01/05 Chadwicks Restaurants, Winter Wineland

01/05 What's Cookin' Today


Talking With Us About His Historic Neighborhood Restaurant Is Tom Russo Owner Of Chadwicks Restaurants In Washington, DC

Maybe Chadwicks was your college bar when it opened in Georgetown in 1967. Maybe it was where you took your first date, had your first legal beer, met your future husband or wife for the first time. Maybe we should stop with the firsts. Maybe Chadwicks was your hangout when it opened in 1979 in Old Town, Alexandria. Maybe you worked at one of the Chadwicks for awhile. Maybe not. Maybe Chadwicks was near where you lived or worked when it opened in Friendship Heights in 1982. Maybe you noticed the big, national chain restaurants coming to town. Maybe you visited them. Maybe that's why you made Chadwicks your neighborhood restaurant. There are no silent partners, no absentee owners, no corporate headquarters in New York, California or Japan, and obviously no copywriter. Just local guys committed to taking care of the customer every day, and with the help of a great staff, we've been able to do that successfully over the years.

Chadwicks is committed to serving great American food at prices you can afford every day. We use the freshest ingredients available - from our seafood, beef and chicken to our salads, vegetables and desserts. And we still have one of the best burgers in town. We're committed to providing friendly, efficient service in a fun, comfortable atmosphere. If we don't achieve these goals, please tell us - we'll do whatever is necessary to make it right. And if we do achieve them please tell us that too, or, better yet - tell your friends. So to you twenty-somethings and you thirty-somethings and to you family-somethings and to the folks we talked about in the first paragraph (and you know who you are) Chadwicks wants to be your neighborhood restaurant.


Beth Costa, Executive Director Of "THE WINE ROAD", Is Talking To Us About The 20th Anniversary of Winter Wineland Wine On January 14 - 15, 2012

This is the 20th anniversary of Winter Wineland and a great opportunity to meet winemakers, taste limited production wines, new releases or library wines. Some wineries will offer food pairings and others will have tours. Each participating winery will either host an artist for the weekend, so you will enjoy their fine-art, or the winery will have an educational display to help you learn about vineyard management or wine making....thus, Wine ~ Art ~ Education. Download the detailed program to see exactly what each winery will offer for the weekend.....then plan your tasting adventure. Ticket price will include wine tasting at all of the participating wineries for the weekend. This event does not take place at one location. You travel from winery to winery, visiting the ones you are interested in exploring.


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01/04 Larry Lipson, Janina Gavankar "True Blood", Ficklin Vineyards

01/04 What's Cookin' Today

Traveling Time! The Great Larry Lipson Tells Us About His Latest Finds

Reporting from Costa Rica, CRN's international wine correspondent Larry Lipson will tell us about his latest Wine finds, including wines UNDER $10!Larry always has something cooking up at the Lipson Institute of Advanced Wine Studies!

Larry forages all of Costa Rica for the absolute best wines. No region is spared from his intense search. No mountain or range or valley is safe from his reach. He leaves no grape unturned, this man of passion. Wine is his life. His love for wine is only paralleled with his love for his lovely partner in wine, Lillian Lipson.Be fully prepared for this master of vino as he shares his food and wine pairing techniques and experiences with you on this great day in America - and the world.

Actress Janina Gavankar, Who Plays "LUNA" From The HBO Original Series "True Blood", Is Here To Talk To Us About Her Own Social Website And The Benefits Of Social Media

How do Men and Women’s resolutions differ? Are privacy concerns preventing how much people share? Have social networks changed the definition of friends? About Janina Gavankar: Janina's fans know her best as Luna, Sam's love interest on True Blood, but Janina also exemplifies the importance Young Hollywood puts on social media. Janina was the first celebrity to sign up for Twitter and she created a theme for actors on Posterous, a website meant to help people share their online presence. So far, thousands of fellow actors are using her site, which Janina believes is integral to helping their career by giving them a place to display their past work. Una is a sexy shapeshifter friend of Sam's. She offers him a shot at romance, but like most of the people in Bon Temps, she has a troubled past.

