This culinary column serves to share recipes and health tips from the perspective of a classically trained chef who has shifted gears from cooking in high-end kitchens to studying nutrition, focusing on health and healing through everyday food habits. 
Food is arguably the most important part of our lives. Our daily eating habits determine our physical and emotional health, longevity and how we look and feel. I love food for its healing and health-maintaining abilities, nourishing and nurturing all of humanity.  
When eating for health, remove packaged “foods.” Focus on quality protein, healthy fats and colorful fruits and vegetables. Always aim for foods that are as local, in season and organic as you can afford. 

This month, in the United States, we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. As we begin the season of celebration, I always like to keep healthy recipes in my family’s regular meal rotation. This month’s recipe is packed with essential protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. It highlights some gifts of the fall season – kale and pomegranate. You may prepare this recipe with any leftover turkey you might have from your holiday celebration, in place of the chicken.  
Chicken Salad with Kale, Pomegranate and Pistachios 

Ingredients: 

1 3-4 lb. chicken, cooked and chopped (about 3 cups) 

6 oz, Tuscan kale, sliced thin 

1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 

4 stalks celery; remove tough strands and dice 

½ cup pistachios 

½ cup pomegranate seeds 

Dressing: 

¼ cup mayonnaise 

2 tbsp. Dijon mustard 

¼ cup mango ginger chutney 

Salt to taste 

Method: 

1. Place the chopped chickenin a large mixing bowl. Massage the sliced kale with the extra virgin olive oil; then add to the chicken, along with the celery, pistachios and pomegranate seeds.  
2. For the dressing,mixall the components. Taste/adjust as you like. 
3. Mixeverythingtogether and season with salt as desired. 
   Serves 4-6 as a stand-alone salad or sandwich. 

Julianne Parkis is a Danbury mom, a chef trained at The Culinary Institute of America and a certified nutrition consultant. For recipes and health tips, visit her website, homeawaycafe.com. You can email her at homeawaycafe@gmail.com.