I remember the first time I watched Christina Cooks. I was a new mom who was just getting into natural living. I discovered the show on PBS one day and was very impressed. Here was a cooking show that was all about vegan cuisine!
I watched it religiously for some time and then had trouble finding it on PBS. I borrowed one of her books from the library, Cooking the Whole Foods Way, and found her story of surviving cancer through nutrition really inspiring. Here’s an excerpt from her Health Education Initiative website: “In 1983, Christina Pirello, Emmy Award-winning host of the national public television series ‘Christina Cooks’, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and fought her way back to robust good health through her zest for life and an alternative nutritional approach.”
Last weekend, I was flipping through the channels on Sunday afternoon and was delighted to find Christina Cooks on WCEU, our Daytona Beach PBS affiliate. What I like most about Christina is her positive attitude and ability to teach as she cooks. Her show on PBS is more than just a cooking show; she actually takes the time to talk about nutrition and the benefits of using specific ingredients. Her recipes never include meat, dairy, or refined sugar. Furthermore, she only uses whole grains.
The only complaint I’ve found as I’ve explored reviews of Christina Pirello’s books and TV show is that it can be hard to get your hands on some of the ingredients. This can be easily remedied here in Orlando by an occasional trip to Whole Foods.
There is a fantastic PDF file on her website of all the recipes from season 9 of her PBS show. If you’re not familiar with vegan cuisine and/or macrobiotics, check out her show on Sundays at 1 and look for her books at the library. Looking for local vegan cuisine? Get info about Ethos Vegan Kitchen right here on the Central Florida Green Guide.
Have you seen Christina’s show? Have you read any of her books? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
Related Article:
Macrobiotics and You by Christina Pirello
Jan Zeiger
Heidi Crawford
Wendy
Jenny Wadley
Michelle ~ Reflection Of Light
Kristy ~ Wee Willie Winks
Gretchen Goel
Jill - Juice Plus
Elizabeth Ashe
Cat
Tara - Get Green Organics
Heather ~ Orlando Organics
Lisa Holt, RN, MS
Melissa Holmes
Kimberly ~ greenWell
organiccrusader
This is great to know. Can’t wait to try the chicken-less pot pie and tempeh stroganoff!
UPDATE: The Chicken-less Pot Pie is *really* good. I made it last night and everyone at the table had seconds!
I cant wait to cook this for my girlfriend. Thanks for the tips.
I love Christina. I have her books and can’t wait for the new one. Sadly, I can’t find her show on our PBS Station.