Peter Ficklin, President & Winemaker of "Ficklin Vineyards" Is Here to Talk To Us About This Year's Harvest

Ficklin Vineyards is primarily a family operation with Peter Ficklin guiding the family's third generation in the production of its highly regarded California port-style wines. Peter once described his duties at the winery with the following comment: "I'm the president, the winemaker and the chief bottle washer as well." The decision to keep the operation small is an important one, as each step receives the personal attention of the family.

His appointment as president in 1991 followed the retirement of his mother, Jean Ficklin. As winemaker at Ficklin Vineyards, a position he was promoted to upon the retirement of his father David Ficklin in 1983, Peter has revived the vintage port program. In over 50 years of Ficklin's history, only eight vintage ports have been released, the most recent being the 1991 Vintage Port, that was released in 2002. From every vintage bottling, Peter holds at least 100 cases for additional cellaring and re-release at a later date. Peter received his Bachelor of Science degree in enology from the University of California at Davis in 1978.


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1/2 Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Come join Michael Horn, Paul Stern, and Erik Hines as we ring in 2012, by showcasing some of our favorite guests from 2011!

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1/3 Durkin Park, Cruiseworks, and New York Wine & Grape

What's Cookin' Today

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

SEANA KELLY - GENERAL MANAGER OF DURKIN PARK IN BOSTON, MA. Seana (Shawna) is the GM and her parents were owners of Durkin Park until a few years ago. She remained as GM - A legendary historic restaurant, Durgin-Park is a centuries-old restaurant at 340 Faneuil Hall Marketplace in downtown Boston. The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau states that it has been a "landmark since 1827", and it continues to be a popular tourist destination within Quincy Market. The restaurant has entrances on both of its facades (Faneuil Hall and Clinton Street). In keeping with its long history, the concept of Durgin-Park maintains the tradition of communal seating at long tables. The menu is designed to offer traditional New England-style fare with a concentration on seafoods, chowders, broiled meats, and boiled dinners. The service is also a partial hold-over from the time of its founding as the waitstaff have been encouraged to adopt a "surly" attitude and "backtalk" the clientele. Another sign of it heritage, is that it has only changed head chefs a handful of times in its history. http://www.arkrestaurants.com/durgin_park.html DON FENWICK FROM CRUISEWORKS STOPS BY TO PROMOTE CRN'S "MURDER MYSTERY" CRUISE "More than a cruise...an experience!" Join us for a variety of unique annual cruises to exciting destinations. With it's private functions, each cruise is specifically designed for each theme. Since 1984, whether it's a murder mystery filled with mirth and mayhem, workshops taught by outstanding dollhouse miniature artisans, or America Philatelic guest speakers and stamp auctions. Cruiseworks, Inc. Provides a relaxing and entertaining experience at sea! www.cruise-works.com JIM TREZISE, PRESIDENT of NEW YORK WINE & GRAPE FOUNDATION NAPA IS NOT THE ONLY WINE REGION IN THE US - Welcome to New York! - with a history dating back to the 1860's, is one of America's oldest commercial wine regions New York - home to native, French-American, and vinifera varietals is perhaps the most diverse wine-growing region in the world New York - with a wine industry that is growing and expanding every day and everywhere- among sparkling lakes, along the sea shore, above a rushing river, and just down the road. Wine trails are groups of wineries that are related geographically and work cooperatively to encourage visitors to learn about the fine products they are bringing to the market. Many of the wine trails have special event programs that feature wine and food pairing events throughout the year.

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12/30 Ryan Scott, Dave Williams, Larry Van Aalst, Steve Evans

WHAT'S COOKIN - FRIDAY DEC 30, 2011

Welcome to the final What's Cookin Today Show of 2011!

