NEWS ARCHIVES - 2009
1/10/2009
Chef Jill presents some great ways to contribute to a potluck for people not able to cook due to illness or injury. The article, along with many others, are published on the website butyoudontlooksick.com, a magazine "about living life to the fullest with any disability, invisible disease, or chronic pain."
1/13/2009
Check out a great blog at PassionateGreen. You'll find plenty of resources for supporting green businesses, vegetarian recipes and living an eco-friendly lifestyle.
1/13/2009
Chef Jill made an appearance on WGN to share insights on effective shopping during tough economic times. Establishing a well-stocked pantry, re-using plastic containers from the deli and planning ahead are just a few of the tips Chef Jill has to offer.
1/21/2009
Chef Jill was profiled on Chic Simple Moms, a website dedicated to "navigate the hundreds of items out there that are meant to make moms' lives easier."
2/2/2009
Chef Ryan will be a featured speaker at the Health and Fitness Expo on Friday, May 8, 2009 in Quincy, Illinois. The expo supports the participants and sponsors of the Bridge the Gap to Health race, an event featuring 5K, 10K, and half marathon certified courses. Check out the press release for more information.
2/6/2009
As winter continues to bear down, and the backyard grills lay silent and cold, Chef Ryan shows the guys how to entertain their friends by combining two of his favorite passions, cooking and beer! Check out the WGN segment on cooking healthfully with beer and try his delicious recipes below.
2/13/2009
Chef Jill appeared at the Chicago Auto Show February 13 with Chris Blumer, the Wine Diva, to talk about heart-healthy food and wine pairings. The segment was broadcast live on WGN radio and features the fantastic recipes below.
3/10/09
Eating more healthfully is all about planning. Is the perceived value in the wholesome ingredients or the time-saving efforts to prepare them? Chef Ryan returned to WGN to show you how you can have both! With less time to prepare the foods we need to be healthy, Chef Ryan shared some easy solutions that will add variety, health and convenience to your busy work week.
3/17/09
Personal Chef Sara Haas (RD, LDN), Centered Chef's on-staff dietitian, has accepted a position teaching Nutrition at Kendall College. Sara is a significant contributor to Centered Chef and is a great addition to the Kendall team.
4/9/09
In celebration of Spring finally arriving, Chef Ryan prepared recipes that celebrate both the health and versatility of fresh herbs on WGN's Lunchbreak segment. Add these refreshingly simple recipes to your repertoire!
4/24/09
Catch a glimpse of our "I Want To Stir Things Up!" cooking class co-hosted with I Want to Walk the Talk at the State Street Macy's in Chicago. The theme of the night was healthy Asian meals. Check out the participants enjoying themselves in one of our hands-on events.
Rum-Spiced Trail Mix
5/08/09
Chef Ryan will be a featured speaker at the Health and Fitness Expo on Friday, May 8, 2009 in Quincy, Illinois. The expo supports the participants and sponsors of the Bridge the Gap to Health race, an event featuring 5K, 10K, and half marathon certified courses. Quincy Catholic Charities in association with their MedAssist program donates the proceeds to individuals who cannot afford their own prescription medication.
In helping celebrate wellness, Chef Ryan will lead interactive cooking demonstrations while speaking on the topic of functional ingredients and healthful cooking. As an avid triathlete and marathoner, he will share his knowledge of healthy, time-saving food preparations, in alignment with a hectic lifestyle. Competing in this years 1/2 marathon course, Chef Ryan is one of over 2000 expected to run in the 9th anniversary of this unique race that spans over two states.
Demonstrations will take place at 3pm, 4:30pm and 6pm on Friday. Check out the press release for more information. The recipes he will feature are listed below.
5/20/09
It's time to dust off those grill tongs as we get ready for warm weather. As the beaches of Lake Michigan begin to call our name, Chef Ryan showcased some flavors on WGN's Lunchbreak segment that will satisfy your appetite as well as that old swimsuit. Lighten up that grill with Red Snapper en Papillote and a Grilled Crouton Ensalada paired with a refreshing Pomegranate Sangria.
7/1/09
Chef Jill was interviewed for an article on hosting a guiltless holiday barbeque for the American Library Association's website. The article features practical tips and recipes for healthy summertime parties.
Also this week, Chef Ryan (a regular guest on WGN's "Lunchbreak" program) will appear live at 12:40pm on July 17. On this program, chef Ryan and his on-staff dietitian Chef Sara Haas will discuss healthy fueling options for pre- and post-workouts leading to their upcoming races. Learn how they incorporate functional ingredients into smoothies and enhance everyday sandwich wraps. Recipes from the show will be available here later this week.
