Kai Cooks For a Cause...The Highlights!

Pushing the limits of art, compassion and healing, celebrities AnnaLynne McCord, Laura Slade Wiggins, Ariel Winter, Shantel VanSanten, Dominic Purcell, Amy Paffrath, Jasmine Villegas, Mary Birdsong, Kyle and Chris Massey, Garrett Morris, came together on the red carpet at the Drawing Hope Int'l Masquerade Gala and Silent Auction to show support for young rape and sexual abuse survivors on March 18, 2012.  Celebrity Chef Kai Chase specially prepared the gala dinner, whose VIP clientele include the Obama's, Mary J Blige and the late Michael Jackson. 

As the celebrities approached the red carpet, they were introduced to celebrity artist and Drawing Hope Int'l co-founder, David Ilan, whose powerful project, Points with Purpose, uses a Pointillism technique, each dot representing one sexual abuse survivor.
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celebrity chef Kai Chase and artist/Drawing Hope, Int'l co-founder, David Ilan

Celebrity Chef Kai Chase created a phenomenonal food experience beginning with a creative offering of some of her seasonal signature hors d'oeuvres. 

(left): Smoked Salmon Pate on Edible Lemon-Dill Chinese Spoons, (center): Vegetarian Grilled Zucchini Sushi with Sweet Chili Peppers, Mint, Arugula and Goat Cheese (right): Strawberry and Mint Bruschetta with Orange-Blossom Honey Burrata and Sweet Aged Balsamic Drizzle

An exotic three course dinner was the highlight of the evening bringing the gala's attendants to their feet with a standing ovation for Celebrity Chef Kai Chase and her evening's spectacular cuisine.

Romaine, Frisee and Red Endive Salad with Spiced Marcona Almonds, Gorgonzola, Fuji Apples and Shallot Mustard-Vinaigrette

Tandoori Grilled Chicken with Fruited-Masala Couscous and Grilled Vegetable Ratatouille

A bidding war developed during the live auction between Days of Our Lives star Arianne Zucker and the ever-hilarious SNL legend Garrett Morris and co-star of the new comedy hit 2 Broke Girls. Each were vying for an in-home personal gourmet cooking lesson and prepared meal by Celebrity Chef Kai Chase, who graciously offered to donate her time and skills to both bidders thus doubling financial donation to the Drawing Hope Int'l organization.

Celebrity Chef Kai Chase and Auctioneer Gavin Keilly

The atmosphere at the Drawing Hope Int'l Masquerade Gala was both compassionate and festive. All of the wait staff bore fun colorful face masks and the centerpieces dripped with strings of clear crystals which caught the light beautifully setting a warm, comforting mood on the entire evening. The music was varied and upbeat, the food, a true culinary delight, the award winners, humble and gracious, the host, witting and engaging.  Overall, a triumph for their first charity gala, Drawing Hope, the guests and most of all for the survivors of sexual abuse.

The atmosphere at Drawing Hope Int'l Masquerade Gala and Silent Auction 2012

Chef Kai Chase Volunteers At The City of Hope

I was happy to volunteer my time at the City of Hope's "Speak To The Experts" panel last week, February 18, 2010. The panel spoke on diabetes and healthy eating. I learned so much and was able to speak with some of the 150 guests about diabetic food choices, making healthy dishes taste great and how to feed a family using healthy ingredients without breaking your wallet.

As the expert chef of the evening I prepared a "Whole Wheat Penne Pasta with Chicken Apple Sausage and Broccolini Marinara." I must say, the dish was well received and the recipe was offered for the attendees to take home and try.

Working as a private chef, I have the privilege to shop at markets for my clients that offer good wholesome ingredients, but are not always cost effective when feeding a family of four, so in my research to find healthy ingredients that were affordable I did a little internet surfing and found that Wal-Mart...YES, Wal-Mart sells whole wheat and multi-grain pastas. They sell a brand called "Great Value" and "Barilla." "

Great Value" offers 13 ounce boxes of whole wheat penne, spaghetti, fusilli and fettucini at the value price of $1.00 and "Barilla" offers 13 ounce boxes of multi-grain of the same pasta types at the value price of $1.28. If you purchase one box of pasta, add some healthy chicken sausage, a few vegetables, add your homemade sauce and accompany it with a delicious side salad...you can feed a family of four for under $20 dollars. I tried it and it's possible!

Below is the recipe that was offered at City of Hope's "Speak To The Experts" panel discussion on diabetes. Eat healthy you guys and enjoy.
Love, Kai.



Whole Wheat Penne Pasta w/Chicken Apple Sausage and Broccolini Marinara


1 Lb. Whole Wheat Penne Pasta, Cooked to Al Dente
4 Qt. Water
Sea Salt
2 Tbs. EVO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
2 c. Chicken Apple Sausage, Sliced
1 c. Broccolini Florets
TBG Sauce (Tomato, Basil, Garlic Sauce)
Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese

Method:

In a large skillet add the EVO and lightly cook the chicken sausage and set aside. In a small pot of boiling water add the broccoli florets and cook for approximately 1 minute. Remove from the water and blanch in a bowl of iced water to stop the cooking. Strain from the iced water and set aside. In a large pot add 4 qt. water, sea salt and bring to a boil. Cook penne in the boiling water until desired doneness. Strain and in a large saute pan add the EVO, penne, sausage, broccolini and TBG sauce and toss evenly to coat. Top lightly with fresh grated parmesan cheese and serve.

Tomato, Basil, Garlic Sauce

1 Lb. Roma Tomato, Chopped
6 Whole Roasted Garlic Pods
3 Tbs. EVO
3 Tbs. Fresh Basil, Chopped
½ tsp. Sea Salt
Cracked Black Pepper

Method:

In a large sauté pan add the EVO and garlic, cook on medium heat until the garlic begins to slightly brown and roast. Add the chopped tomatoes, basil and sea salt. Simmer on medium low for 3-40 minutes until the tomatoes have softened, crushing and stirring occasionally. Once the sauce has formed remove from the heat and place in a food processor, pulse until coarse and semi-pureed. Season to taste.