Back to the Kitchen: Really Big Salad Recipes for a Crowd (and some fundraising ideas)

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Recipes for a crowd

BY GWEN KENNEALLY It is that time of year again — school fundraisers and end-of-the -year potlucks. Event locations like football fields play yards and parking lots can often create logistical nightmares.  I have rented equipment and built … [Read more...]

Back to the Kitchen: An Olive Lesson with Recipes

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BY GWEN KENNEALLY The olive tree is very hardy and can withstand drought, disease and fire, while living to a ripe-old age. That is why for thousands of years the olive branch has been a symbol of peace and goodwill. Olives come in all … [Read more...]

Back to the Kitchen: The Magic of Low-Calorie, Low Carb, Good for You Kelp Noodles

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Trade kelp noodles for pasta for a low calorie, low carb healthy choice.

BY GWEN KENNEALLY Okay, maybe this time I have gone too far.  You ask me “Just what the heck are kelp noodles?” They are clear, thin noodles made from kelp, brownish seaweed that is notable for its high iodine content. Kelp noodles have … [Read more...]

Back to the Kitchen: Spooky Eats for a Halloween (or Fall) Feast

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Spooky Eats!

BY GWEN KENNEALLY Spooky, creepy and dark…it is that time once again.  I know that Halloween is really a kid’s holiday, but I am a firm believer that there should be a nice mixture of food and beverages for the adults as well. For the kids, … [Read more...]

Back to the Kitchen: Cooking With Herbs

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BY GWEN KENNEALLY When I moved from my house with a big garden into a townhome,  the thing I missed most was walking outside and clipping the fresh herbs that I needed for a meal.  However, I have do two sunny balconies  in my new place — … [Read more...]

Back to the Kitchen: Recipes for the Fourth of July

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BY GWEN KENNEALLY It's  the 4th of July. What a great time to celebrate with friends and family. Growing up it meant hot dogs, burgers, boiled corn, and watermelon. These days, there's a twist—it's  time to rely on the freshness of the … [Read more...]

Tasty Tidbits: Restaurant and Food News 818—Father’s Day Meals and Freebies, Gourmet Candy, CookLA, Pasta Pappa at Home

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BY KAREN YOUNG CookLA, a Studio City "hands on" cooking school for all ages has a great deal of delicious fun happening this summer.  Take advantage of the June promotion — buy one cooking lesson and get another for half-price (doesn't … [Read more...]

Back to the Kitchen: For the Love of Chocolate

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BY GWEN KENNEALLY Oh chocolate!  My true love! How many nights it has been you and I!  The evening ends with me beating myself up after hours at the gym and then the sun goes down and I just can’t resist you!  Who knew we were doing something … [Read more...]

Back to the Kitchen: For the Love of Basil and Chocolate Cake

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BY GWEN KENNEALLY Whenever I am trying to create a simple yet amazingly flavorful meal somehow I always think of basil because it adds so much flavor to just about anything, and it is so aromatic and beautiful looking as well. Basil is often … [Read more...]

Back to the Kitchen: The Power of Garlic

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Garlic is good for eating and for all the ails you.

BY GWEN KENNEALLY We have a few culinary sayings around our house. First,  when in doubt add more cheese. Second,  you can never use too much garlic. While many lovers are afraid to use a lot of garlic, it is known for its aphrodisiac … [Read more...]