7/11/09
Chef Ryan will be conducting a cooking/grilling demonstration this Sunday night, at Fleet Feet Sports in Lincoln Square. As an avid endurance athlete, he will be sharing some of his favorite recipes, cooking techniques, and how to incorporate "cleaner" foods into your training. See the recipes below.
7/17/09
Marathon and triathlon season in Chicago is in full swing. Personal success with training is not just about logging miles, but balancing proper nutrition. On this WGN Lunchbreak segment, Chef Ryan discusses healthy fueling options for pre- and post-workouts leading to some upcoming races, inlcluding the Fleet Feet Womens 5k 10k this weekend. Learn how to incorporate functional ingredients into Rum-Spiced Trail Mix, Strawberry Spinach Smoothie with Cashew Butter and sandwich wraps with Cannellini Dill Spread or Herbed Black Bean Dip in order to get optimal flavor and nutrtition. Try these easy recipes out!

8/3/09
Chef Ryan conducted a cooking demonstration for the Chicago Endurance Sports training group Thursday, July 30 at Fleet Feet Sports - Piper's Alley. Chef Ryan gave insight from his own Ironman journey, as he shared his favorite recipes and cooking techniques that help boost your training through optimal nutrition.
This class featured quick-prep recipes like Strawberry Spinach Smoothies with Cashew Butter, Rum-Spiced Almond Trail Mix and Moroccan Chicken with Citrus Quinoa Tabbouleh.
8/3/09
Centered Chef Food Studios will be at the upcoming Fleet Feet Race Series "Elvis Is Alive 5k" Thursday, August 6.
Fleet Feet says of the event: "The 12th Annual Elvis Is Alive 5K is a non-competitive event and promises to be more fun than a honeymoon in Vegas. This Thursday evening race takes place on Chicago's lakefront and features an "all-Elvis" start corral and show after the run."
The race begins at 6:45pm in Grant Park, across from the Columbia Yacht Club. More details can be found on Fleet Feet's website.
Stop by to say "hello" and grab a great run-recovery snack! We will be handing out samples of our signature Rum-Spiced Almond Trail Mix following the race.
8/12/09
As the Chicago Triathlon approaches, Chef Ryan demonstrates some of his favorite recipes that he incorporates into his own triathlon training on WGN's Lunchbreak. Replenish your worn body from the rigors of raceday with the big taste of a Peppercorn- & Coriander-Rubbed Flank Steak that's grilled to perfection. Served aside a Truffled Lentil Salad and your favorite market vegetables, these recipes are great not only because they can be prepared ahead of time, but because they are perfect for muscle recovery. And finally, don't forget to toast your accomplishments with a fresh Raspberry Mojito.
8/24/09
Chef Jill is co-chair of Healthy Schools Campaign, an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering healthy school environments. The Evanston Review published an article highlighting the organization.
Chef Jill also published some great recipes and tips to preserve summer's bounty on The Smart Budget Girls Guide to the Universe.
8/25/09
On August 15th, Chef Sara Haas (RD, LDN) presented at the Gluten-Free Expo in Lisle, Illinois. Representing Centered Chef (in addition to gluten-free product producers Pamela's Products and Better Baking Products), she entertained a crowd of over 80 people with a two-part cooking demonstration highlighting the limitless possibilities for preparing tasty and healthy gluten-free meals.
Chef Sara prepared Biscuits with Sausage Gravy and Foccacia using Pamela's Baking Mix, as well as Chocolate Chip Cookies using Better Baking Products. The latter part of the presentation involved the use of the naturally gluten-free grain quinoa. Preparing recipes created by Centered Chef, she enlightened the audience on a variety of uses for quinoa. Quinoa Breakfast Tabbouleh, Black Bean and Quinoa Enchiladas and Quinoa Dessert Pudding were all a big hit with the crowd.
8/25/09
As part of Fitness Formula Clubs "12 Week Fitness Nutrition Program" Centered Chef Food Studios hosted a dinner party designed to simulate the healthhy dining choices patrons often face while eating out. Lead by Melissa Greives, RD at Rush Hospital and consulting dietitian for FFC,and teaming up with co-owner Chef Ryan Hutmacher, a 3 course menu featured Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Citrus Dipping Sauce, Banana Leaf-Wrapped Chicken Tamale with Okinawan Sweet Potato and Salsa Verde and Wildberry Granita.
9/9/09
Chef Ryan Hutmacher returned to WGN's Lunchbreak with a healthful perspective on recipes that are bursting with antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential to our health for cancer prevention and for those already battling cancer. Chef Ryan featured Chilled Blueberry Soup, Apple and Sweet Potato Sauté and Roast Pork Loin with Prunes and Blackberry Sauce.
