Wisconsin Cheese Chef Ambassador Trip

I just got back from the trip of a lifetime. As one of the 2010 Chef Ambassadors for Wisconsin Cheese, I was invited to Wisconsin to learn more about the wonders of Wisconsin Cheese. I especially enjoyed visiting the small artisan cheese makers, where handmade cheese is produced in small batches for optimum taste. Did you know that specialty cheese makes up 16 percent of Wisconsin's total production?

I learned so much this week about the nutritional benefits of cheese, the different kinds of cheese, and how to use cheese in cooking. I also learned the secret of making the most incredible fondue. Yes, I'll share it with my listeners next week.

Be listening to Judy ala Carte and reading my blog throughout the next year to discover what I learned about cheese. It's going to be a fun year. I can't wait to share with all of you what I learned.

Chef Judy's Culinary Cruise to Alaska

I'm so excited about my culinary cruise! Seven days aboard the Holland Ameria Oosterdam (known for large staterooms and incomparable amenities) through some of the most incredible scenery. We'll be getting a taste of America's history, as we stop at Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan.

Holland America is known for their culinary delights and lavish production shows. But there's more. I'll be giving cooking demonstrations in the ship's state of the art kitchen, and you'll have the opportunity to taste premium wines and learn about pairing fine wine with gourmet foods. So you not only get to taste some of the best foods and wines, you'll learn how you can create gourmet meals at home.

The cruise is a great time to sit back, relax and recharge.

We set sail from Seattle September 5, 2010, and return on September 12. I hope to see you there!

Click here for more information. For reservations, contact Pegasus Travel Center in Omaha at
(402) 390-0122 or 1-800-523-2120

***** For a limited time only, the balcony cabin rate isonly $1399 (reduced from $1749). Book NOW to take advantage of this window of opportunity, while it lasts.

One Year Anniversary in Lincoln, Nebraska

This week marks my one-year anniversary of my move to Lincoln, Nebraska. I'm continually amazed at the way this friendly community has opened their arms to me. It's uniquely refreshing to move to a new community and to feel so welcome.

Lincoln is a beautiful city, with many little gems to be discovered. I've gotten to know some fantastic chefs, dined at excellent restaurants, and met some wonderful farmers. I'm encouraged to see more and more farm-to-table restaurants opening up and chefs cooking from scratch. And the local farmers markets are amazing.

We celebrated my anniversary with a huge birthday cake from Le Cartier Baking Company and an open house at Schaefer's Appliance Center.

Thank you, Lincoln, for the warm welcome. I look forward to making many more memories in this wonderful community.

The Haymarket Farmers Market

Stuffed Bread With Roasted Tomatoes

I love fresh tomatoes. When I found out that Leon’s Gourmet Grocer had garden fresh tomatoes on sale to celebrate their 70th anniversary, I decided to make something special. I picked out a whole bunch of Flavorinos (like Roma tomatoes) and roasted the tomatoes and garlic, along with some olive oil and my Judy a la Carte spicy seasoning from Bandiola Spice.

I mixed up some dough, using half white and half whole wheat flour, let it rise twice, and rolled it out into a large rectangle. On top of that I spread the roasted tomatoes, sprinkled it with fresh mozzarella cheese, and rolled it up. For an additional treat, I took another piece of dough, spread a good country mustard on top, layered black forest ham, cheese and stuffed olives, and rolled it up in the same way. I baked them both in the oven until they were golden brown.

This is one of my favorite dishes because you can slice it for an hors d’oeuvre, especially if you have a number of guests.