Christina Cooks: Back to the Cutting Board

Food Series / 6 Seasons

Christina Pirello shares healthy, fresh Italian and Mediterranean recipes as well as her brassy, insightful approach to liver, kidney and heart health and diabetes prevention. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1983, Christina turned to a macrobiotic diet of whole grains and vegetables to aid in her recovery, launching the 20-plus year run of her Emmy Award-winning series Christina Cooks.

26m 46s / TV-G

The Italian Table

S1 E101 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Christina Pirello takes viewers back to simple times and the idea that whole, fresh food can be delicious. This episode is all about the Italian Table, as we go back to the cutting board. Recipes include Pappa Al Pomodoro and Pasta with Pesto, Potatoes and Greens Baci di Dama.

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Where Do I Begin?

S1 E102 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Healthy eating has an image problem, that it’s complicated or tough to change our eating style. Actually, it’s simple, delicious and so easy. Christina shows you how as she takes you back to the cutting board. Recipes include Hearty Lentil Soup with Fresh Herbs, Bitter Green Salad with Nutty Vinaigrette and Ginger Poached Pears.

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Your Real Happy Meal

S1 E103 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Happiness begins in the kitchen where we cook fresh foods to create strength and wellness. Christina’s message is clear and unique: what we choose to eat has a big impact on how we look, feel, age and move through this challenging world. Recipes include Black Bean Burgers, Cracked Potatoes and Almond Joyfuls.

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Fear Factor

S1 E104 / 26m 46s / TV-G

We live in challenging times and Christina's message takes on a new directness and urgency as she hopes to inspire us to change how we think about food. Shake off the fear that threatens to overwhelm us by going back to the cutting board. Recipes include Veggie Hotpot with Biscuit Topping, Brussels Sprouts with Shiitake, Daikon and Baby Carrots and Sesame Hiziki Salad.

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The Beat Goes On

S1 E105 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Experts have concluded that most heart disease is both preventable and treatable with lifestyle changes. A few diet tweaks could keep our tickers ticking and change how we think about heart health. Recipes include Tempeh Reuben, Farro with Cauliflower and Carrot Almond Cake

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A Simple Supper

S1 E106 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Short on time? With a little planning, you can get a delicious, healthy meal on the table quickly. Recipes include Chickpea Farro Soup, Stir-Fried Cauliflower and Mustard Greens in Lemon-Sesame Sauce and Peanut Butter Marvels.

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Pasta Love

S1 E107 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Nothing is better than a steaming bowl of pasta. Get back to the cutting board and the pasta pot, today on Christina Cooks. Recipes include Pasta e Fagioli, Pasta with Broccoli-Pine Nut Pesto and Italian Couscous and Veggie Salad.

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The Med-iterranean Table

S1 E108 / 26m 46s / TV-G

We hear a lot about the Mediterranean and its impact on wellness. Is there more to this gorgeous region than blue seas and sunny skies? Si si si…and it’s all about what’s on your plate. Time to get back to the cutting board and discover the joys of the world’s healthiest diet, today on Christina Cooks. Recipes include Hot Black Bean Soup, Cannellini Beans with Greens and Pignoli Cookies.

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Want to Be a Happier Camper

S1 E109 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Cranky in the morning? Impatient with everyone? Hate waiting in line or sitting in traffic? Easily irritated? Is it just modern life or is it your liver? Let’s get back to the cutting board and fix that little gland right up, today on Christina Cooks. Recipes include Squash and Sweet Corn Chowder, Sweet and Savory Brussels Sprouts and Warm Escarole and Shiitake Salad.

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Let's Stop Sugarcoating the Truth

S1 E110 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Ever notice all the ads for diabetes medicine? Do you think it’s as scary as I do? It’s become a dark cloud over all of us. But does it have to be? Not if we cook to prevent and manage it. We can do that? We sure can, and I’ll show you how as we go back to the cutting board, today on Christina Cooks. Recipes include Daikon-Shiitake Consommé, Sweet Nishime Squash and Spiced Pecan Baked Apples.

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Let's Just Skip Getting Sick

S1 E111 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Health statistics are scarier than a horror novel! And while no one gets out of life alive, we can try to live whatever moments we do have in wellness and vitality. Health begins in the kitchen, and I’ll help you find your way as we go back to the cutting board, today on Christina Cooks. Recipes include Creamy Mushroom Soup, Kale Salad with Chickpeas and Pumpkin Squares.

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I Just Want a Little Something

S1 E112 / 26m 46s / TV-G

We eat three squares a day. Or do we? Many of us graze all day long, going from snack to meal to snack to meal. Since it seems we eat everywhere, from the opera to the gas station to the bank, let’s at least make sure what we’re eating serves our wellness. Get back to the cutting board and snack well, today on Christina Cooks. Recipes include Pita Chips with Hummus, Pecan Squares and Asteroids.

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Why Italians Live Well…A Story of Lentils

S1 E113 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Discover the benefits lentils bring to your wellness. Fall in love with these humble beans. Recipes include Red Lentil-Corn Chowder, Waldorf Salad and Crostini with Lentil Pate.

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