The popular chef and author of four cookbooks was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1983 and with the support of her doctors, turned to a nutritional approach to combat the disease. Already a vegetarian, she turned to a macrobiotic diet — consisting mainly of whole grains and vegetables — to aid in her recovery, and whole-foods cooking became her passion. Now, more than 20 years later (and cancer free), Christina is one of the country's foremost educators on cooking and alternative health. Described as "the woman who put the fun back into healthy cooking," Christina now gives whole foods cooking classes, seminars, workshops, catering and lectures nationwide.

• Christina Cooks

• Chocolate Dipped Almond Biscotti