Table of Contents
Also by Christina Pirello
GLOW
COOK YOUR WAY TO THE LIFE YOU WANT
CHRISTINA COOKS
COOKING THE WHOLE FOODS WAY
THIS CRAZY VEGAN LIFE
In 1984, my life changed course forever. I was diagnosed with terminal cancer and thought my life was, indeed, over. But instead, I met my husband, Robert Pirello, and things have never been the same. This new edition of my first book, like its previous incarnation, is for himmy teacher, my love, my partner and my life.
Acknowledgments
THERE ARE SO many people to thank in connection with this book (both the first and second editions) that I could ramble on for days... but dont worry, Ill be brief... sort of...
First, to my mother, who taught me everything I wanted to be and everything I didnt. She also taught me to cook from my soul and I will always be grateful.To my father, who always thinks I can do anything. To my brothers and sister, who endured countless experimental recipes as I evolved, but especially to my brother Tom, for being the best big brother a girl ever had.
To my high school art teacher, John Sebes, who introduced me to vegetarianism.
To my many teachersMichio and Aveline Kushi, your work with macrobiotics enabled me to save my very life; Diane Avoli, Wendy Esko, Mary Kett, Carry Wolf and Geraldine Walker, your depth of understanding of food helped shape the cook I claim to be today;Tom Monte, for author encouragement and friendship; and William Tara, your enduring encouragement and mentoring taught me to listen to my heart, find my own voice and teach my own truths.
To my many computer troubleshooters, for bailing me out every time my illiteracy got me in hot waterback in the day, Diana and Dave, for your endless patience; Jim, who could teach an idiot how to operate a computerand in this case, did just that.And to my current computer genius gurus, the cutie-pie brothers Mike and Todd... thank you.
To Mary and Tina, for your patient proof-reading and honest, unconditional friendship.
To Christopher, for letting me pick your writers brain more often than I care to admit. How I wish you were here now to see how far I have come in ten years. I miss you.
To Bernardo Merizalde, our family doctor and dear friend of many years.Your wise counsel has gotten me through a lot of the craziness that comes with what I do. Thanks for your patient friendship.
To Don and Juli Vitello, whose brilliant direction and even more brilliant words continue to take Christina Cooks to places I could never even imagine.And to everyone at Fusion (known for many years as the Telenium Group) for all your support, post-production and ability to make me look like a genius.
To my numerous students who have taught me so much over the years.You have helped me keep my mind open to the learning process, maintain a curious attitude and have the courage to experiment.
To the millions of people who watch Christina Cooks and write to tell me how its going for them in the kitchen. How I love hearing from you! Keep on cooking!
To my special women friendsthat little group of strong, beautiful women who not only helped me get through the rough spots of this work, but who love and support me in all my craziness... Cyn, Elaine, Ruth Ann, Sue, Sherry, Michele, Caryn, Lois, Gayle, Mary,Tina, Lori... I am sure I have missed someone, but I hope you all know who you are... you have my undying love and friendship.
To Michele Gambino for becoming the glue that holds it all together. I would be lost without you.
To Dennis, Ben, Sara, Steve (Island Man), Leslie, Donald and all my other close pals who wander in and out of my kitchen, eating and commenting with unwavering honesty on the latest dish.
To Patrick Riley and Andrew Mell, for the body work that keeps me sane when the stress nearly does me in.Your magic hands and healing hearts are much appreciated.
To Anthony Molino and Al Richezza, for keeping me fit enough to handle what comes my way.You push me to be in the best physical shape I can be and I am so grateful.
To Ray, for telling me over and over and over that I could do this. Who would have thought that by the time of this second edition, we would be eight seasons into Christina Cooks on National Public Television?
To Steve Feinberg, for getting this ball rolling in the first place.
To Jeanette Egan, my editor, and to everybody at the Penguin Group who made this work possible, especially John Duff.Thanks for making this novice look and sound so good. I had to leave this as is, because all these years later, you still have faith in me and it means so much to know that.
And finally, again, to my husband, Robert. Without your love and encouragementand supportI am not sure that I would have accomplished half of what I have in this life. Your vision for us is amazing. Its true what they say: Behind every great woman is a wonderful man... I love you.
Thank you all.
Preface
IF YOU HAVE not met Christina Pirello or seen her on television, you are in for a treat.You will be glad youve invited Christina into your kitchen.
Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted from the most wholesome ingredients, carefully combined as only Christina could. The subtle flavors will delight your taste buds. And the rest of you will be delighted, as well, because this treasury of recipes is as healthful as it is delicious. Many people love Christinas cooking simply for the joy of good eating. But many look to her for a different reason.They want to improve their health and are looking for powerful, healing foods. If this is you, youve come to the right place. Each wonderful creation has the full measure of natures rejuvenating powers. Perhaps your goal is simply to stay healthy and fit. Or you may want to shed a few extra pounds, or maybe more than a few. Or it may be that you need to return to health after having lost some ground. These recipes are designed with you in mind.
In our research studies, we have found that the dietary steps Christina follows can have a dramatic effect on health.Weight loss becomes almost effortless. Cholesterol levels plummet. Diabetes falls into control. People with headaches and painful joints often find surprising relief. The secret is in what she has chosen to include, foods rich in antioxidants and other healthful nutrients, as well as in what she has left out:You wont find cholesterol or animal fats lurking here. If you are new to cooking, youll find that the recipes in Cooking the Whole Foods Way allow you to take very simple ingredients and make them into delicious and nutritious meals. Try the many recipes for tasty greens, colorful vegetables, whole grains and delightful desserts. And if you are an experienced chef, youll find that you learn something new from Christina on almost every page.
Always upbeat, warm and personable, Christina is known for putting her heart into her work, and these recipes show her at her very best. Have fun with the many stories, tips and recipes, as you open the door to Christinas kitchen.
NEAL D. BARNARD, M.D.
President, Physicians Committee
for Responsible Medicine
Foreword
ITS DIFFICULTTO believe that it was only ten years ago that Christina asked me to write the foreword to the first edition of this wonderful book. Christina has filled those years with the same energy, humor and sense of purpose that propelled her then, and has accomplished much. She has moved into the broader world from her kitchen cooking classes and now shares her talents with a wide audience that expands with every year.