An Evening with California Raisins and Chef Emmanuel Stroobant

Charlotte's Makan Journey was welcoming the beginning of year 2020 by savouring an exclusive fine dining with Belgian's 2-star Michelin Celebrity Chef Emmanuel Stroobant and Guest Chef Erich Anton Roos, using the healthy yet versatile goodness of California Raisins.

Organized by the Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC) together with a sweet repertoire of specially-crafted delicious recipes using California Raisins, at Samplings On The Fourteenth Restaurant, Berjaya University College Kuala Lumpur.

It was such a pleasantly thrilled experience as I have the lovely opportunity to enjoy the delicious gourmet and at the same time to get close and personal with the two Chefs, watching them demonstrated on the versatile California Raisins in a four-course dinner.

The culinary gourmet recipes prepared by Chef Emmanuel Stroobant

California Raisins, Crab & Cauliflower

Read the exclusive recipe here 👉 California Raisins Recipes by Chef Emmanuel Stroobant

California Raisins Pasta, Fennel & Prawns

Read the exclusive recipe here 👉 California Raisins Recipes by Chef Emmanuel Stroobant

California Raisins, Beef Short Ribs & Winter Fruits

Read the exclusive recipe here 👉 California Raisins Recipes by Chef Emmanuel Stroobant

The sweet lovely dessert presented by Chef Erich Anton Roos

~ Symphony of California Raisins ~

Apple Raisin Dumpling Puff

with California Raisin Coffee Muffin,

Mascarpone Raisin & Cinnamon Ice-Cream

Chef Emmanuel Stroobant

As the Belgian's 2-star Michelin Celebrity Chef, Chef Emmanuel Stroobant had his first brush with culinary business when he started working as a kitchen helper at a tender age of 16 and worked his way in the culinary world within a span of a decade, notably hosting the AFC channel for many years. Chef Emmanuel Stroobant opened his first restaurant at the age of 23 in his hometown, Liege. In year 2000, he opened his first restaurant in Singapore named Saint Pierre.

Chef Erich Anton Roos

As a Swiss national with 40 years of culinary and international working experience in many Western and Asian countries, Chef Erich Anton Roos has been appointed as judge in many international cooking competitions. Currently based in Bangkok, Thailand, Chef Erich Anton Roos' role is focused on consultancy and strategic planning for kitchen training needs in international hotel chains.

Present at the evening was RAC's Trade Promotions Director for Malaysia, Mr Richard Lieu, mentioned that 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 added sugar. California Raisins are also a versatile ingredient which inspired 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.

RAC's Trade Promotions Director for Malaysia, Richard Lieu was giving the welcome speech

"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 Lieu.

Richard Lieu highlighted that raisins are ideal for any occasion, as they are ready-to-eat plus tasty and healthy. A package of California Raisins fits perfectly in a purse or briefcase. They are also conveniently fit in lunch boxes, gym bags as well as in desk drawer. California Raisins are 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 healthy meal.

Welcome words by Ms Rowena Ngumbang, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, U.S. Department of Agriculture | Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)

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

Nutritious sharing by Dietitian Ms Tan Yen Sing

Ms Tan Yen Sing mentioned that studies have shown the increased consumption of fruits and 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 have high level of polyphenol antioxidants which contained 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 Ms Tan.

Though small in terms of piece's size, raisins must not be underestimated for their health benefits. Ms Tan explained raisins contained 35% fructose and 35% glucose are natural fruit sugar which is a good source of energy and has no fat and no cholesterol. It is a healthy snack and also served as sugar replacement for many recipes in cooking and baking.

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 fulfill this quota. In fact, it only takes ½ cup of raisins to equal a whole fruit serving vs 1 full cup of fresh fruit.

Key Benefits of California Raisins

✓ They are all-natural
✓ They are naturally sweet and do not contain added sugar
✓ They are fat-free 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

Refreshing California Raisins Sparkling Juice

With Chef Emmanuel Stroobant 💖

With Chef Erich Anton Roos 💖

Group photo happiness 💖

More information and recipes on California Raisins at www.calraisins.org and www.caraisins.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RACASEAN/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveyourraisins/


About the Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC)

The Raisin Administrative Committee is non-profit organisation led by 47 growers, packers and a public member. RAC is directly overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and was created in year 1949 as a result of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937.

RAC's headquarter is in downtown Fresno, California. It collects and distributes delivery data weekly and shipment data monthly, publishes an annual report of industry statistics and policies, actively and directly markets into 18 foreign nations, and collaborates with USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service.