SAN DIEGO — The New Year is the perfect time to develop new habits, to start eating better and to make strides toward a healthier lifestyle. Nutritionist and Super Chef Dean Sheremet of the cooking competition show My Kitchen Rules joins our Laura Cavanaugh to showcase some new recipes and to share the benefits of cooking clean meals with a clean energy source.
Gas stoves have made headlines lately with some questioning the potential health impacts and concerns over indoor air quality.
“I think they’re absolutely safe,” said Sheremet. “As a father of a four year-old, indoor air quality and just health in general is paramount for me.”
Sheremet says ventilation when cooking is key. If you have an exhaust fan or range hood, use it every time you cook no matter what cooking equipment you’re using. If you don’t have an exhaust fan or range hood, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends opening doors and windows for all indoor cooking.
“It’s not the source that is the problem, it’s what they’re cooking,” said Chef Sheremet. “Most often people use the wrong oil and cook at the wrong temperature.”
Heating cooking oil at the appropriate temperature aids in maintaining indoor air quality. Sheremet says 96% of professional chefs prefer cooking with gas because of precise temperature control, instant on and off and greater energy savings over electric.
“Chefs love the precision, the reliability. We know when we turn that flame down, we’re going to get an accurate heat source for whatever we’re cooking.” said Sheremet. “But when I turn off that propane heat source, that heat is going to dissipate a lot faster than those electric models that tend to stay hotter for much longer.”
Check out his recipes for Skirt Steak with Chimichurri, Seared Shrimp with Spicy Asian Greens and Spaghetti and Clams.
For more information, visit: www.propane.com/chefdean