Tuesday, January 25, 2011

1/27 Joe Cahn Tailgating, Alison Brie, Anne Byrn Cake Mix Doc, Stephanie Ashcraft, Anisha Nagarajan, Soy Expert David Grotto, Celebrity Chef Katie Lee

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

The Nationally-Recognized Commissioner of Tailgating, Joe Cahn, Shares Tips on Throwing a Super Bowl Party

Let the football festivities commence! Super Bowl Sunday is almost here and fans across the country will be huddled together to watch the big game. There is no question that pizza and wings will be served, but different regions also have their own specialties. Widely known as the Commissioner of Tailgating, Joe Cahn has driven his RV over 800,000 miles, visited hundreds of cities and has eaten his way through over 650 tailgate parties. He's had it all, from BBQ ribs in Kansas City, to shrimp and crabs in Baltimore, to wild-caught salmon in Seattle, and of course, jambalaya and grilled oysters in Louisiana.

There are extreme tailgaters. And then there is Joe Cahn! As the self-proclaimed Commissioner of Tailgating, Joe may have the best job in America. He invented it. In 1996, he sold his business, the New Orleans School of Cooking, sold his house, bought a motor home and hit the road to explore what he calls "the new American community" Tailgate Parties. Joe Cahn is the world's only professional tailgater. He tailgates at college and professional football stadiums, and any other event where they party in the parking lot. Now in his twelfth season on the road, he has driven his RV over 800,000 miles, visited hundreds of cities, has seen thousands of fans and has eaten his way through over 650 tailgate parties. In addition, he has appeared on both national and local television and radio stations.

Alison Brie Stops By to Tell Us About Her Cool Role as Annie Edison on “Community!”

Alison Brie stars as Annie Edison, the adorable but tightly wound character on NBC's hit comedy "Community."
In addition to her regular role on "Community," Brie often appears on the Emmy Award-winning drama series "Mad Men" as Trudy Campbell. On the big screen, Brie will join Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Neve Campbell, and an ensemble of some of young Hollywood's finest actors -- Hayden Panettiere, Rory Culkin, and Nico Tortorello-- in "Scre4m" ("Scream 4"). She plays Rebecca, Campbell's ambitious personal assistant who secretly envies her boss' reluctant fame and fortune. Brie also will appear in the film "Montana Amazon" with Olympia Dukakis and Haley Joel Osment, slated to be released this year. Brie was born in Hollywood, Calif., and grew up in the Los Angeles suburb of South Pasadena. Interested in acting at an early age, she began her career performing in community theater shows at the Jewish Community Center in Los Feliz. Her very first role was Toto in "The Wizard of Oz." After graduating from South Pasadena High School, Brie attended the California Institute of the Arts where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting. While there, she was one of the original cast members in the world premiere of "The Peach Blossom Fan," staged as the inaugural theater production at Disney's REDCAT Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. During that time Brie also studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland. Since graduating, Brie has continued to work in all forms of media, including film, television, and theater. She has performed in the Blank Theatre Company's Young Playwright's festival and in shows at the Odyssey, Write-Act and Rubicon Theatres, where she received an Indy Award for her haunting performance as Ophelia in the Rubicon's production of "Hamlet." She had performed guest spots for Comedy Central and Disney's "Hannah Montana" as well as leading roles in some independent films before landing her role on "Mad Men."

Anne Byrn Tells Us All About Her New Book, The Cake Mix Doctor Bakes Gluten-Free!

Thirty million Americans are gluten-intolerant or have a gluten sensitivity, and must eliminate wheat flour from their diets. The food industry has bullishly taken notice. The number of gluten-free baking products on grocery shelves has increased sevenfold in recent years and includes cake mixes from Betty Crocker, King Arthur, Whole Foods, and others. Many fans of Anne Byrn's Cake Mix Doctor® series have also become aware, because they have children or others in their family who are gluten-sensitive. When she began getting their letters asking for help to solve the dessert problem, Anne came up with the perfect solution. THE CAKE MIX DOCTOR® BAKES GLUTEN-FREE, which includes recipes that transform gluten-free cake mixes into those classic American cakes and sweets that were until now impossible to enjoy on a gluten-free diet.