Ryan Scott "SEAMLESS"

Seamless, the nation's leading digital service for ordering delivery and takeout food from thousands of top restaurants in the US and UK, has found that Chinese food is the most popular cuisine ordered on December 25, comprising 16% of all orders placed ­ triple the average for the rest of the year. Seamless serves over 4,000 client companies in dozens of industries throughout 27 cities in the US and UK. Our clients range from Fortune 100 companies with thousands of employees to boutique firms with as few as 5 people. http://www.seamless.com

DAVE WILLIAMS GM "RALPH BRENNAN'S JAZZ KITCHEN"

Jazz on over to the Jazz Kitchen, a savvy representation of New Orleans’ dual legacies – food and music- served up in a whimsical setting depicting the charm, ambience and hospitality of historic and contemporary New Orleans. Located in Downtown Disney® District, our two-story replica of traditional French Quarter architecture includes a ground floor, interior, open-air courtyard flanked by a quick service dining facility (Jazz Kitchen Express) and a New Orleans-style jazz club (Flambeaux’s). Upstairs, you’ll find traditional New Orleans dining rooms and an outdoor ‘Jazz balcony’ with seating that overlooks the revelry of the Downtown Disney® District. For over fifty years, Ralph Brennan and his family have proudly served the finest Louisiana ingredients and our Chef, Darrin Finkel, has peppered those celebrated flavors throughout our menus. The Jazz Kitchen boasts festive, ‘Big Easy theme, private party facilities and comprehensive event planning services. From our mouthwatering Louisiana cuisine to the live jazz played at Flambeaux’s every night, every detail of the Jazz Kitchen delivers on the promise of New Orleans. http://www.rbjazzkitchen.com/

LARRY VAN AALST - SOMMELIER

Equus Restaurant has long maintained a simple culinary charter: provide a stellar dining experience in a contemporary and sophisticated setting. Chef Reilly’s talents match that directive. The restaurant’s seasonal menu will highlight the best of what’s grown and produced locally, and feature full-flavor comfort foods to satisfy the palate of even the most discriminating guest. In every significant restaurant a friendly and knowledgeable Sommelier awaits each guest’s arrival. Larry Van Aalst is the Sommelier you will surely meet while dining at Equus. Larry is a life-long Sonoma County resident with ties to the earth having grown up on a ranch. He was educated in both California and Europe making him a worldly traveler who still calls Sonoma County his home. Larry is a true star within the California wine scene and beyond, winning Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence seven times for his extraordinary wine lists. His wine list at Equus has won “Best of Show” in several Sonoma County Harvest Fair competitions and Larry is also known as Iron Sommelier in many posh resorts and hotels. He is also a professional wine judge, with the West Coast Wine Competition, Riverside International, El Dorado Wine Competition and the San Francisco Chronicle competition as some of his favorites. Guests of the Restaurant and Loungebar can also catch a live radio show that is broadcast from the restaurant on Wednesday evenings. To tune into one of Larry’s shows, “What’s Cookin’ on Wine – The Sonoma Report,” log on to CRN Digital talk radio, go to hosts, click on his name and you will find the listing of channels and times for his program. For over a decade Equus has been proud to have Larry standing by to choose the perfect wine for any occasion and all menu selections. http://www.fountaingroveinn.com/equus.html

STEVE EVANS - "THE MOVIE GUY"

Latest box office info and news from the world of movies and films.

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12/29 Well-Seasoned Kitchen: A Mother-Daughter Culinary Journey", "Il Tiramisu Ristorante & Bar", Holiday gifts

12/29 What's Cookin' Today

Author Lee Clayton Roper Writer Of "Well-Seasoned Kitchen: A Mother-Daughter Culinary Journey" Talks To Us About Her Book That Is More Than Just Recipes

The Clayton family, especially Sally, has long been known for effortless style and smart sensibility when it comes to home cooking and entertaining. So, when Sally began to suffer from the effects of early-stage memory loss, her daughter Lee Clayton Roper decided to engage her mother in the kitchen, evoking family memories and collecting cherished recipes. The time they spent together lead them to begin writing the cookbook that would become A Well-Seasoned Kitchen (MLC Publishing, 2009) Sadly, Sally passed away as the cookbook was entering its final phase and Lee completed it in her honor. More than just recipes, A Well Seasoned Kitchen is a memoir and an attempt to capture her mother’s recipes before they would be gone forever. Until now this cookbook, featuring 186 tested recipes, with menus and full-color photos by renowned food photographer Laure Smith, has been available only in Colorado, where Lee Roper resides, but due to the overwhelming success of the elegant recipes and heartwarming stories, A Well Seasoned Kitchen is going national.

