As Americans, we often think of chestnuts as just a holiday treat, but these ancient fruits are so much more than a Christmas cliche. Packed with nutrients, versatile chestnuts bring the ancient world right into modern times in the most sustainable way. In this very special episode, we're headed to a magical historic village called Pratalecchia in the Mugello region of Tuscany, where we meet Fosco Ferri. For centuries, the village has been home to a spectacular chestnut grove. Today, Fosco continues his family's legacy, restoring and preserving the village as he uses the same traditional processes used for countless generations to cultivate and produce chestnuts. Recipes: Anolotti with Chestnut Filling; Castagnaccio; Grape Focaccia

In Puglia, eating locally means using foods produced town by town to create your pantry, fridge and eating style. Today, we head to Alberobello, famous for fairy-like houses known as trulli, but for me, the best part is their almonds and figs. I can't wait to show you this town and create some fabulous sweets as we live our healthiest lives. Recipes: Canale; Chewy Chocolate Chip Almond Cookies; Rosata di Mandorle

The man famous for "I'll be back" has said "Hasta la Vista" to meat. Yup, famous muscleman Arnold Schwarzenegger has backed off meat as the protein to power his muscles and advises us all to do the same. But can we be big and strong without meat, but with beans? You know the answer is one big delicious yes. Recipes: Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables with Pureed Beans; Kitchen Sink Chili; Stuffed Peppers

The man famous for "I'll be back" has said "Hasta la Vista" to meat. Yup, famous muscleman Arnold Schwarzenegger has backed off meat as the protein to power his muscles and advises us all to do the same. But can we be big and strong without meat, but with beans? You know the answer is one big delicious yes. Recipes: Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables with Pureed Beans; Kitchen Sink Chili; Stuffed Peppers

I'm Italian and Irish. I must admit that I owe my storytelling to my Irish ancestors. But cooking? That's all Italian, baby. Today it's all about the Italian Table, as we go back to the cutting board on Christina Cooks. Recipes: Pappa Al Pomodoro; Pasta with Pesto, Potatoes and Greens Baci di Dama.

I'm Italian and Irish. I must admit that I owe my storytelling to my Irish ancestors. But cooking? That's all Italian, baby. Today it's all about the Italian Table, as we go back to the cutting board on Christina Cooks. Recipes: Pappa Al Pomodoro; Pasta with Pesto, Potatoes and Greens Baci di Dama.

Healthy eating has an image problem. It's complicated, right? Tough to change our eating style, right? Nah. It's simple, delicious and so easy. I'll show you how as I take you back to the cutting board, today on Christina Cooks. Recipes: Hearty Lentil Soup with Fresh Herbs; Bitter Green Salad with Nutty Vinaigrette; Ginger Poached Pears.

Healthy eating has an image problem. It's complicated, right? Tough to change our eating style, right? Nah. It's simple, delicious and so easy. I'll show you how as I take you back to the cutting board, today on Christina Cooks. Recipes: Hearty Lentil Soup with Fresh Herbs; Bitter Green Salad with Nutty Vinaigrette; Ginger Poached Pears.

Think wellness and joy comes packaged in a brightly colored box...or yikes...a bucket? Sorry, kids but happiness begins in the kitchen where we cook fresh foods to create strength and wellness. It's time to get back to the cutting board and cook, today on Christina Cooks. Recipes: Black Bean Burgers; Cracked Potatoes; Almond Joyfuls.