SHOW & RECIPE FOR 12-8

ITALIAN CAN BE HEALTHY
On this week’s show, we launch a new segment created with the editors of Houston Health & Fitness Magazine and devoted to the secrets of “healthy chefs” all over town. We start the monthly series with Anthony Russo of New York Pizzeria, who shares some of the ways his Italian cuisine is not only one of the world’s most ancient but one of the world’s most life-giving. We agree already, Anthony, but we can’t wait to taste the samples you bring to help make your point. Health & Fitness editor Rod Evans joins the fun.

THE WINE SERENADE
Carlo Cignozzi wanted the vines that produce his wonderful, deep-ruby Il Paradiso di Frassina wines in Tuscany to be healthy. And what better way, he figured, to keep a living thing healthy than to play lovely music for it? In the beginning, he played the accordion in his vineyards, but in moré recent years, first-rate sound technology has rescued him from his vine-side vaudeville act. As Carlo explains (and his wife translates), the Brunello vines of Il Paradiso have not only been carefully crafted but lovingly serenaded with Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi and Scarlatti.

LOOKING FOR GOOD SPACE
In keeping with this show’s theme – talking with one healthy chef and then with the maker of healthy wines – we couldn’t resist also inviting two of the healthiest people we know, pilates master Melody Morton of The Good Space and our yoga instructor Selise Stewart. Both women are remarkable since both have worked in terrific restaurants (Selise as a chef) - and both now manage to be healthy while continuing to enjoy the very best in food and wine. As the holidays make ye olde clothes fit tighter by the day, we ask them in desperation for their secret.

This Week’s Delicious Mischief Recipe…
HONEY-JALAPENO PARTY DIP

1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 ½ teaspoons seeded and minced jalapenos
4 teaspoons honey
¼ teaspoon Worcestershire
¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper

Whisk the mayonnaise with the remaining ingredients, cover and refrigerate. Serve with tortilla chips.