Today I had the opportunity to interview Curtis Stone, a critically acclaimed chef, judge on NBC’s “America’s Next Great Restaurant” and host of Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters.”
Curtis Stone has partnered with Post Great Grains to spread the importance of eating whole foods and choosing less-processed foods for better nutrition.
He suggests using whole ingredients, natural ingredients and simple ingredients. Now, haven’t I been saying that all along?
Because Curtis has a cooking philosophy that closely aligns with my own (and because his adorable Australian accent could not possibly be more charming) I thought to share some of his tips on how we can cook faster, easier and more delicious recipes in our own kitchens.
Use whole food whenever possible
“Whole grains taste better and their nutritional content is a lot better,” Stone said. “When you eat fruits and vegetables, you should leave the skin on whenever possible to get more nutrients and flavor. When you buy seafood, make sure it’s sustainable and that your meat and poultry has been raised ethically and naturally.”
Start with breakfast
Keeping your grocery bill in check can be challenging, but it’s very important to keep your kitchen stocked with plenty of healthy foods.
“If you always have a bowl of fresh fruit available, you’ll always have a great snack or breakfast on-the-go,” Stone said. “I love cereal in the mornings, just make sure you have a good healthy one.”
Stone also recommends breakfast paninis for anyone who has a panini grill [or a George Foreman].
“If you have some bread, cheese, tomato, bacon in your refrigerator, you’re good to go for a delicious breakfast sandwich.”
Don’t try to be overcomplicated
“When you’re using good, quality ingredients, cooking is very simple,” said Stone. “Buy very fresh food from farmer’s markets and treat food really simply.”
Stone’s favorite? Starting a meal with a great salad.
He suggests starting with spinach, tomatoes and red onions and letting your palate be your guide.
“A great salad is an excellent building block for new cooks and future chefs.”
Play to your strengths
If there is an ingredient that you truly love, then you can’t go wrong.
“If you love olives, start with a salad base and add olives. Then decide what protein you want to eat: shrimp, fish, steak, chicken. Combine the protein with your beautiful, green healthy salad and make up a dressing ahead of time so you know it’s going to work.”
Turn one meal into two
Because cooking for one can be extremely challenging, it’s important to make the most out of each meal. Prepare a protein one way and stretch it into two – or more – different meals.
If you’re making beef or turkey bolognese and you have leftover meat, turn it into a baked pasta dish with a different type of noodle the next day.
“Set a trend of cooking for yourself regularly,” Stone suggested. “The more you try new things, the more cooking will become a part of your life.”
What are your favorite tips for cooking with whole foods?
49 Comments
marymail
July 20, 2011 at 4:38 amOH Maris~ How lucky got to interview the easy-going guy Mr.Stone! I like the wonderful Post. I think our kichen never have boring dishes and leftover from now on.
Shari @ Chicago Cuisine Critique
April 29, 2011 at 3:23 pmSo jealous you got to interview Curtis! I love that man. 🙂
DessertForTwo
April 26, 2011 at 4:09 pmGreat interview! Love love love whole grains 🙂
Amy @ ElephantEats
April 25, 2011 at 2:25 amUh, did you get to interview him in PERSON??! Jealous either way. 😉
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
April 24, 2011 at 5:41 pmWhat a fun post! Congrats!!
Dishes of Mrs. Fish
April 23, 2011 at 4:18 pmSuch awesome tips and how cool you got to interview him!
Alexandra (Veggin' Out in the Kitchen)
April 23, 2011 at 2:42 pmThis a fantastic post!! That’s SO cool that you got the chance to interview with Curtis Stone! He has some fantastic tips! 🙂
Have a great weekend!!
Audrey Ellen @ My Scene and Herd
April 23, 2011 at 2:28 pm…also he is just so good looking.
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
April 22, 2011 at 4:38 pmWhat an awesome opportunity and a great interview, Maris! You lucky, lucky girl. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post. Have a wonderful, happy weekend!
marla
April 22, 2011 at 3:01 pmHow lucky are YOU!! I would love to interview Curtis & thanks for all the great, healthy eating tips.
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen
April 22, 2011 at 2:55 pmOoooh! He’s a smartie and a hottie!!! lol Great post and great tips!! ♥- Katrina
Kate
April 22, 2011 at 12:39 pmFirst, I am SO jealous that you got to interview Curtis Stone! He is such a hottie 🙂
Second, these are great tips and I agree with him on all accounts. I had never actually thought of a b-fast panini – great idea!
fooddreamer
April 22, 2011 at 11:14 amGreat post, I liked hearing his tips. I don’t always cook with whole grains and whole foods, but we definitely do a lot more of it these days. One good tip is to use dried beans and dried grains like bulgur and barley and such. It takes a little more planning to remember to soak or cook ahead of time, but they are less expensive AND have more fiber than the canned beans.
Jessica
April 22, 2011 at 6:41 amOh Maris! I hope that you got to do this interview on the phone instead of over email. Curtis Stone is such a sexy man 😉
Brandy
April 22, 2011 at 4:47 amGreat posting! I’ve learned that starting with fresh ingredients and maybe a little salt and pepper is all you need. I always try to think, “how can I add a green this” and it usually works out.
Roz
April 21, 2011 at 10:58 pmGreat tips from Curtis Stone! SOOO excited that you got to interview him Maris!!!! I’m a big fan of his calm, healthy style and demeanor – have been since his days of “Take Home Chef”. Hope you have a great day.
Baking Serendipity
April 22, 2011 at 3:37 amSo cool! And awesome tips 🙂 My favorite is to eat breakfast…definitely necessary!
