Are you looking for looking for a delicious one-pot meal this Halloween? This Saturday, Swissotel Chicago’s Executive Chef, Dan McGee, will demonstrate how to make Chicken and Spicy Italian Sausage Tomato Paella. Watch Chef McGee on NBC 5 Chicago this Saturday morning during the 6am hour.

a.k.a VIKs

The weather is getting brisk, and the kids are already complaining about school. What better way to lift a family’s spirits than a Swissôtel Chicago VIK event? On November 7 at 10:00 a.m. the nationally-known, kid-friendly Swissôtel Chicago will present an event for its VIKs (Very Important Kids) – a hands-on experience with the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum.

Shedd Aquarium animal specialists will host an animal encounter, providing guests with a chance to look at, learn about and touch various critters. Straight from the exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium, the event will star animals such as the Blue-Tongue Skink and 12-pound Yellow-Footed Tortoise.

An expert from the insect division at The Field Museum will bring specimens from the museum’s collection of insects from around the world, as well as a few live creepy crawlies. VIKs will be able to interact with and hold live Tarantulas, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, Millipedes and other local critters.

Since the creation of its VIK (Very Important Kids) program, Swissôtel Chicago has become nationally-known for coming up with creative ways to cater to its pint-sized guests.

The Swissôtel Chicago VIK Event is free and open to the public, and it will take place at Swissôtel Chicago (323 E Wacker Drive).

Lunchbreak
October 12, 2009

Watch Chef McGee’s Segment:

http://www.wgntv.com/news/middaynews/lunchbreak

Recipes featured during the show:

Moroccan Chicken Thighs

8 Chicken Thighs
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
4 oz Chorizo Sausage
1 cup Fennel, thinly sliced
½ cup Julienne dried tomato
¼ cup Raisins
2 cup Dark Chicken Broth
¼ cup Toasted Almonds
Tsp Salt and Pepper

Pre-heat over for 350˚

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat
Dry the chicken with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper
Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pan, when hot add chicken, skin side down
Let brown 3 to 4 minutes.
Transfer to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature is 165˚
Remove chicken from pan and keep warm
Pour any excess oil from large skillet and place over medium-high heat. Add 1 TBLS olive oil and Chorizo sausage, cook sausage breaking up with a fork. Add fennel and sauté for 2 minutes. Add tomato, raisins and chicken broth.
Reduce by 1/2, check for seasoning, pour over chicken and top with almonds

Chili Rubbed Flank Steak

Rub

8 TBSP Paprika 3 TBSP Onion Powder
2 TBSP Cayenne 6 TBSP Salt
4 TBSP Black Pepper 2 ½ TBSP Dry Oregano
6 TBSP Garlic Powder 2 ½ TBSP Dry Thyme
1 TBSP chopped Lime Zest

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Store in an air tight container

Flank Steak

5 Lbs. Trimmed Flank Steak
1 TBSP Olive Oil

Grilling Flank Steak:

Rub the dry rub onto the flank steak. Oil your hot grill. Place flank steak onto the grill for 5 – 7 minutes per side. Timing may vary depending on the thickness of the flank steak. When internal temperature reaches 120˚ remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice on a bias and place on a platter. Pour Pico de Gallo over and serve.

Pico De Gallo

1 C. Diced Tomato (Peeled and Seeded Tomato)
1 C. Sautéed Corn Kernels
1 C. Diced Avocado
½ C. Chopped Scallions
1 Jalapeno (Seeded & Diced)
2 TBSP Chopped Cilantro
1 Lime (Zested & Chopped)
5 Limes (Juiced)
Salt & Pepper to taste

Mix Tomato, Sautéed Corn Kernels, Scallions, Jalapeno, Cilantro, Lime, Lime Juice,
Salt and Pepper together. Add Avocado just before serving.

Swissotel Chicago’s Executive Chef, Dan McGee will be on WGN Midday News this Monday, October 12th. Watch WGN during the noon hour!

Recipes will be posted after the show…

Whether you want to pick a pumpkin, make a costume or visit a scary haunted house, Chicagoween has something just for you!

For a list of activities visit:

http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/supporting_narrative/events___special_events/special_events/mose/chicagoween_2009.html