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ast fall, at Chicago Gourmet, we got the opportunity to meet lil’ Ms. Cat Cora. Even though my husband is 6’3” and I am 5’9”, we appear to be giants next to Cat. Just how cute is she? Adorable, with a personality to match. Sweet, friendly, funny…we talked a little with her about being friends with Anthony Bourdain and how she would take him down in Kitchen Stadium anytime! Being the only female chef on Iron Chef America, that little body is packed full of toughness. I’d watch it if I were you Anthony.
This Greek American is no stranger
to the cooking realm. Though born in Mississippi, Cat grew up in a Greek community where her father and grandfather were both in the restaurant business. Using them as mentors, she proposed a business plan to them by the age of fifteen. From there, she went on to receive a degree at the University of Southern Mississippi and at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Blending her Greek and Southern roots, Cat’s cuisine has satisfied many. Hellasian is term she has also coined to describe a fusion of Greek and Asian cooking.
Cat was so personable. It was like talking with someone you haven’t seen in a long time. We were very happy when she gladly signed our copy of her latest cookbook, Cat Cora’s Classics with a Twist. Full of some of her favorite dishes, she also includes side notes on how to prepare the same recipes in a jazzed up style. For the month of April, I’ll be trying out some of her “jazzier” recipes from this cookbook and let you know just how well we like (or dislike) some of Cora’s creations!
Aside from working with the Food Network and being the Executive Chef for Bon Appetit magazine, in 2009 she partnered with Walt Disney World by opening her Boardwalk Inn restaurant, Kouzzina. Not only has Ms. Cora found television success, but is also involved in many humanitarian efforts. She is a co-founder of Chefs for Humanity, a UNICEF spokesperson, participates in charity wine auctions and was also given the Hero Visibility Award by the Human Rights Campaign in 2008. Busy much? In 1999, she married her wife, Jennifer. They currently live in California with their four boys, Zoran, Caje, Thatcher and Nash.
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Recently we discovered a hidden gem right in the heart of Maple Ridge. Since their opening last October Zena’s has had tremendous success.
Zena’s was started by two friends -Erin & Rebecca- passionate about glutenfree living. When looking for what to name their bakery they wanted a word that was empowering to women. The word Zena by greek definition is said to mean welcoming, hospitable and friendly one. The Latin and Persian meaning is said to be “Woman”. When you stop by Zena’s you will see they have captured and lived up to every meaning of the word. A powerful motto of theirs states, “While a gluten-free diet is not always a choice, Zena believes that ultimately it results in better health.” These women have stood true to their passion and made this about more than just an allergy. They are graciously accommodating to allergies beyond gluten, such as making things egg free and/or dairy free as well - not to mention, all in a PEANUT FREE environment! With only six months under their belt they have already proven themselves the third “Best GlutenFree Bakery” in the Georgia Straight’s Golden Plate Awards.
At Zena’s you will find quick and convenient dinner ideas or even breakfast idea ike, ready-made gluten free pizza crust or even waffles! They also have some of the best Kaiser buns for burgers, which are also being carried by local restaurants like Big Feast Bistro & Buffalo Club Bar & Grill.
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“When I want to fine new recipe for my cake, this magazine will very helpfull” -Ida- Kuala Terengganu
“I get an inspiration about my new bakery by reading these Magazine”
-Nawi- Shah Alam
“My husband like cakes. He always ask me to bake one for him. These magazine be my revision”
-Asyikin- Shah Alam
“As a chef, I need to find new recipe and inspiration. These book have all that. That’s why I always love to read it” -Rizal- Cyberjaya
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“I really like Red Velvet because of its taste and colour” -Zila- Kuala Lumpur
“Sponge Cake always be my choice everytime I finding a cake” -Nadzirul- Kedah
“I think Chocolate cake. Because it is tasty.” -Fiela- Johore
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hocolate is always a favorite ingredient in sweet treats and so we’ve decide to include a whole chapter especially for all you chocoholics! Your only problem will be where to begin! Chocolate cakes go beautifully with coffee, so these are a great choice for your mid-morning break – there are four recipes to choose from, each with a special twist of its own. Mocha Cupcakes with Whipped Cream, Mocha Browniesserved either plain or with sour cream frosting-and Cappuccino Square will also fit the bill to perfection, or perhaps a crisp Viennese Finger or a Double Chocolate Chip Cookie or two. For afternoon tea, go for the caramel Chocolate Shortbread, which is sometimes called “millionaire’s shortbread. “Try it, and you’ll find out why! Chocolate Butterfly cakes are also perfect at teatime, or Tiny chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache Frosting. If you want a little treat in the evening, the devil’s CupCakes with Choco late Frosting, the warm Molten-centered Chocolate Cupcakes and Chocolate Tarts-made with either semisweetor with chocolates are justout of the world.
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