Reeni
April 22, 2011 at 1:57 amI love all these tips but especially the one for not being overcomplicated. I am guilty of that at times! What a fun interview! Thank-you both.
Amanda
April 22, 2011 at 1:06 amGreat tips! And how lucky are you that you get to do an interview on your blog?!?!?!?!
Tanvi@SinfullySpicy
April 21, 2011 at 10:36 pmGreat tips there.Even I like to leave the skin on of fresh veggies and fruits while eating them raw or cooking. On a offbeat note he is so cute looking 🙂
Peggy
April 21, 2011 at 9:42 pmGreat interview! So lucky! I definitely try to go the whole foods route for the most part!
Ruth
April 21, 2011 at 4:11 pmBeing British I’d never heard of him before, but he. is. hot! Love the interview!
Lucy @ The Sweet Touch
April 21, 2011 at 9:01 pmHow awesome that you got to interview him! To keep it simple I like to go to my cookbooks with all the basic recipes in them and try to make one or two little changes – it’s fun!
Ps. Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog:)
Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat)
April 21, 2011 at 7:41 pmGreat tips! I try to buy/eat whole foods whenever possible. It’s amazing how much better you feel inside when you eat right!
Heavenly Housewife
April 21, 2011 at 5:32 pmThese are great tips, and I so agree about not getting too complicated. The best foods are made with simple good ingredients.
*kisses* HH
Tessa
April 21, 2011 at 4:17 pmOh my god… SO JEALOUS. He’s dreamy. And he’s got some great ideas. Sigh.
rebecca
April 21, 2011 at 3:03 pmwonderful tips and how cool you got to meet him 🙂
love it as a registered dietitian
Rebecca
Mary
April 21, 2011 at 1:58 pmHe walks, he talks and has great tips to boot :-). I love this guy and am really surprised his star doesn’t shine more brightly than it does. I love the tips you’ve passed on to us. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
Beth @ DiningAndDishing
April 21, 2011 at 12:52 pmA little jealous of your life after seeing this post!! 🙂
Blond Duck
April 21, 2011 at 11:59 amI never thought of a breakfast panini!
jessica
April 21, 2011 at 11:50 amWait- you mean besides being absolutely adorable he has good cooking tips? LOL! Love these ideas and the message it sends! Thanks girl. Such a thoughtful post
Autumn @ Good Eats Girl
April 21, 2011 at 11:43 amFirst, I’m just slightly jealous that you got to interview Curtis Stone! 🙂 He’s one of my faves!
Second, I love the message that he sends and he does have some great tips!
Heather @girlichef
April 21, 2011 at 11:19 amHe has a great philosophy and I’ve always enjoyed watching him cook…and listening to him speak 😉 I think I”m in need of a breakfast panini right this moment, actually.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen
April 21, 2011 at 11:11 amI remember watching Curtis when he was on Take Home Chef, I always secretly wished he would sneak up on me at the grocery store one day!
chopinandmysaucepan
April 21, 2011 at 6:49 amTotally agree with the last tip. I’m having an awesome chicken sandwich from my roast chicken last night .. 🙂
Eva
April 21, 2011 at 4:10 amSo many good ideas! I definitely agree with using ingredients you love as much as possible. I am a huge fan of oregano and coconut milk, not together, but I do try to use them as much as possible to spice up my meals. This was so interesting to read, excellent interview!
Laura
April 21, 2011 at 4:05 amSo jealous you were able to interview this guy – he seems like a whole lot of fun! I’m all about whole foods too and am pretty notorious for transforming leftovers into a whole new meal (though my fiance isn’t always as crazy about the less-palatable meal number 2 as I am…) Thanks for sharing Curtis’ tips!
Kay
April 21, 2011 at 1:54 amI’m a big fan of making one ingredient/dish into multiple (different) meals- makes things easy for me, and with more variety!
Angela
April 21, 2011 at 1:53 amWhat an amazing opportunity! You are so blessed.
A Plum By Any Other Name
April 21, 2011 at 1:25 amGet. Out. You got to interview Mr. Stone?! Very impressed. But more importantly: jealous.
Nicole@HeatOvenTo350
April 21, 2011 at 1:18 amThose are great tips. That is so cool that you got to interview him.
Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook
April 21, 2011 at 1:16 amHow cool you got to interview Curtis Stone! Great tips, too, I like simple!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
April 21, 2011 at 1:06 amMaris how fun! I get a kick whenever I see Aussies on US blogs. It makes me quite proud 😀
daryl
April 20, 2011 at 11:05 pmCan you do a giveaway and make him the prize!
Lauren@LittleYellowKitchen
April 20, 2011 at 11:00 pmThat is awesome that you got to interview him! He makes some really good points, especially about the simplicity of foods. No need to complicate things when it’s delicious as is!
Three-Cookies
April 20, 2011 at 10:45 pmGreat you got to interview him. One small caveat about leaving skin on – as long as its organic. Also a friend is a biochemist and he said that if potatoes (and perhaps other veges/fruits) have been sitting in the pantry/cellar for a while fungus develops and this can be harmful so peeling might be wise. I think this happens if its sitting for weeks, maybe. I am just repeating what he said.
Sophia @ Raven Waves
April 20, 2011 at 10:43 pmThat’s so amazing that you got to interview Curtis Stone!!! Such great tips!
Erica
April 20, 2011 at 10:37 pmGREAT tips! I use most of these in my day to day cooking & living. I do think we have a tendency to over complicate our eats and should stick more with the KISS method!
Sarah Caron
April 20, 2011 at 10:34 pmGreat tips! I try to start with whole foods whenever possible. It makes everything better. And swoon. He’s so dreamy too.