsamic Strawberry Marinade

While Chef Priscilla Willis and I share the same name, she is a graduate of the Cordon Bleu in Pasadena and I am a graduate of the school of experimental cooking. So while I’m experimenting with these dishes in the TM kitchen, I’d like to share my Whrrl slideshow with you.  Enjoy and come back later this week for the mom-tested recipe.