Cultural Tourism DC dishes up the fourth edition of the Embassy Chef Challenge, the annual culinary competition for world-class embassy chefs. A panel of celebrity judges and more than 400 guests will judge cuisines from around the world and present the coveted Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice Awards.

The annual benefit supports the free programs and events provided by Cultural Tourism DC, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the arts and culture of Washington, DC. Embassy Chef Challenge 2012 will be held Thursday, March 8, 7:30 – 10 pm, in the atrium of co-host Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

The Embassy Chef Challenge is DC’s only such competition and one of the only opportunities for the public to sample the artistry of these private chefs.

The 2012 judges are Tim Carman , Food Reporter, The Washington Post; Chef Lars Beese, Chef at Embassy of Denmark and Winner of Embassy Chef Challenge 2011; Chef Carla Hall , Co-host The Chew, Top Chef All-Stars Finalist; Warren Brown , Founder, CakeLove; Chef Xavier Deshayes , Executive Chef, Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center; Chef Sina Molavi , Executive Chef, Occasions Caterers; Chef Maziar Farivar, Executive Chef and Co-owner, Peacock Cafe; and Missy Frederick, Columnist, “Top Shelf” Washington Business Journal.

Embassy Chef Challenge 2012 chefs:

• Chef Devin E. Johnson, Embassy of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas
• Chef Sen Sun, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
• Chef Malknaz Maisashvili, Embassy of Georgia
• Chef Viktor Merenyi, Embassy of Hungary
• Chef Djamel Amroune, Embassy of the Republic of Iraq
• Chef Sherene N. James, Embassy of Jamaica
• Chef Shogo Shimodaira, Embassy of Japan
• Chef Yerlan Abdrakhmanov, Embassy of Kazakhstan
• Chef Young A. Byeon Lee, Embassy of the Republic of Korea
• Chef Nazha Kasraoui, Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco
• Chef Sondre Bruvik Ellingstad, Royal Norwegian Embassy
• Chef Vincent Muia, Embassy of Switzerland

Embassy Chef Challenge began at a private preliminary competition, Challenge Denmark. The scores from the Challenge Denmark cook-off and the hors d’oeuvres battle determine the Judge’s Choice Award winner. Guests at the benefit vote for the People’s Choice Award.

The article Fourth Edition of The Embassy Chef Challenge to Kick-Off In March appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Going to a party can be stressful; what do you wear, will you know other people there, and most importantly, what should you bring to eat? Trying to find a suitable hors d’oeuvres that will be enjoyed by everyone and is a change-up from the usual sausage rolls or cheese platters can be a challenge.

Homemade guacamole provides a nice change that is delicious and healthy! According to Avocado.org, one avocado has 20 essential vitamins, and they help your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients. To top it off, they have also been linked with a healthy diet to help one steer clear of cardiovascular disease. So, go ahead, whip up this yummy dip, grab your whole wheat chips, and tell your friends you are helping save their lives.

Ingredients:

• 4 avocados
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 1/4 cup red pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. Peel avocados and take out pit
2. In a bowl, mash the avocados together and add the lemon juice
3. Thinly dice the peppers and red onion, and add them
4. Add salt and pepper for taste
5. Place cilantro on top

The measurements provided can be adjusted. If you really enjoy onions, then go ahead, get a little crazy and add some more. If you are planning on skipping some of the items, that is fine as well, but I suggest keeping the lemon juice, as it not only adds flavor, but it actually keeps the avocado from turning brown.

There are, however, many people who find guacamole unappetizing. Whether it be the color, taste, or the mushy texture of avocados, they are just not for everyone. So, if you fall into the category of people who do not enjoy guacamole, but are still looking for a healthy alternative, then turn to homemade salsa. A similar concept, making salsa requires little ingredients and little preparation time.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1 cup onions
• 1 lime
• 2 tbsp cilantro
• 1/2 green green chili peppers
• 4 garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste

The article Food Experiments: Guacamole and Salsa appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.