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Healthy delights - served in less than 22 minutes
At work: Kelly Latimer (left) and Irene Jensen want to focus on healthy food for busy families
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At work:: Kelly Latimer (left) and Irene Jensen want to focus on healthy food for busy families. (Courtesy of Asian Food Channel) (left) and Irene Jensen want to focus on healthy food for busy families. (Courtesy of Asian Food Channel)
At work: Kelly Latimer (left) and Irene Jensen want to focus on healthy food for busy families. (Courtesy of Asian Food Channel)
Aiming to promote healthy living and eating, Asian Food Channel is presenting its latest original production, titled On The Go!
The show features celebrity chef Irene Jansen, who has been teamed up with fitness enthusiast Kelly Latimer, as she prepares two healthy dishes per 22-minute episode.
Shows, which are presented in real time, follow specific themes, such as health, family, friendships and relationships.
The six-episode series, which premiered on Dec. 24, shows viewers how to make tantalizing dishes such as creamy seafood curries, baked potatoes or spiced matcha soy smoothies.
The Singaporean-born film director CheeK, who currently is the head of creative, content and marketing for Scripps Networks Interactive Asia Pacific, which runs the Asian Food Channel, said that the show was aimed at contemporary people looking to balance a successful career with a healthy lifestyle.
'It is the perfect program for those who lead a fast-paced life ' or who just want to master easy and nutritious dishes in under 22 minutes,' CheeK said.
Latimer, who has appeared in various prominent lifestyle and sports programs across Asia, said that the show aimed at getting families back together in the kitchen to cook, eat and enjoy meals together.
'Eating well doesn't have to be hard work,' Latimer told The Jakarta Post, adding that the show wouldn't expose fancy dishes or complicated meals. 'It's hearty food that can be served up real quick. It is essentially fast food done right.'
Meanwhile, Jansen said that she used easily available ingredients to cook cafe-like food that could be re-created at home. 'The audience can also expect some tips on using a variety of ingredients and be entertained by stories related to the dishes we created.'
Jansen said that preparing the meals featured on the show would not be a challenge for tyro chefs.
'It is not hard to prepare these dishes, because the recipes are simple and we can always do some preparation work in the morning or the night before. We also use kitchen equipment and share tips on how to prepare the ingredients that will help to save lots of time.'
To make spiced matcha soy smoothies, for example, Jansen uses one level tablespoon of chilled matcha, or green tea powder; a pinch of cayenne pepper; a half cup of soy milk, the juice of one lemon, two teaspoons of non-fat plain yogurt; six to eight ice cubes; and one cup of Del Monte's original flavored aloe vera.
The ingredients are prepared, placed in a blender and blended until smooth and creamy. Next, the concoction is poured into a tall glass, topped with aloe vera and voila ' ready to drink.
In creating recipes for healthy food, Jansen said that taste must come solely from the main ingredient. 'The dish must also be quick and easy to cook to ensure the freshness of the nutrients.'
Jansen said that she enjoyed working with Latimer, who knows a lot about benefits of the ingredients that are used in the show.
'I am glad to have taught [Latimer] how to cook and she also taught me a great deal about the benefits of each ingredient I have used. She is my human Google,' said the 47-year-old chef.
Meanwhile, Latimer called Jansen as a 'true warrior.'
'She's waged many wars, battling illness right before our shoot, and she has come out so, so strong. She's a testament to the power of a woman, and knowing that all she wants to do is give back to everyone, endears her to you even more,' said Latimer, who turns 28 on Jan. 21.
She further said that getting a chance to eat healthy and great dishes, as well as growing some solid bonds with Jansen, were unforgettable moments she had during the shoot.
On the gloomy side, Latimer said that she experienced a burn in the kitchen.
'I was holding the pan full of food and, despite the pain, I knew I couldn't drop the whole thing. So I calmly placed the pan back on the stove and then swore ' loudly.
'Safety in the kitchen is paramount ' lesson learned. We had a good laugh afterwards, but it just goes to show that you can never be complacent in the kitchen,' she added.
For more information, visit asianfoodchannel.com/onthego.
