Diabetes support arrives through the airwaves
Consider this number: 14 million.
It's estimated that at least that many Americans have diabetes. Take into account the number of people with pre-diabetes and that number grows even higher.
Northfield-based Kraft is hoping to address the needs of that large yet isolated community with its multi-pronged Good Eating, Good Living initiative.
Through a syndicated radio show, Web site and newsletter, Kraft hopes to provide education, food solutions, lifestyle tips and support.
The radio show, which debuted Aug. 25, features registered dietitian Edye Wagner of Highland Park and registered physician assistant and diabetes educator Amy Hendel. The show aims to help listeners navigate the day-to-day challenges of dealing with diabetes. The 22 weekly segments will feature guest experts to address diabetes-related topics, meal and recipe ideas and nutrition and fitness tips. You can hear the show from 7 to 8 a.m. Saturdays on WIND 560-AM.
At the corresponding Web site, www.goodeatinggood living.com, you can access featured recipes, find articles and fitness and meal planners and post on a message board. You can also sign up online to receive Kraft's new magazine, Good Eating, Good Living, which provides additional expert advice, recipes and tips for people with diabetes and their families.
Fall wining guide: Corks will be popping this month at a number of wine festivals.
More than 250 vintages and a handful of celebrity chefs will be featured this weekend at the Windy City Wine Festival in the Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Grant Park.
Guests can enjoy interactive cooking and wine seminars taught by acclaimed chefs and sommeliers including PBS personality Nick Stellino and Chicago's own dessert diva Gale Gand and sommelier Belinda Chang.
The Windy City Wine Festival, presented by Binny's Beverage Depot, runs from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $25 per person and includes a souvenir wine glass and 10 tasting coupons (additional tastings available at 10 for $5). Purchase tickets at www.windycitywine festival.com or (847) 382-1480 or on site.
If you're heading north this weekend, check out the inaugural Lake Geneva Wine Festival. Fine dining, wine tasting and seminars will be centered on the lakeside campus of George Williams College of Aurora University in Williams Bay, as well as in downtown Lake Geneva and surrounding lakeside homes and restaurants.
Wine and culinary enthusiasts will enjoy the talents of nationally and internationally acclaimed vintners and Chicago-based chefs as they share their knowledge and expertise. The festival, a collaborative effort by three local nonprofit organizations (Geneva Lakes YMCA, George Williams College of Aurora University and Holiday Home Camp), will raise funds to support the needs of children and families through education and outreach.
Most events cost $20 to $25; Friday's Grand Gala at the Grand Geneva resort runs $225; Saturday's grand tasting and auction costs $75. Details and order form at www.lakegenevawinefestival.com.
Guests can pick up the tasting trail at the Naperville Wine Festival from 4 to 10 p.m. Sept. 14 and from 3 to 10 p.m. Sept. 15 at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. Tickets cost $20; $10 for designated drivers. Details and tickets at www.napervillewine festival.com or (847) 382-1480.
Continental cuisine: Nationally renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson will be at the Streets of Woodfield Starbucks at 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday to talk about pairing coffee with food, do a cooking demonstration and sign copies of his newest cookbook, "Discovery of a Continent." The book focuses on the unique and delicious cuisine of Africa. Chef Samuelsson received the James Beard Foundation Award for Rising Star Chef in 1999 and was named Best Chef, New York in 2003.
Heavy metal: "Iron Chef" Masaharu Morimoto stops in Chicago this weekend to sign copies of his book "Morimoto: The New Art of Japanese Cooking."
Catch a cooking demo and signing from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday at Kendall College, 900 North Branch St., Chicago, or from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Fox & Obel Market, 401 E. Illinois St., Chicago.
Tooting our own horn: The Daily Herald Food section ranks third in the country in its circulation division (200,000 and under). The Association of Food Journalists announced the award Aug. 26 at its annual conference.