Press Releases
MorseLife Hosts Annual Celebrity Latke Cook-Off Yields Six Recipes
Ranging From Unusual To Creative
Link to Recipes
WEST PALM BEACH, FL, December 11, 2009 - The competition was fierce among MorseLife staff and local celebrities, vying for top honors in MorseLife annual Celebrity Latke Cook-Off on Friday, December 11th. More than just oil was bubbling – the energy and enthusiasm of the participants made for a fun and interesting lunch, and over 100 community members enjoyed sampling and a luncheon of chicken and vegetables.
Judges and Chefs for the annual MorseLife Latke Cook Off, held Friday, December 11th. Front Row (left to right): Marcy Rosenbaum, Jimmy Glenos, Keith Myers, Rebecca Berman, Fred Sternlicht, Heidi Hunn, Carmen Shell, Vardit Bakal and Jonathan Landau. Back Room (left to right): Marty Katz, Linda McClamma, Dr. Alan Sadowsky, Ryan Lieber, Linda Sevich and Dr. Karl Dhana.
This annual event has become one of the most popular community “lunch and learn” programs at MorseLife, with both staff and celebrities donning chef hats and competing for the best potato pancake recipes. This year’s emcee was Dr. Alan Sadowsky, Senior Vice President of Home and Community-Based Services for MorseLife, and judges were Roberta Sabban, food columnist for Palm Beach Daily News, Marty Katz, Vice President of Support Services for MorseLife, and Keith Myers, President and CEO for MorseLife who all stated they “had a great time!” Among our other media personalities who served as Celebrity Chefs were Ryan Lieber, reporter at WPTV-TV and Eric Burris, meteorologist for WPBF-TV.
After the judges sampled all latkes, one winner stood out – Israeli Spinach and Zucchini Latke, cooked by Rebecca Berman, RD, Director of Clinical Nutrition and Fred Sternlicht, DTR, Diet Tech for Morse Geriatric Center. Upon accepting the prize, they jumped in enthusiasm noting that the success of the recipe was “all about presentation and love.” The judges noted that ultimately, they picked the one recipe that scored highest in terms of taste, spice and design. “While there may be some belly aching about the outcome – but certainly no belly aches in light of the cooking – the cook-off brought some wonderful holiday enjoyment to staff, celebrities and community,” Keith Myers noted.
Fortunately, all recipes received ribbons in various categories:
- As noted, Israeli Spinach and Zucchini Latke, cooked by Rebecca Berman, RD, Director of Clinical Nutrition and Fred Sternlicht, DTR, Diet Tech, garnered the “Best Overall” award.
- Traditional Latkes with Apple and Drizzled Chocolate, cooked by Marcy Rosenbaum, consultant, and Jimmy Glenos, Director of MorseLife Learning Institute, won the “Best Presentation” award.
- Sweet Potato Latkes, cooked Dr. Karl Dhana, senior vice president of medical affairs and Carmen Shell, RN, Vice President of Clinical Services, garnered the “Best Tasting” award.
- Loaded Latkes, cooked by Linda McClamma, senior vice president of housing and Jonathan Landau, director of culinary services, won the “Most Creative” award.
- Vegetable Latkes, cooked by Linda Sevich, Director of Schaffer Adult Day Center and Ryan Lieber, reporter for WPTV-TV, garnered the “Best Attempt” award.
- Pecan and Raisin Latkes, cooked Vardit Bakal, Director of Resident Services for The Tradition of the Palm Beaches and Heidi Hunn, Diet Tech, garnered the “Oy Gevalt!” award, in recognition of its unusual nature.
About MorseLife
MorseLife is a nationally-recognized provider of health care and residential services for seniors and their families in Palm Beach County. A charitable, not-for-profit organization, its programs include short-term rehabilitation, long term care, independent and assisted living, Medicare skilled home health and in-home assistance, care management, adult day center, meals-on-wheels and research and training. Founded in 1983, MorseLife has built a reputation and tradition of caring for seniors with excellence, dignity and compassion -- honoring senior living -- now and forever. For more information, visit www.morselife.org