tabloid! gets some tantalising tips from chef samira Rengert.
Cooking demonstrations, with a focus on good nutrition, were recently held at Mercato shopping mall as part of the Dubai Summer Surprises 2008.
Sponsored by Kenwood, chef Samira Rengert's demonstration taught visitors how to whip up delicious but healthy smoothies, sugar free jams and baked goods.
The chef made treats such as zucchini cake, muesli to go, fresh fruit jam and smoothies made with berries.
"I'm not here to act as a teacher — the demonstration is educational but also a lot of fun. The children will experience cooking themselves and this makes them happy to eat the food."
Rengert has been in Dubai for 12 years and usually coaches individuals and company staff on food.
"I focus on people who have difficulties coping with different medical conditions like food allergies, weight issues and diabetes."
The chef teaches people how to shop for food, how to dine out at restaurants and how to cook.
Cultural flavours
The Syrian born German national is a certified food coach who specialises in children's nutrition. She is a co-founder of the Cooking Sense cookery school in Dubai.
She says she was introduced to different cuisines at a very early age and her family's home cooking was inspired by many countries and particularly by Arabic culture.
Her goal is to bring home cooking back into every kitchen and preserve traditional recipes for future generations as part of the culture of a country.
She is currently working on her first cookbook and is running Cooking Sense together with her husband. Her special focus at the moment is on traditional cooking of the Gulf which will also be the subject of her first book.
European dance favourites
The European Dance Group are currently delighting shoppers during DSS 2008 across Dubai malls.
Recently the Mazaya Centre hosted the group, which performed dances from Yugoslavia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Albania, and Spain. Each show lasts 20 minutes.
To catch the group's next show, head down to the Bin Sougat Centre today where they will be performing at 6.20pm, 7.40pm and 9pm.
Hilarious dancing heads
Deira City Centre has brought in the hilarious Dance Heads activity.
Dance Heads uses state-of-the-art technology to superimpose the heads of participants onto dancing characters as they sing along to pop hits. The effect is complete with an animated background and viewing monitors allowing shoppers to watch participants become singing and dancing stars.
Organisers say the activity has had adults and children in fits of laughter.
Participants also receive a complimentary DVD to enjoy at home. Dance Heads is at Deira City Centre's Centre Court from 3pm to 9pm on weekdays until July 9.
