Los Angeles (PRWEB) July 7, 2005 -– Chef Harry Schwartz, the creator and host of the popular PBS program “Chef Harry & Friends,” has teamed with the National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) as the 2005 Watermelon Chef and is traveling across the country this summer in a state-of-the-art, custom-built 40-foot bus boasting a full kitchen to introduce delicious new watermelon recipes, along with practical healthy eating lifestyle tips.

Chef Harry’s warm and casual style makes even the average cook feel like they can prepare his tasty recipes. And whatever your mood, there’s a watermelon dish to suit it. Featuring enticing new creations such as Breakfast Lasagna, Watermelon Yogurt Mint Smoothie, Watermelon Cilantro Salsa Tropical, Sweet and Sour Watermelon Chicken, and Watermelon Champagne Sangria, Chef Harry’s signature preparations are not only unique, but simple and easy, allowing the cook with plenty of time and energy to enjoy the meal and their company.

“Watermelon is an ideal health food because it does not contain any fat or cholesterol,” explains Chef Harry. “It’s one of the foods that is delicious and you can eat as much of it as you’d like.” Watermelons are 92 percent water and an excellent source of vitamins A, B6 and C, as well as fiber and potassium. A two-cup serving of watermelon contains many important vitamins and minerals, including lycopene, an antioxidant contained in the red varieties of watermelon. Preliminary research shows that consuming foods that contain lycopene are associated with a decreased risk of prostate and cervical cancer. It’s not just for picnics anymore!

Chef Harry knows how to take the tears, toil, turmoil – and fat – out of cooking for guests. In fact, he has lost more than 100 pounds and keeps it off by indulging in organic foods and, of course, lots of watermelon. His hip and outgoing nature has made him not only the acclaimed host of “Chef Harry & Friends,” but a frequent guest on TV and radio. Chef Harry has been featured in over 300 segments and shows for over 10 networks and cable channels, including NBC’s “Today Show,” E! Television, Extra, Lifetime, and the Food TV and HGTV networks. He currently has live shows on Shop at Home Network and is the Food Guru of WMTW in Portland, Maine. Chef Harry writes a weekly feature for Copley News Service and has authored several books, with his latest, entitled “Fit Foundation,” set for September release by Volt Press.

Chef Harry’s first career was far from the kitchen. Harvard educated, he made his mark as an entrepreneur and owner of a scrap metal recycling business before retiring at age 34 to pursue his great love and interest – food. He studied in Paris at the prestigious La Varenne cooking school, has founded several restaurants and served on philanthropic boards. Chef Harry and his family live on the south coast of Maine, where he and his wife of 25 years are very active in several charitable causes.

Please check the following Web sites:
http://www.chefharry.com
http://www.watermelon.org

Interviews, in-studio or location cooking demonstrations available.

Photos & recipes by request:
Blanchette & Associates
Contact: Holly Wallace
Phone: 310-472-4107
C: 310-990-2467
Email: creativemediapr@yahoo.com