As a participating sponsor of the 2009 5k Lung Run this coming Saturday Sept. 12, and as advocates of nutrition-supported wellness, Centered Chef will be handing out samples of their antioxidant-rich Chilled Blueberry Soup to support runners and to raise awareness about lung cancer.
Also, Chef Jill and Chef Ryan will be presenting at a Spotlight Event at the Green House tonight. The event is a business networking event celebrating Chicago companies and professionals. Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door.
9/14/09
A great photo of a great day! Photo courtesy of Michael Zajakowski/Chicago 5K Lung Run.
10/1/09
Chef Jill LOVES heavy metal...and so should you! As a guest blogger on I Want To Walk The Talk, Chef Jill makes the case for the king of cookware, cast iron.
10/5/09
Chef Jill was interviewed for the October issue of Today's Chicago Woman, available around the city now. The article profiles women who have changed careers to pursue their dream jobs.
10/7/09
The seasons of change are upon us. Fall is in full swing as the upcoming Chicago Marathon marks the end of summer's marathon training. Chef Ryan Hutmacher, from Centered Chef returns with his dietitian Sara Haas to talk about fall soups perfect for your marathon muscle recovery. Simple, soothing soups like Mexican Pumpkin Bisque with Spiced Pepitas and traditional Vietnamese Pho Soup highlight this WGN Lunchbreak segment.
10/13/09
Chef Jill was recently featured in the Chicago Tribune in an article highlighting new, creative venues for entertaining and the changing landscape of social dining in our society.
10/27/09
The chefs at Centered Chef are participating in the Cooking Up Change Healthy Cooking Contest sponsored by the Healthy Schools Campaign. The contest, co-chaired by Chef Jill, challenges teams of Chicago high school students to create a nutritionally-balanced, cost-effective meal. The winning team's meal will be served throughout Chicago Public Schools, and the team will head to Washington D.C. to tour the White House kitchen and have their meal served to Congress. Here's a great photo of Chef Ryan with his team.

11/1/09
Chef Ryan is looking for support and donations for his Culinary Wellness Initiative as he takes part in the Ironman in Cozumel, Mexico on November 29th. He will be competing to honor the people who have been touched by cancer, and to bring hope to those currently facing the disease. Chef Ryan kicked off this initiative with a keynote speech at "Cancer Survivors Day" on November 1st at Rush University Medical Center.
There, he shared the stage with local celebrity advocates and cancer survivors Jonny Imerman of "Imerman Angels" and Roz Varon of ABC 7. Chef Ryan's speech touched on the state of the American diet and the impact "convenience" has had on wellness. Several hundred were in attendance, including Chef Ryan's mom, a stage-4 ovarian cancer survivor.
11/5/09
Centered Chef has a recipe featured in DailyCandy Kids! Check out the simple recipe for Spiced Popcorn Trail Mix.
11/9/09
Chef Ryan returns to WGN's Lunchbreak to share recipes and preparation guidelines using the antioxidant rockstar, pomegranates. These recipes, Flank Steak Salad topped with Pomegranate Salsa and drizzled with Pomegranate Vinaigrette, coincide with Chef Ryan's Culinary Wellness Initiative, as he competes at Ironman Cozumel November 29th and raises money for the American Cancer Society. For those who donate at centeredchef.com, Chef Ryan is offering a free cooking class at Macy's Culinary Studio. In addition, Chef Ryan will tattoo onto his body the name of a "Loved One" who has lost the battle or is currently fighting cancer as he races more than 140 miles.
In other news, Chef Ryan and Chef Jill will be speaking at a lecture with Liz Lipski, PhD, CCN, CHN hosted by the American Nutrition Association this Thursday, November 12th at 7pm. The topic is Reducing Inflammation with Food. View or download additional information for this informative event.
12/10/09
'Tis the season for holiday get-togethers! With all of these great parties, "what to bring" is the question. Join Chefs Ryan Hutmacher and Sara Haas from Centered Chef Food Studios, as they discuss some quick and healthy dishes perfect for any holiday party on WGN's Lunchbreak. Bringing a bottle of wine instead? Learn about the health benefits and even how to incorporate those into your holiday cooking. They'll be showcasing festive recipes such as red wine poached pears, roasted beet salad and glazed chicken with tomato chutney.
Join Chefs Ryan and Sara Dec. 18th for their "Antioxidant" cooking class benefiting the American Cancer Society at Macy's, 111 N State St. You can register for the class here online.