About the author: Anne Byrn is the author of the bestselling Cake Mix Doctor series, with over 3.3 million copies in print. Her previous book was THE CAKE MIX DOCTOR RETURNS. Anne makes frequent appearances on Good Morning America and QVC. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her family, and her website is www.cakemixdoctor.com.

Erik & Eric Talk With Hayes MacArthur About His Role as Rex on NBC's "Perfect Couples!"

Hayes MacArthur plays Rex, one half of the couple who strives to be perfect, on “Perfect Couples.” MacArthur recently starred in the feature film “Life As We Know It,” starring Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel, and can be seen in the newly released DreamWorks comedy “She’s Out of my League” opposite Jay Baruchel. MacArthur’s additional television credits include guest starring on the critically acclaimed comedy “Worst Week,” as well as guest stars roles on “How I Met Your Mother,” “Pushing Daisies” and “Entourage.” MacArthur also starred in the pilot “This Might Hurt,” directed by Jason Winer, who also collaborated with him on the pilot “The Adventures of Big Handsome Guy and His Little Friend,” which MacArthur starred in, wrote and produced. MacArthur is currently writing a feature length comedy for DreamWorks.

What's Cookin Today Hour TWO:

Stephanie Ashcraft, NYT Best-Selling Author, slides into Super Bowl Sunday using these tasty star-ingredients to feed the game-day frenzy!

Super Bowl Sunday is fast approaching and footballs fans across the country will be gathering together to watch the big game. What better way to serve a hungry gang than with two crowd-pleasers: meatballs and BBQ?
Build Your Own Slider Bar! When it comes to game-day entertaining, there’s no better way feed fans than by using traditional favorite foods, like BBQ and meatballs in an all-new way. The recipes have to be simple to prepare (of course!) so no one misses a second of the game. What brings these favorites together? A build-your-own-slider bar using Casa Di Bertacchi Meatballs and Byron’s BBQ, both available at Sam’s Club stores nationwide.

To create a game-winning slider bar, place dishes of BBQ and meatballs dishes on a table. Warm buns in the oven and place in basket alongside the all-star dishes. Then, offer guests a variety of favorite toppings (slaw, tomato slices, pickles lettuce, marinara sauce and cheese, just to name a few) and place on table. Fans can assemble their snacks as they please and no one goes home hungry! For more information about Byron’s BBQ and Casa Di Bertacchi meatballs or additional recipes, please visit www.clubentertaining.com.

Anisha Nagarajan Tells Us About Behind The Scenes Life on NBC's "Outsourced!"

Anisha Nagarajan stars in NBC comedy “Outsourced” as Madhuri, who works in the call center for Mid America Novelties and is a bit of a wallflower who suffers from extreme shyness. Nagarajan originated the lead role of Priya in the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and AR Rahman's “Bombay Dreams.” Other Broadway and off-Broadway credits include the Grammy-nominated “Hair” (Actor's Fund Benefit, New Amsterdam Theatre) and “Snapshots” (45th Street Theatre). Her regional theater credits include “Princesses” (5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle), “The Wiz” (La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego), and “RENT” (Hangar Theatre, Ithaca). Nagarajan’s television and film credits include “Ugly Betty,” “Hope and a Little Sugar,” and “The Trident.” She performed for the President and Queen Elizabeth at Winfield House, Regents Park, London in 2004 and has also performed at Carnegie Hall and with Grammy and Oscar winner AR Rahman at the Hollywood Bowl.

David Grotto RD, LDN Tells Us the Many Health Benefits of Whole Soy and How To Think Like a Dietitian at the Grocery Store and On the Go!

