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Tina Ruggiero | Nutrition Expert, Cookbook Author and Spokesperson

Nutrition Expert. Writer. Creative Alchemist.

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Uncategorized

At the Market: Cook Up Some Kamut

Mar 17, 2013 by Lauren Stransky

KamutKamut is the brand name for a strain of wheat known as khorasan wheat, which is an ancient grain originally thought to be from Egypt. Kamut looks very much like basmati rice, but has a slightly nutty, buttery, sweeter flavor. The grain can be prepared tender, or more on the chewy side. Kamut is very rich in protein, has a slightly higher fatty acid content than wheat, and packs a vitamin-filled punch with its vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and thiamin content.

People that are allergic to wheat often find they can eat Kamut in moderate amounts.

Prep Suggestions: Similar to rice, Kamut can be boiled on the stovetop, steamed or prepared in a pressure cooker. It is delicious in pilafs, soups and salads. You can also substitute Kamut for rice.

Nutrition Score: One half-cup serving supplies six grams of protein for only 140 calories.

If you can’t find Kamut at your grocer or health food store, it’s readily available online.

Filed Under: Cooking, Nutrition, Uncategorized, Wellness/Health Tagged With: kamut, khorasan wheat, rice, wheat

Gluten-Free: Help or Hype?

Sep 13, 2011 by Tina Ruggiero

6a01053531eb10970c014e8b7e7977970dOn Saturday night at The Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia, I had the pleasure of dining and talking with esteemed cookbook author and baking doyenne, Dorie Greenspan. Her company was absolutely delightful. We chatted about everything from the banana polenta which graced our plates to the gluten-free food craze sweeping the nation. Together, we mourned the fact this diet therapy has become a major trend. In fact, according to a report published by Datamonitor, the gluten-free market is expected to become a $4.3 billion industry during the next five years.

6a01053531eb10970c01543563ce90970cWhen I meet people living a gluten-free lifestyle, I always ask them why they’ve given up wheat, bulgur, rye and barley. They tell me it’s “to feel healthier” or “to have more energy,” but when I ask if they’ve had a serologic test for high levels of IgA tissue transglutaminase antibodies, I get a blank stare. Reason being, if you’ve had a blood test, you’d know with certainty whether you are or are not gluten intolerant.

6a01053531eb10970c01539190aa79970bGoing gluten-free is a disease management therapy, and it’s essential, if you’re among the 1% of Americans who have been diagnosed with the autoimmune disease called Celiac Sprue; however, if you’re not gluten-sensitive, going gluten-free can be harmful.

6a01053531eb10970c01539190ab2b970bOften, gluten-free diets emphasize products made with refined grains that are not enriched with vitamins and minerals; they can be high in fat and low in fiber, iron, folate, B-vitamins, calcium and phosphorous. Granted, including gluten-free grains in your diet like quinoa, millet and brown rice can help, but the fact remains, consumers seeing to lose weight or improve the quality of their health may actually find it more difficult on a gluten-free regimen.

Just because Oprah Winfrey and Gwyneth Paltrow go on gluten-free detox diets doesn’t mean you should, too; Oprah can’t stop yo-yo dieting and Gwyneth has osteopenia, so think before you give up whole grain bread and pasta. Better yet, go you your doctor, and get tested.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Celia Sprue, Dorie Greenspan, food craze, Gluten Free, Greenbrier Hotel, lifestyle, Oprah Winfrey, transglutaminase antibodies, West Virginia, whole grains

Holiday Gifts for Kids Who Love Cooking

Sep 14, 2010 by Tina Ruggiero

6a01053531eb10970c013487527892970cAfter Christmas last year, I vowed never, ever to save my holiday shopping for the last minute. Not that I was disorganized, I was just so busy with work, I could barely make time for the decorating, baking, cooking and shopping which go hand and glove with the holidays.  But, this year, it’s different. I’m ahead of the game, and I can help you get there, too.

For my family, friends and clients, I’ve begun to ask what they’d like. Granted, an element of surprise is lost with this approach, but most adults know what they want (and, more important, what they don’t want), so asking them will save you valuable time and effort. Odds are, they’ll still be thrilled when they open your gift and see exactly what they were hoping for.

It’s the children who we need to surprise and delight, and those who are interested in gardening, basic cooking and baking have lots in store for them!

To see what I suggest for children ages 4 through 12, [lightbox href=”http://youtu.be/Uiw2nAnIEhM”]Click Here[/lightbox] and view my television segment. While I evaluated lots of items, I chose those in the segment based on practicality, quality, design and value. If you’re interested in purchasing any of the products I mentioned, you can find them online at the links below.

Skrub’a Gloves

Fitbook Junior

Le Creuset Mini Utensils

The Curious Chef

Ann Clark Cookie Cutters

Fabricator’s Toddler Flatwear

Sugar Bee Collection (Children’s Aprons)

Kuhn Rikon Kinderkitchen Products

So, happy early shopping! And, for the record, I plan to do my gift-wrapping in October!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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