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Columnist and Cookbook Author Phil Potempa returns to Theatre at the Center

Sunday, February 4, will feature From the Farm recipes for Valentine’s Day

Phil Potempa takes the stage for a Valentine-themed cooking production on Sunday, February 4, at 2:30pm. (Photo provided)
information provided by Big Splash PR

MUNSTER, Ind. (January 11, 2018) – Columnist and Published Cookbook Author Phil Potempa recreates on stage the charm and traditions of the family farm kitchen he writes about each week in his popular “From the Farm” newspaper column. Potempa, joined by family members and the special guests readers have come to know from his writing, will prepare seven courses of favorite recipes—with time to spare for prizes and giveaways—all in a two-hour whirlwind of entertaining down-home hospitality.

The February 4 show will follow a Valentine’s theme. All the recipes will have a romantic twist, and they will be selected from Potempa’s third published cookbook, Further From the Farm. The program is the third edition at Theatre at the Center of his popular and entertaining stage culinary show.

Potempa sets the stage for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner by dipping into America’s Big Band history with “Artichoke Hearts Spread,” a favorite recipe from bandleader Fred Waring. That is followed by “Baked Asparagus Branches,” a recipe from his column readers in Schererville, Indiana. In ancient times, according to folklore, artichokes and asparagus were known for their aphrodisiac qualities, and during the Middle Ages women were prohibited from eating them.

Rudolph Valentino’s Spaghetti Sauce will simmer as the stage main course, while the audience waits for a “secret ingredient” from the late legendary Silent Screen star to be revealed. Potempa will demonstrate a fun recipe for “Prison Tin Cup Apple-Cinnamon Muffins” as the aroma of “Hearty” Beef and Beet Borscht Soup from a stockpot on a vintage stove warms hearts and tempts tastebuds.

Phil Potempa (Photo provided)
The dessert selections include famed The Waldorf Astoria’s recipe for Red Velvet Cake, a staple at the iconic New York City hotel for more than 50 St. Valentine’s Day celebrations. Clever and easy “Go-To-Bed Mints” complete the afternoon’s menu and festivities, along with free drawings for wonderful take-home prizes. Afternoon stage entertainment includes a singing performance by a farm barbershop quartet.

Potempa’s shows are filled with fun for families and foodies of all ages. He shares stories from his Further From the Farm cookbook in between food preparation on stage during the show. In his three published cookbooks, each page chronicles interviews, recipes, and memories from personal and professional experiences. Throughout the years Potempa has interviewed and swapped recipes and stories with Julia Child, Martha Stewart, President Jimmy Carter, Oprah Winfrey, and other favorite luminaries. He is also an adjunct instructor in communications at both Valparaiso University and Purdue University Northwest, so he divides his time between his family’s farm in Northwest Indiana and his home in Chicago.

Tickets for the February 4, 2:30pm, Valentine’s extravaganza are $30 and $25 for subscribers and are available at the Theatre at the Center’s Box Office—1040 Ridge Road in Munster. Patrons may also call 219-839-3255 for tickets, or order online at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com. Brunch tickets can be added for an additional $23 plus tax.

 

Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.