YaDa Chef Private and Personal Chefs

It is tough to find good snacks for kids in this day and age of highly processed, fast foods. Here are some healthy ideas for snacks...all organic of course. These ideas are great for adults too!  Need a little extra boost at the office between meetings and meals?  Here are a few solutions. Apple Slices and Peanut Butter  (try adding a bit of organic maple syrup to the peanut butter and microwaving for an extra special treat) Fruit Slices and Soy Cream Cheese  (a tub of vegan soy cream cheese (at room temperature) with 1/4 cup undiluted apple juice or orange juice concentrate and a dash of cinnamon. Stir vigorously until smooth. Serve with apple and pear slices, strawberries, and banana chunks for dipping. Whole Wheat Zucchini Muffins Tortilla Chips sprinkled with Cheese  (or cheese alternative) Fruit Skewers  (simply cut any fresh fruit in season into bite-sized chunks and alternate on wooden or bamboo skewers with grapes) Dried fruits  (s...

Need a Vitamin C boost? Here's a fruity tip: Eating one Kiwi fruit gives you approx. 112 percent of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C! Here are the benefits of this super fruit: Phytonutrients: Kiwis have phytonutrients, which repair DNA, act as the body’s protection against some cancers, and function as antioxidants. Vitamin C: One serving of kiwi gives the body a boost of Vitamin C, which helps heal wounds, increase iron absorption, and boost the immune system. Fiber: Kiwi is a good source of fiber which has a role in the prevention of constipation and some cancers. Folic Acid: Kiwi provides 10% of the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for folic acid, which is important for expectant mothers and works to produce red blood cells. Vitamin E: Kiwi provides 10% RDA for Vitamin E and decreases the risk of heart disease. Who's having some of this superfruit today?

June is the the beginning of Summer here in the northern hemisphere and it is also the time when we celebrate the longest day of the year. “Skt. Hans”, or St. John’s Day, as it is known throughout Scandinavia, is celebrated with bonfires and outdoor cookery.  Originally I wanted to do typical Norwegian fare, but after speaking with a dear friend I learned that the traditional foods have given way to “International Fare”.  Spain has a huge expat Norwegian community, and Florida was founded by the Spaniards in 1513 by Ponce de Leon who led the first European expedition.  So I thought I would  offer one of my favourite dishes from Valencia Spain, Paella. Paella was originally a peasant dish, cooked over an open fire in the fields and eaten directly from the pan.  Originally snails were the main protein used as they were plentiful in the fields.  Occasionally rabbit or duck would be added and - if you were really well off - chicken. Every Spanish mother c...