Thursday, February 2, 2012

02/02 KFC, HERB MESA, "LOS ANGELES CLASSIC DESSERTS"

02/02 What's Cookin' Today

Author Grace Bauer Talks With Us About Her Newest Book “Los Angeles Classic Desserts”

Nothing says “celebrate” on any special occasion better than classic, yummy homemade desserts and “Los Angeles Classic Desserts” cookbook which contains over 40 dessert recipes from some of the most famous landmark restaurant in Los Angeles. The delicious and iconic recipes have been perfected for the home kitchen and the cookbook is perfect for anyone who loves to create classic desserts for family and friends, especially on occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day. The recipes range in style from classic and traditional old-Hollywood to hip and trendy Los Angeles.

The full-color book includes beautiful photography illustrating the recipe and a bit of history of each restaurants represented in the book. “I was asked to write the “Los Angeles Classic Desserts” cookbook when I found a second career in the culinary world,” said author Grace Bauer. “I live in both my native New Orleans and in Los Angeles, and after graduating from culinary school in L.A., I was a recipe tester for another cookbook. Then the classic desserts book was suggested and I knew I could combine some of old-Hollywood standouts with some of the most hip and trendy present day restaurants and fabulous bakeries to create a book for home chefs, as well as bring a little Hollywood to everyone.” Restaurants represented in the book include classic favorites like: Chasen’s; The Polo Lounge; Chateau Marmont Hotel; Romanoff’s And new Hollywood favorites like: Water Grill; Patina; La Brea Bakery; Sweet Lady Jane’s Bakery.

Grace Bauer was trained at the California Culinary Academy's Le Cordon Bleu program and used her background as a New Orleans interior designer, her expertise in the kitchen and love of culinary history in Los Angeles in writing “Los Angeles Classic Desserts”. After Hurricane Katrina, she had many life-changing experiences including becoming a bi-coastal resident, now living in both her native New Orleans and Los Angeles. She incorporated the culture and diversity offered throughout L.A.’s many pastry kitchens and favorite restaurants when she produced the book


Herb Mesa, Celebrity Chef, Finalist on Food Network’s The Next Food Network Star And Fitness Expert Speaks With Us About Plans For National Heart Health Month

Herb Mesa is a restaurant-trained chef, and a self-taught healthy cuisine chef, as well as a certified personal trainer and fitness guru. As a first generation American of Cuban and Puerto Rican parents living in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Herb grew up on the flavors of the Caribbean. But with these richly intense flavors also came saturated fat, calorie-rich food in large portions. Starting his career in the restaurant industry as a dishwasher, Herb worked his way up to chef and, later, executive positions such as Director of Catering and Assistant General Manager at luxury hotels. Managing multi-million dollar budgets, menu planning and numerous staff, Herb excelled in every aspect of the culinary and hospitality industry, Herb eventually became a certified personal trainer and nutrition & wellness consultant and worked at a local family gym. He conquered food without sacrificing the flavors he loved by beginning a business for himself in 2003 called The Energy Chef, with which he taught individual clients, corporate groups and gym members how to make satisfying, nutritious dishes and incorporate exercise into their lives. Now works as a personal chef, restaurant consultant and personal trainer in Atlanta, specializing in preparing innovative and creative meals using distinctive culinary ideas for health-conscious individuals and families; dinner parties and events for celebrity and high-profile clients, and one-on-one fitness and lifestyle coaching. Most recently, Herb was featured as a finalist on the Food Network's premier reality cooking competition, The Next Food Network Star, where his excitement, enthusiasm and motivation for a healthy lifestyle. According to the American Heart Association, 79 million Americans suffer from vessel and heart diseases. To combat heart disease, Celebrity Chef Herb Mesa is partnering with WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, encouraging Americans to “Set a Healthier Table.” The program asks Americans to pledge to set a healthier table as a simple way to manage their families’ cholesterol and protect overall heart health. For every pledge made at SetAHealthierTable.com, $1 will be donated to WomenHeart. One of Herb Mesa’s tips for lowering cholesterol is to choose foods containing plant sterols and incorporate them in every meal of the day. Plant sterols are found in certain cooking oils, fruits, vegetables and legumes and help with managing cholesterol levels and improving overall heart health.

RICK MAYNARD, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR FOR KFC TALKS WITH US ABOUT HOW KFC IS PREPPING FOR THE SUPERBOWL

KFC has just completed a Superbowl promotion for this weekend's big game.
Rick has the results and all the details. Lots of chicken will be sold. It's the second
biggest food day for sales.


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