The book that was so popular in Denver is now sold nationally and in select retailers in Kansas City, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Knoxville, Memphis, and Little Rock. A portion of all proceeds are donated to the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter The delicious, easy, and beautiful dishes like Rack of Lamb with Nut Crust, Green Beans with Lemon-Butter Sauce, Apple Cake (recipe below), and Blueberry Tart helped A Well Seasoned Kitchen win the 2010 Gold Medal for Cookbooks from the Living Now Book Awards. The book features menu suggestions that are perfect for holiday entertaining, from a traditional Thanksgiving meal featuring Oven Roasted Turkey and Apple-Sausage Stuffing to a Snowy Day Dinner featuring Veal Stroganoff and Bourbon Apple Pie. Lee Clayton Roper is currently producing a mother-daughter cooking show that will build on the acclaim of A Well Seasoned Kitchen and air on Rocky Mountain PBS in 2012. The show will feature Lee cooking alongside mother-daughter pairs and sharing cooking stories and kitchen traditions. At the end of each episode, the mother-daughter pair is encouraged to continue cooking together and documenting the process. At the end of the season, the six mother-daughter pairs will reconvene with their home videos and discuss their experiences spending time together in the kitchen.

Sally and Lee are everyday home gourmet cooks who've always been ahead of their time. Sally earned cooking credibility as one of the first to add a food processor and microwave to her gadget repertoire long before most had even heard of them. Originally from Kentucky, Sally was raised in a home with parents who frequently entertained and a mother who loved to cook. Interestingly, Sally didn't start cooking until after she was married. Despite that, she made an effortless leap from meat loaf to Boeuf Bourguignon and quickly earned a reputation as a talented cook and gracious hostess among friends and family. Sally’s culinary courage inspired Lee to hold her first dinner party at the tender age of 16.

Today, Lee regularly finds opportunities to host family and friends for casual dinner parties with beautiful tablescapes, creative menus and scrumptious meals taking center stage. With any cooking-related questions, friends and family often turn to Lee for her unending kitchen inspiration and encouragement.


PETER KASTALAN Owner of "Il Tiramisu Ristorante & Bar" Gives Us The Scoop On Their Additions To The Menu For NEW YEARS EVE


New Year’s Eve Menu 3 Courses $45 Saturday, December 31, 2011 5:00 PM to Midnight
Primi Piatti ~ First Course ~ Choose One
~ Gamberi con Linguini di Limone e Basilico ~
Grilled shrimp, lemon basil linguini, white wine, artichokes, carrots, onions
~ Insalata Victoria ~
Organic baby greens, beets, butternut squash, pine nuts, sherry vinaigrette
~ Zuppa di Funghi ~
Mushroom soup, shiitake, porcini, and cremini mushrooms,
Vegetable and herb broth, fresh arugula garnish
~ Involtini di Melanzane ~
Eggplant rolls filled with fontina & mozzarella cheese, light marinara sauce

Piatti Principale ~ Main Course ~ Choose One
~ Barramundi con Balsamico ~
Australian sea bass, grilled, lemon, rosemary, sage, aged balsamic reduction
~ Salmone Fantasia ~
Atlantic salmon, orange ginger cognac sauce, fresh mango and orange
~ Filetto di Manzo ~
8 ounce filet mignon, marinated in pinot noir with herbs, sliced, served medium rare
~ Osso Buco di Vitello ~
Veal osso buco, braised in Chianti and vegetables
~ Pappardelle Aragosta ~
Homemade wide ribbon pasta, Marsala wine and light cream sauce, lobster
~ Cappallaci ~
Pasta crepes filled with ricotta cheese and spinach, pink sauce

Dolce ~ Dessert ~ Choose One
~ Tiramisu Katerina ~
White and dark chocolate cup, filled with tiramisu cake, strawberries
~ Creme Brulee ~
Vanilla custard, raspberries, caramelized sugar
~ Torta di Cioccolata ~
Chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, chocolate sauce


Candace Cameron From ABC's "MAKE IT OR BREAK IT" Talks About Great Holiday Deals To Make Up For Your Bad Christmas Presents

Candace is best known for her role as DJ Tanner on the hit show “Full House.” After 8 successful seasons on the show, Cameron took a break from Hollywood to start a family. She currently lives in LA with her husband, Russian NHL Hockey Player, Valerie Bure and her three children. In January 2011, she released her first book “Reshaping It All,” a New York Times best seller. She currently stars on the ABC Family series “Make it or Break It.” Fans of “Full House,” all remember what a Tanner Family Christmas was like. Remember when Uncle Jesse surprises Aunt Becky with fake snow? Or when Steve dresses up as Santa to return home from college and surprise DJ? Chances are your Christmas didn’t turn out like a TV sitcom. And it’s more than likely you ended up with a gift you DIDN’T like. With the holidays behind us, now is the time to spoil yourself. Who better than to talk about making the most of holiday misgivings than DJ Tanner herself!


