Chef Inspired Healthy With Diane Henderiks ~ Kerry Heffernan

Kerry Heffernan is a culinary master! His extensive career has taken him through some of the most highly-regarded restaurants in the country such as Montrachet, Restaurant Bouley, Mondrian, Le Régence, The Westbury Hotel's famed Polo Restaurant, Eleven Madison Park and South Gate. Kerry and I are both huge dog lovers and we met a few years back on the set of Fox & Friends where we cooked up our recipes from a book called The Culinary Canine: Great Chefs Cook For Their Dogs...And So Can You. This talented chef is also is an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, seafood expert, and is on a mission to help with seafood sustainability and conservation.

Now let's get Kerry's take on healthy cooking...

Diane:  Do you see a trend with diners seeking better-for-you options on the menu?

Kerry:  Yes, no doubt and from a variety of specific concerns, gluten, salt, carbohydrate and fat. Also to a sense of people being far more concerned about what they put in their bodies, that it be organic, intelligent, and forward-thinking. I see people wanting to eat in a way that will better ensure not only a longer life, but better quality of life.  

Diane: What's your definition of "healthy eating"?

Kerry:  Good question, as it varies so much from season to season, but basically I try to be smart about my fats carbs and sugars, using each very carefully and to its maximum advantage.

Diane: What is your secret to cooking healthier without sacrificing flavor?

Kerry:  Quality local seasonal ingredients, PERIOD!

Diane: What is your favorite dish on your own menu and why?

Kerry:  Like children, it's hard to pick a favorite, but anything with clams and greens from my garden makes me very happy.

Diane: How about an update on what's new and exciting in your world?   

Kerry:  Much brewing, a cookbook on a year in Sag Harbor, a TV show or two and a downtown restaurant in the works... keep an eye on my Twitter: @kheffernan212 facebook.com/chefkerryheffernan, and to learn more look up chefkerryheffernan.com

Click here for Kerry Heffernan's Ragout of Clams, Eel and Mustard Greens Recipe

Diane Henderiks is a personal chef and culinary nutritionist on a mission to teach America how to cook and eat well. Follow her on Twitter @dhenderiks, "Like" Diane on Facebook, or visit her website.