Who’s that lady?
Raw food chef Ani Phyo. The 42-year-old was voted “sexiest raw food chef” in 2008 and 2009 and has also authored “Ani’s Raw Food Kitchen” and “Ani’s Raw Food Desserts.”
The scoop:
“I like to emphasize to people that they don’t have to be extreme,” says Phyo. “You can add fruits and vegetables and more fresh, whole foods to any diet. Plus, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds are all packed with antioxidants to combat free-radical damage and slow the signs of aging.”
Favorite recipe:
Pad Thai with kelp noodles*. “Kelp noodles are made from a sea vegetable that’s packed with minerals. High in iodine, they help regulate our thyroid to balance metabolism.”
On-the-go tip:
“I take sheets of Nori with me, which can add flavor to a salad or plump up in water for a snack,” says Phyo.
*Click here for pad thai with kelp noodles recipe.
Who’s that lady?
Vegan chef Terry Romero. The 37-year-old Queens resident co-hosted the vegan cooking show “Post Punk Kitchen” and is a columnist for VegNews. She also co-authored “Veganomicon,” “Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World” and “Vegan Cookies Invade your Cookie Jar.”
The scoop:
“Viva Vegan,” Romero’s first solo cookbook, audaciously ventures meat-and-cheese-lessly into the heart of Latin American cooking—and brings you 200 vibrant recipes that don’t skimp on taste or authenticity.
Her philosophy:
“So many elements of Latin American cooking are naturally vegan,” says Romero. “You have beans, rice and an abundance of fresh vegetables, like corn, chili peppers and squash, and there’s so many fruits. You can get the whole spirit, texture and flavors of Latin food very easily without the meat.”
Favorite recipe:
The creamy corn-filled empanada*. “It’s really great, especially now with all the summer corn coming in,” says Romero.
On-the-go tip:
“At Latin American restaurants, find out if they use lard in their beans, and see if they use chicken broth in the rice,” advises Romero.
*Click here for creamy corn-filled empanada recipe.
