Happy, Healthy New Year!

RoseLeBoeuf.jpg

January 13, 2011

For my birthday last month, I had the pleasure of dining at The French Laundry up in Napa Valley.  As one of the country's most acclaimed restaurants, it did not disappoint!  The food was beyond spectacular! Each dish was prepared and plated as if it were a work of art.  On top of that, the service was so incredible.  Everyone who came to the table was knowledgeable, warm and utterly gracious.  They were so welcoming and truly made everything about that dining experience special.  I even got to go back and see the kitchen!  I will never forget that evening.  This style of service is one that I try hard to emulate at all our LA Food Works events.  I hope it is evident in our kitchen and all our guests feel as comfortable as I did that night at The French Laundry.

In this month's newsletter, I am profiling one of my favorite finds from last year, an organic fruit and vegetable delivery service. I've also got a recipe for a hearty and healthy tomato soup as well as information about our annual Valentine's Cooking Class!

A happy and healthy New Year to all.  I look forward to cooking with you soon!
 

Rose

PS.  Don't forget to become a fan and follow LAFW on Facebook!


A Romantic Cooking Class
 
happy couple cooking
Back by popular demand, LA Food Works is hosting our annual Valentine's Cooking Class again this year on February 12, 2011 at 6:30pm.  Come join a handful of other food-loving couples and create a delicious, romantic meal in the lovely LA Food Works kitchen in Hancock Park.

On the menu for the evening will be three scrumptious courses and a complimentary champagne cocktail when you arrive to help "get you in the mood" to cook.


Valentine Cooking Class
February 12, 2011
6:30 PM 


Menu
Spinach Salad with Pomegranate, Avocado and
Champagne Vinaigrette

Beef Tenderloin with Mustard-Cognac Sauce
Herb Braised Mushrooms
Whipped Potatoes with Mascarpone and Truffle Oil

Grand Marnier Chocolate Cake

$200 per couple

 
For more information or to reserve your spot,
contact
Rose LeBoeuf at 310-288-0100 

Roasted Tomato Soup

On a recent rainy evening, I enjoyed this soup with my daughter Sarah and had to share our recipe with all of you!  This tasty, vibrant dish is perfect to warm you up on a cool evening.  Make some grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping, and you will have a wonderfully complete Meatless Monday Meal!

5
pounds tomatoes
6 garlic cloves, smashed
1/4
cup olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons

salt and pepper
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups water
2
teaspoons sugar
1/2
tablespoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup heavy cream
  fresh basil sprigs for garnish
 

roasted tomato soup


  Preheat oven to 350F. 

Toss tomatoes, garlic, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl.  Transfer to a baking dish and roast for about 40 minutes, or until very soft.

Saute onion in the additional 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Stir in water, sugar, salt, red pepper flakes, and roasted tomato mixture.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, 10 minutes.


Let soup cool for about 15 minutes, then puree in a blender (leaving the top ajar to release steam), or with an immersion blender, until smooth.  Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining tomato peel.

Add 1 tablespoon of cream to each bowl and garnish with basil.


Serves 8. Per Serving: 210 Calories; 17g Fat; 3g Protein; 16g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 20mg Cholesterol; 384mg Sodium.


 Capay - Farm Fresh to You

CapayIf one of your New Year's resolutions is to eat more healthy food, then you will need lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.  I discovered this great service last year and have been getting fresh, organic produce delivered right to my door.  The company is called Farm Fresh To You.  Organized by Capay Farms up in Northern California, they now have a co-op of local, organic Southern California farmers delivering to homes and businesses in the southland.  On a regular basis (you pick the frequency), a box of produce is delivered to your home or place of work.  There are lots of options too.  You can get all fruits, all vegetables or a mixture of both.  You can do a small, regular, more, or "monster" size box.  On top of the convenience, you would be surprised at how affordable it all is!

To find out more, go to
www.farmfreshtoyou.com.  Use promotion code 6164, and mention my name, Rose LeBoeuf, to save $5 on your first order.

It's so fun to get your deliveries!  All the while you will be supporting local farmers and enhancing your diet at the same time!
 


WANT TO USE THESE TIPS AND RECIPES IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you do not alter the information in any way and include a credit that reads "by Rose LeBoeuf, www.lafoodworks.com, Interactive Cooking Classes, Parties, and Corporate Team Building Events for Groups Looking for a Fun and Unique Dinning Experience." 


 LA Food Works Events 

 Ideal for Team Building, Summer Associate Events, Client Entertaining, Birthday Parties, Showers and Private Gatherings. 
Let LA Food Works make your party one which your guests will not soon forget!
  
No previous cooking experience required!
Just willingness to put on an apron,
get your hands a little messy,
indulge in some great food
and have lots of fun playing in the kitchen!
 
We also happily design Custom Cooking Parties. If you have a group of 10 or more foodies who love great food and playing together in the kitchen, contact us and we will design a custom menu or theme class for you and your group.

Our interactive cooking parties both unify and entertain...perfect for any occasion that requires great food, interesting activities and lots of fun!

310-288-0100
www.lafoodworks.com

For information or to book your event, contact Rose LeBoeuf at 310-288-0100 for an event planning kit, pricing and availability.

 

http://www.alexandriahouse.org/