 | Randa Toubia
is Corporate Chef of Latour Management. Randa is responsible for upholding the culinary standards at all of Latour's restaurants and contract locations. She is responsible for new product development and training to chefs throughout the company.
As a certified nutritionist, Randa provides valuable nutritional information to Latour clients as well as incorporating healthy menu items at Piccadilly Grill, Chelsea's Bar & Grill and contract locations. As Latour provides food services to a number of local hospitals and medical facilities, Randa's experience and nutritional background are essential in menu development including customized menus for cardiac patients and diabetics.
Randa received national recognition from the American Beef Council for her award winning Portuguese Pot Roast featured on the Piccadilly menu. She teaches a monthly cooking classes at Piccadilly Grill East and West.
Randa's responsibilities require her to visit all Latour operations. She is based at Piccadilly Market & Grill East on Central and Rock Road. She encourages visits and questions from customers. You can contact her by phone at (316) 681-1100 or by e-mail at randa@latourusa.com. |
Food & Drink
2001-12-01 15:56:00
Making holiday dishes more healthy
Question: With the holidays approaching, I do a lot of entertaining. What are some ways I can make my holiday dishes more healthy without sacrificing taste?
Answer: Throughout the holiday season, we give thanks for all of God's blessings, and food... especially "comfort food"... is one of the many ways in which we celebrate. Who doesn't long for a slice of fresh roasted turkey or a piece of grandma's homemade pumpkin pie?When making these and other traditional holiday dishes more healthy... taste does not have to be sacrificed. There are a number of alternatives for healthy eating that result in great taste. Smaller portions will allow you to enjoy more of the holiday goodies you love without becoming stuffed. I always tell people not to sacrifice taste too much for the simple reason that holiday meals are some of the most naturally delicious meals. It is important to satisfy your cravings and try not to overindulge.In terms of healthy dishes, there are several lower fat, sugar and carbohydrate substitutions that can be made. When making a substitute, try to get the same depth in flavor of the original dish. If you can not, let the dish be itself and settle for a smaller portion. For delicious creamy mashed potatoes, try the combination of mashed potatoes and turnips with a little bit of buttermilk, salt and pepper. It is truly excellent. Instead of brown sugar and syrup on the sweet potatoes, try a few chopped dates, orange zest and nutmeg. Use whole wheat bread in the stuffing and replace 1/3 of the flour in the piecrust with whole-wheat flour. Fruit pies are a better option for dessert and there are many that are sugar-free that are surprisingly delicious. Don't forget spices, such as allspice, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon, as well as dried fruits and nuts. These enhance the flavor of many dishes and lower the fat. Turkey is the healthiest holiday meat. Properly trimmed beef, pork and lamb are good too. Buffalo can definitely be substituted in mincemeat pie. Roasting is the best alternative for cooking. Don’t forget to skim the fat off of the drippings before making the gravy.Lastly, it is always helpful to do something active after dinner to help with digestion. There is an European adage I always tell my customers: "Have lunch, take a nap. Have dinner take a walk." This is a good general rule to follow always... but especially during the holidays.As much a part of eating healthy is the spirit of sharing while you are eating. Look forward to these holiday dinners... and every night's dinner... with eager anticipation for sharing the day, the people and the food. Don’t forget to give thanks. "Live, Share, Eat." Happy Holidays!