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12/27 Lisa Vanderpump, Whole Foods, "Getting Ready For 2012

12/27 What's Cookin' Today

Lisa Vanderpump From "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" Talks About your Renowned Restaurant Villa Blanca

Lisa Vanderpump has become the breakout star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Her unique mix of sparkling glamour and down-to-earth style has appealed to thousands of fans. On the show, viewers can see her hosting dinner parties and running her popular Beverly Hills restaurant Villa Blanca with what can best be termed “easy elegance.” Now Lisa shares her tips and tricks for creating the perfect gathering: whether you’re hosting a cozy winter dinner for six, throwing a poolside BBQ, or just hanging out with your closest friends, Lisa has just the menu and entertaining hints that will make it both simple AND divine.

Jerry Garbus, GM and Beverage Director of Manhattan Beach Post Is

When you dine at MB Post, you’ll find a carefully edited selection of seasonal dishes. Categorized by Breads; Charcuterie, Cheese and Larders; Vegetable dishes; Seafood dishes; and Meat dishes, all, even the veggies and house–made breads, are meant to stand on their own as a dish, not sides, for the table. The goal is to encourage our guests to sample their way through the menu and enjoy an array of new ingredients, flavors, and textures. General Manager Jerry Garbus and partner Mike Simms of Simms Restaurants (Simmzy’s, Tin Roof Bistro, and Lazy Dog Café) will feature a selection of five beers on draught and twelve bottled beers chosen to represent stand–outs within various regions and styles. Ten hand–crafted signature cocktails will consist of classics and true originals all made with seasonal, fresh–squeezed juices and house–made syrups, salts, and preserved fruits, as well as 30 wines by the glass and 100 wines on the bottle list.

The look and feel of MB Post was crafted to reflect the beach community’s relaxed and vibrant ocean–front culture and pay homage to the space’s 1960’s postal office origins. The exposed rafters, cement floors, sun–bleached reclaimed wood, communal tables, and a color scheme borrowing from the local lifeguard stands, anchor whimsical embellishments like volleyball posts repurposed as shelving, and a vintage post office desk. Maybe you’ll see me riding my bike to work to prepare food that I love for my community. I want our guests to feel at home as they pass plates around the table and share stories with their friends. There is a lot of myself in MB Post and I hope to make a human connection between what is on the plate and in the glass, and the long-standing relationship with friends, farms, artisanal purveyors and our neighbors. I’ll be seeing you at Manhattan Beach Post!

Celebrity Chef Chad Sarno Is Speaking With Us On Behalf Of Whole Foods About The Benefits of Healthy Eating

On Average, Americans Consume Twice the Number of Calories They Need
Only 2% of Americans are getting the Daily Required Nutrition Needed Over 60% of the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) comes from processed foods and another 25% comes from animal foods. The bottom line is we need more fruits and veggies in our diet. Enter Chad Sarno to the rescue. Handsome Chef Chad Sarno is famous around the world for creating healthy recipes that taste great, and now the world-famous food expert has a new goal -- teaching people that eating healthy doesn’t have to cost a bundle and can be sustainable. On December 27th, the Whole Foods Market Chef will help your viewers and listeners jumpstart their New Year with simple, affordable, tasty Bowls of Goodness. Listeners will also learn the importance of choosing nutrient-rich foods that will satisfy even the pickiest palates. More importantly, they will learn about the foods you can eat in abundance and still lose weight.