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines encourages Americans to achieve a healthy weight by eating an appropriate number of calories, limiting solid fats and added sugars, and following a nutrient-rich, plant-based diet. Soybeans are the only plant-based protein source that contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a source of high-quality, complete protein. A recently published Journal of Nutrition Supplement, which explored the nutrition and health effects of whole soy, reveals whole soy offers protective benefits against breast cancer, improves heart health, and supplies vital nutrients to the body. Even just one daily serving of whole soy, rich in anti-oxidants, potassium, and fiber, can greatly improve your overall health. So how can you incorporate soy into your daily routine without feeling overwhelmed? Registered Dietitian Dave Grotto shares some simple changes that can make a world of difference in your diet.

David Grotto, RD, LDN, author of 101 Optimal Life Foods and 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life, has worked in various clinical and food service settings. He’s even tried his hand as a broadcaster where he hosted his own radio show called Let’s Talk Health, CHICAGO! He also hosted the national health-focused television show Health & Lifestyles, Weekly. Enjoying working in a media setting, Dave proudly served as a national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, a position he held for over six years. He is now the founder and president of Nutrition Housecall, LLC, a nutrition consulting firm that provides nutrition communications, lecturing and consulting services, and also offers personalized at-home dietary services. Dave lives in the Chicagoland area with his wife Sharon; three daughters Chloe, Katie and Madison; and two-female dogs Abbey and Gracie and feels he is an expert in unopposed estrogen. Check out recipes at www.soyjoy.com and find out more about soy at www.factsaboutsoy.com!

Celebrity Check Katie Lee Tells Us How To Plan a Winning BIG GAME Party While Helping Your Community!

With the Big Football Game upon us, many Americans plan to entertain at home with the warmth of good company and great food. Entertaining and lifestyle expert Katie Lee encourages us to entertain our friends and family while also giving back to those in need.

Through her volunteer work at the Food Bank For New York City and Feeding America®, Katie is committed to giving back. She will share her top tips to make your Big Game parties fun, delicious and ultimately fulfilling! Katie Lee will also announce the winner of the 2010 Chex® Mix Recipe Contest. As part of this year’s contest, Chex® cereal donated $2 to Feeding America for every daily vote cast at ChexRecipeContest.com, up to $25,000. On the 27th, Katie Lee will announce the total amount being donated to help those in need. Want the recipe? Go to www.chex.com! Oh, fine. Because our CRN listeners are Sooooooo Gooood, we'll give it to you right here!

Chex® Mix

Chex® Cajun Kick

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

  • 2 cups Corn Chex® cereal
  • 2 cups Rice Chex® cereal
  • 2 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
  • 2 cups bite-size pretzel twists
  • 2 cups mixed nuts
  • 1/3 cup butter or margarine
  • 2 tablespoons Creole seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper sauce
  1. In large microwavable bowl, mix cereals, pretzels and nuts.
  2. In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave butter uncovered on High about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in Creole seasoning and pepper sauce. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated.
  3. Microwave uncovered on High 6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Store in airtight container.

28 Servings (1/2 cup each)

1 Serving: Calories 150 (Calories from Fat 80); Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 2.5g); Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 380mg; Total Carbohydrate 14g (Dietary Fiber 2g); Protein 3g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 4%; Iron 20%, Vitamin D 2%, Folic Acid 20%
Exchanges: : 1 Starch, 1 1/2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 1

Katie's broad culinary experience ranges from hosting the first season of Bravo’s hit reality series, Top Chef, to her own culinary and lifestyle columns published in Cosmopolitan and Hamptons Magazine. Katie is the author of two books, The Comfort table and The Comfort Table: Everyday Occasions. She regularly appears as a Special Correspondent, covering food and fashion for The Early Show and serves has served on the Judges panel on Food Network’s, Iron Chef America. Outside of her culinary adventures, Katie sits on the Celebrity Board for Feeding America and is a member of the Junior Committee for New Yorkers for Children. When not working or volunteering, she enjoys spending time in her organic garden, traveling, surfing and playing with her pug Fionula. For more info about Katie, check out her website at www.katieleehome.com!

What's Cookin - On Today's Show: CRNtalk.com