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What does Okra taste like?

I watched your show today and you were cooking okra.  I have never tasted it and was wondering what it tastes like. Is it sweet like a fruit or more like  a vegetable or is it spicy like a pepper?   Thanks for watching! Okra is a vegetable that has its own unique flavor.  The texture can be somewhat silky while others describe that texture as slimy. Those of us from the South enjoy okra. It is hard to describe the flavor in words as you can imagine. I suggest you give it a try and let me know if you can describe the taste to me! Cooking suggestion: Slice 1/2 lb. okra and cook it with 1 diced onion, 1 tomato, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil and  1/4 cup of water. Simmer for 25-30 minutes. Curtis

How become a vegetarian

I watch your show a lot and I love it.  I am 18 years old and want to become a vegetarian, but I don’t know what is involved with becoming one (staying healthy, eating right, etc). If you could tell me some of the things you did or some things you know of I would be very grateful.    thank you,  Theresa Theresa, There are many reasons to become vegetarian–the most common being an increased attention to health, and an awareness of humane treatment of animals. I’ve been meat-free for nearly 20 years, and I’ve never felt better! I learned that the best approach to vegetarianism is to pay close attention to finding alternative sources of protein.  Many of these sources are highlighted on Pick Of The Day–the most common are beans, tofu, nuts, (+ eggs and dairy products, for non-vegans).  In order to create a complete protein, it is advisable Read More…

Interested in becoming a chef

Hi Curtis, I Just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how much I have enjoyed you show and recipes! I am 16 and live in Otis, Maine.(a.k.a. No wheres Ville) I have been interested in becoming a chef myself since I was 5 or 6 years old. And I try my hardest to watch your show regularly. I do allot of the cooking for my family and make most of the meals we eat. I have been using allot of your recipes and trying to get my family to eat better. My Father is a REAL meat freak, He just loves meat so I was skeptical about taking meat away from him but I tried substituting Mushrooms(the mushroom burgers) and Tofu. He didn’t really even notice! WOW thanks for all the great inspiration. Keep up the GREAT work and giving us great recipes to use. And one Read More…

THE ABCs of DEVOTION…

Chef Curtis Aikens found his life’s mission by LIZ BALMASEDA Palm Beach Post Food Editor Chef Curtis Aikens learned to cook decades before he learned to read. He learned from watching his mother, a woman blessed with Southern culinary talents, in the Georgia kitchen of his childhood. Learning to cook gave him a career. But learning to read — at age 26 — gave him a mission. “I feel God put me here for this purpose. I want to share my story, motivate people who have a reading problem and let them know not to be ashamed and embarrassed,” says Aikens, who will speak at the 20th Annual Love of Literacy Luncheon on March 11 in West Palm Beach. Aikens, one of the original Food Network chefs, is now a cookbook author and motivational speaker at age 52. He has hosted four Food Network cooking shows, appeared regularly on ABC’s Read More…

Celebrity Chef Curtis Aikens at IKEA

Celebrity Chef Curtis Aikens at IKEA – March 19 Submitted by News10 Web Staff Tuesday, March 15th, 7:23 pm Topics: Events 0 0 PrintE-mail Together with Food University and Family Circle magazine, IKEA West Sacramento will give you the inspiration and basic know-how to utilize your kitchen like a pro, from organization and cooking techniques to entertaining with style! Join Curtis Aikens as he hosts a Food University Cooking Demonstration, presented by Family Circle, at the IKEA in West Sacramento. Saturday, March 19 2:00pm – 4:00pm IKEA West Sacramento www.myfoodu.com

Fresh Pickled Melons

Fresh, sweet and a little tart… Chef Aikens tells you about this great recipe on Food University video. Try it out and let us know what you think!

Pasta with Chicken & Mushroom Saute

A hearty, healthy main dish that can be modified to fit your dietary needs.

Chocolate Pecan Zucchini Bundt Cake

with Grand Manier Pecan Topping

Trio of Vegetables

Green Beans, Carrots, and Pearl Onions. A simple side dish that looks and tastes great!

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Warm and creamy a perfect pairing with meat or fish.