Chad travelled the world, seeking the counsel of those whose work reminded people of both the implicit benefits of hand-crafting foods and the virtues of “walking the earth lightly”. Whether in the American desert or the Philippine jungle, he studied traditional ingredients and customs, and began bringing them together in newly healthful and delicious ways. Chef Sarno owns restaurants around the world, and has worked for a long list of A-list celebrities, like Ben Stiller, Woody Harelson, Charlize Theron, Alicia Silverstone, Jane Fonda and Helen Hunt.

Rabbi Irwin Kula Talks About His New Book "Getting Ready for 2012"

Irwin Kula, the host of Simple Wisdom, is not your typical rabbi. Known as both a provocative religious leader and a respected spiritual iconoclast, Irwin Kula has inspired thousands nationwide using Jewish wisdom in ways that speak to modern life. A renowned thinker, teacher, and rabbi, he is the author of Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred Messiness of Life (Hyperion, Sept. 2006) winner of a "Books for a Better Life" award, and selected by Spirituality & Health magazine as one the "10 Best Spiritual Books of 2006" and was featured in a national public TV pledge special, "The Hidden Wisdom of Our Yearnings." A leader of religious pluralism, Kula says that the "freedom and openness of America invites us to bring our traditions to the marketplace of ideas. The challenge is to translate these wisdoms into accessible American idioms that inspire and improve our personal and public lives." A regular on NBC-TV’s The Today Show, and co-host of the popular weekly radio show, Hirschfield and Kula: Intelligent Talk Radio

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12/23 "Julia M Usher's Ultimate Cookies, Hunt Cellars, Steve Evans

12/23 What's Cookin' Today

Julia M. Usher, Author of"Julia M Usher's Ultimate Cookies" And Winner of Three Cordon d' Or Awards, Is Here To Tell Us About Her New Book


A new book from the author of the best-selling Cookie Swap: Creative Treats to Share Throughout the Year. Delve into the world of cookie magic, where you can make everything from edible jewelry to cookie bacon and eggs! Organized by theme, each chapter overflows with luscious photographs and dozens of recipes and cookie crafting ideas. With carefully illustrated details, award-winning author Julia M. Usher expertly guides you in the making of perfect cookie masterpieces.




Dave Hunt, The Owner And Winemaker Of Hunt Cellars Is Talking WithUs About His New Pinot Noir and Holiday Wines

It started over 20 years ago as a fantasy, living on a lush beautiful vineyard, producing your own style of favorite premium varietal wines that are well received and appreciated by those who have discovered the wines and shared them amongst friends. Hunt Cellars has recently started a blog to help share our experiences and to communicate with our customers. Now drive along the scenic Highway 46 West, about three miles west of the 101 Fwy at Oakdale Road, you will find this dream has become reality for David Hunt, Wine maker and owner of Hunt Cellars, a winery committed to producing "Memorable Wines". We believe that great wines leave indelible impressions when poured with wonderful meals and great friends and scintillating conversations. Hunt Cellars was founded on the philosophy of producing wines that you will look forward to simply sipping by a cozy fireplace or pairing with your favorite meals to enhance that special event or moment in time.

Movie Guy Steve Evans Gives us the Movie Hits and Misses!

Steve Evans, the Movie Guy, is going to tell us what we need to run out and see and what we can avoid in the movie theaters, this week

So, grab your popcorn, folks! Get your movie news and reviews right here on the What's Cookin' Today show! Steve “The Movie Guy” will take a look at what’s hot at the box office and the new films being released this weekend.

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12/22 TLC's Cake Boss Winner, Holiday Chocolates

12/22 What's Cookin' Today

Talking With Us Is Chef Dana Herbert The 2011 Winner of TLC’s Cake Boss

Buddy Valastro announced that 34 year-old Delaware resident Dana Hebert won CAKE BOSS: NEXT GREAT BAKER in the season finale of the TLC series, which aired Monday, January 24, 2011. Dana beat out 9 other aspiring bakers who competed throughout 8 weeks of grueling challenges that tested their baking know-how, decorating skills, and client & business skills. As the “Next Great Baker,” Dana wins $50,000 cash, a brand-new car, and an apprenticeship with Buddy. “Dana proved he had the skills it takes to be a great baker – creativity, drive, and perseverance. Through the challenges, he showed he can overcome obstacles, create amazing cakes, and impress clients. He’s going to be a great addition to the Carlo’s Bakery family,” said Buddy.


