#IRUNSOICANEAT: An Evening Delightful Dinner by Chef Emmanuel Stroobant with a Highlight on the Versatile California Raisins

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that adults consume 1½ to 2 cups of fruit per day. A portable, readily available fruit, such as California Raisins, is ideal to help fulfil this requirement. In fact, it only takes ½ cup of raisins to equal a whole fruit serving vs 1 full cup of fresh fruit.

Some key benefits of California Raisins include:

• They are all-natural
• They are naturally sweet and do not contain added sugar
• They are fat- and cholesterol-free and naturally low in sodium
• They are a source of potassium (an important electrolyte that aids in muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function)
• They are a source of fibre
• They are a source of concentrated nutrients
• They are known to contain phytonutrients that suppress the growth of oral bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease

We are very lucky to be invited to a special dining experience hosted by The Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC) featuring some specially-crafted delicious recipes using California Raisins at the Samplings On the Fourteen Restaurant at Berjaya University College recently. 

The recipes were created by 2-star Michelin celebrity Chef Emmanuel Stroobant along with guest Chef Erich Anton Roos who treated 40 key Malaysian Key Opinion Leaders to an intimate dining experience.

Everyone was pleasantly thrilled to have an “eat close and personal with the chefs” experience - watching them demonstrate on the versatile California Raisins in a four-course dinner. 

The culinary gourmet recipes as prepared by the respective chefs: 

Chef Emmanuel Stroobant (3 recipes) -  California Raisins, Crab & Cauliflower, California Raisin Pasta With Fennel & Prawns and California Raisins With Beef Short Ribs &Winter Fruits.

California Raisins, Crab & Cauliflower

California Raisin Pasta With Fennel

California Raisins With Beef Short Ribs &Winter Fruits 

Chef Erich Anton Roos (Dessert) 

Symphony of California Raisins consisting of : 

• California Raisin muffin with cream 
• California Raisin cinnamon ice cream 
• Apple puff 

Symphony of California Raisins 

Chef Emmanuel Stroobant needs no introduction as the Belgian’s 2-star Michelin celebrity chef had his first brush with culinary business when he started working as a kitchen help as young as 16 years and worked his way in the culinary world within a span of a decade, notably hosting the AFC channel for many years and opening his first restaurant in Singapore called Saint Pierre. 

Chef Erich Anton Roos, a Swiss national with 40 years of culinary and international working experience which covers many Western and Asian countries. Currently based in Bangkok, his role are focused in consultancy and strategic planning for kitchen training needs in international hotel chains. 

RAC’s Trade Promotions Director for Malaysia, Mr Richard Lieu says for most consumers, especially children, California Raisins are a healthy snack compared with other snack foods, as they are naturally sweet and do not contain any added sugar. California Raisins are also a very versatile ingredient and can inspire a wide repertoire of dishes—from appetisers and main dishes to desserts and beverages—especially as consumers are becoming more health-conscious and more adventurous in their culinary endeavours. “We are very honoured and delighted to work with Chef Emmanuel and Chef Erich to create scrumptious recipes and amazing tastes using California Raisins this time to celebrate the start of 2020 with Malaysian influencers,” enthused Richard. 

More than just an appetising delight, raisins are a great source of nutrition which is suitable to incorporate into meals amidst rising health issues due to unhealthy diets. 

Richard adds that raisins are ideal for any occasion, as they are ready-to-eat, tasty and healthy. A package of California Raisins fits perfectly in a purse or briefcase They also conveniently fit in lunch boxes, gym bags, and in your desk drawer. California Raisins are also economical, do not bruise and are easy to use straight out of the box— no washing, peeling or chopping required—so one can create a simple meal. 

Ms Tan Yen Sing, a certified clinical dietitian also was present to share on the goodness and benefits of California Raisins. 

Ms Tan said studies have shown that increased consumption of fruits & vegetables more than 5 servings a day is related to a 17% reduction in coronary heart disease. 

“Good nutrition is the best approach for preventing diseases and being healthy. Raisins, high level of polyphenol antioxidants containing about 3,037 ORAC units (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity – a method in measuring antioxidants in food) in about 2/3 cup. This essential substance are vital for protection against oxidative stress which is related to aging and disease,” said Tan. 

California Raisins Dinner is Served!

Raisins, though small, must not be underestimated for their health benefits. Tan explained raisins containing 35% fructose and 35% glucose are natural fruit sugar which is a good source of energy and has no fat & no cholesterol. It is a healthy snack and is also a sugar replacement for many recipes in cooking and baking.

For information and recipes on California Raisins, visit www.calraisins.org and www.caraisins.com. Follow us on FaceBook: @RACAsean.