New Look and New Menu

May 9, 2012

If it seems like it's been a while since you've heard from me, it has.  I admit it, I did not send out a newsletter last month.  April was really crazy for me both personally and professionally.  Along with our LAFW events, all my children were on spring break at the same time and I painted the house.  I'm extremely happy with how the new house colors look, but it was a long process.  Two weeks of prep and a week of painting.  My poor puppies had to share their precious yard everyday with the crew of painters but Pumpkin and Buster were very patient and as always, kept me safe and forewarned of any intrusion...which got a old fast, but it was so worth it!  The painters did an amazing job shaping up the place and it's so nice to have a fresh coat of paint to start the busy summer coming up.  The colors are really pretty and just make all the plants and greenery pop!  Next time you are here cooking, you'll get to enjoy it too. Have a look at the picture below.  Can't wait to share it with you all! 

This month brings lots more fun new recipes to our kitchen.  We're introducing our new Small Plates & Appertizer Menu for Spring-Summer 2012 and there's a great slider recipe from it below.  I'm also sharing a wonderful website I found to solve that "what do I make with the three things in my refrigerator?" problem. Read on and don't forget to become an LAFW Facebook Fan. Click Here to get daily updates on the happenings in our kitchen. 

Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies!  Hope your families will be making lots of fun and delicious dishes for you or....taking you out somewhere really yummy! 

Rose

LA Food Works presents its new  Small Plates & Appetizer Menu for Spring-Summer 2012. When you host an Appetizer Event with LAFW, you and your guests will work with our chefs on a multiple cooking stations creating these fun and filling bites! This event is great for larger groups and we have venues that can accommodate up to 150 guests!

An LA Food Works Event Includes

* Hors d'oeuvre and beverage reception on arrival

* Seasonal Menus

* Fun and knowledgeable chef instructors to guide you through your recipes
 
* A private cooking and dining experience at one of our charming venues

* Chef aprons to use while you are cooking

* Recipe packets for everyone to take home

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Bites with Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce
Aritchoke Tapenade with Tomato Coulis on Crostini
Steak Picadillo Soft Tacos
Shrimp Cakes with Chili-Lime Crema
Beef or Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Italian Caprese Sliders
Spicky Salmon Tartare with Avocado Relish
Grilled Polenta Rounds Topped with Onion-Fennel Marmalade
Caesar Salad Spears
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ricotta and Parsley Dumplings with Basil Infused Olive Oil
Spicy Tuna and Vegetable Sushi Rolls
Fried Bread and Butter Pickles with Russian Dressing

Sweet Selections

Buckeyes
(Hand-made Peanut Butter Candies Dipped in Chocolate)
Spiced Sugar and Honey Glazed Pastry Twists
Waffle Brownie Bites with Whipped Cream and Hot Fudge
Chocolate-Raspberry Panini with Mascarpone

Grilling time is upon us and it seems that everyone loves these delicious sliders we've been grillin' up lately! Featured on our new Spring-Summer 2012 Appetizers and Small Plates Menu they are a wonderful twist on a favorite summer salad.  These tasty beauties will be an excellent addition to your Spring and Summer BBQ's and with their classic flavor combination, they are sure to please just about everyone! 

Make the patties: In a large bowl, gently but thoroughly mix together the ground beef, Italian sausage, Italian seasoning, onion, bell pepper and 2 cloves minced garlic. Press the mixture into a 9x13" jelly roll pan or rimmed baking sheet, using a rolling pin to make a flat, even layer. (Cover the meat with plastic wrap, if necessary, to keep it from sticking as it's rolled.) Cut the meat into roughly 2-inch squares.

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Grill the burgers until cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. When the burgers are done, place a slice of mozzarella on each burger and tent with foil while preparing the buns.

Warm the rolls: Wrap the rolls in foil and place on the top rack of the grill, or place in a warm oven until warmed through.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and remaining minced clove garlic. This makes a scant one-half cup vinaigrette.

Assemble the sliders: Place a cheese-topped patty on the base of the bun, add a slice of tomato and 2 basil leaves. Drizzle each burger with 1 teaspoon of the vinaigrette. Serve immediately.
 
Per Serving, 1 slider: 267 calories; 16 grams protein; 16 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 15 grams fat; 5 grams saturated fat; 49 mg cholesterol; 3 grams sugar; 313 mg sodium.
 
Recipe: Susan Salerno
Source: LA Times, June 30, 2011

supercook.com

Supercook is a recipe search engine that lets you search by ingredients you have on hand.  Most sites only have the capability to search one ingredient.  On Supercook, you can enter several at one time and then be directed to lots of different recipes that include those items.  So the next time you are standing in front of your fridge and pantry wondering what to do with those tomatoes, zucchini, ground beef and rice, jump on supercook.com and get some great inspiration! 

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 Outings, 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.