Ann Czaja, Lindt Master Chocolatier Is Sharing With Us Her Special Holiday Treats

The holidays are known for evoking visions of sugarplums, so it’s no surprise a recent survey found a majority of Americans enjoy food, aromas and flavors most at this time of year. Nearly half of those surveyed said peppermint, cinnamon and nuts topped their wish lists. So how can you use nostalgic treats such as gingerbread cookies, chestnuts and candy canes, to elevate your annual traditions? Lindt Master Chocolatier, Ann Czaja (pronounced Chai-ya), is an expert in the art of chocolate making and can help your viewers make this season a little bit sweeter. Master Chocolatier Ann Czaja (pronounced Chai-ya) is a Swiss-trained chocolatier and an expert in all things chocolate. Bringing the passion for gourmet chocolate to life, the Lindt Master Chocolatier utilizes years of experience and extensive training to perfect iconic chocolate selections and educate consumers on all things chocolate. Czaja has embarked on a U.S. Tour, hosted in-store events, and shared the Five Senses Tasting Process with consumers. She has hosted chocolate pairing events and discussions on the history of chocolate.


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12/21 Larry Lipson, Soy Food Council, Gary Poppins Popcorn

12/21 What's Cookin' Today

Traveling Time! The Great Larry Lipson Tells Us About His Latest Finds

Reporting from Costa Rica, CRN's international wine correspondent Larry Lipson will tell us about his latest Wine finds, including wines UNDER $10!Larry always has something cooking up at the Lipson Institute of Advanced Wine Studies!

Larry forages all of Costa Rica for the absolute best wines. No region is spared from his intense search. No mountain or range or valley is safe from his reach. He leaves no grape unturned, this man of passion. Wine is his life. His love for wine is only paralleled with his love for his lovely partner in wine, Lillian Lipson.Be fully prepared for this master of vino as he shares his food and wine pairing techniques and experiences with you on this great day in America - and the world.


Linda Funk, The Executive Director Of The Soy Food Council Is Sharing With Us Deliciously Healthy Ideas For The Holidays


To help you celebrate healthy and happy holidays, The Soyfoods Council offers ideas for holiday entertaining, cookie recipes and dessert inspirations. Protein-rich soyfoods such as silken tofu, soymilk, soy flour and edamame add flavor and texture to recipes. In addition to offering protein, soyfoods also may help protect against heart disease. They are low in saturated fat, high in polyunsaturated fat and provide essential omega-3 fatty acids. Soyfoods have a direct cholesterol-lowering effect, and contain isoflavones that may directly improve the health of the arteries. The best news of all for holiday cooks, though, is that soyfoods offer a versatile, convenient way to create recipes for successful entertaining.


The New Owner Of "Gary Poppins", Brian Lipner, Is Talking With Us About Great Tasting Popcorn

"I love popcorn! I always have, ever since I was a kid and my parents would take me to the movies every week. Sometimes I didn't even care what the movie was, as long as I got my
popcorn. I loved the crunch, and the melted butter mixing with the saltiness. So, that's where it began. But, of course, there's more. You see, my dad owned a bakery. So, I was always watching the bakers mixing the ingredients and experimenting with new recipes. I learned about quality and perfection - only the finest ingredients, no exceptions, perfectly blended and prepared. I guess it was only natural that I'd want to cook - to be a chef and create my own special recipes. So, it was off to culinary school to really learn about food. "

Then, I joined the CIA - that's the Culinary Institute of America - where I learned about pushing the limits and being the very best. I wanted to do something different, something unique. I'd stay up late every night developing concepts, with my ever present bowl of popcorn, fiddling with the kinds of corn, and adding cheese or caramel, or nuts or chocolate or... The perfect combination of what I'd learned and what I loved.

The best tasting popcorn that you could imagine. And flavors you hadn't thought of... Like cinnamon, or chocolate with peanut butter, or white cheddar jalapeno. Gourmet popcorn with a taste you just can't get anywhere else. And GARY POPPINS was born. I'm popping my gourmet popcorn right here in my hometown. And, you can count on the fact that I'm using only the finest, freshest, premium ingredients.

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