Read Full Feature in Nesting Newbies Magazine, Issue No. 4

Traditional baklava is a Middle Eastern nut-filled phyllo-dough pastry, made in sheets that are cut and served brownie-style. “I think that people want to enjoy pastries and desserts without over doing it,” says Lea. “BaklaPops are perfect, one-bite indulgences! And what doesn’t look cute on a stick?” Serve them for dessert at your next dinner party, wrap them up individually in cellophane and a bow as a perfect party favor, or bring them with you as your contribution to a potluck. They’re a make-ahead convenience, too as these treats store well at room temperature for several days.

“The recipe is very easy to make,” Lea notes. “But there are many steps involved; so, it may look intimidating…but don’t let that stop you from giving them a try. There is sweet reward at the end…and just one bite will convince you that baking from scratch is worth the effort.”

So, don your apron, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy! Chef Lea’s step-by-step video instruction will guide you through the process…Bon Appetweet!

Opening Photo By: Rio Costantini
Video By: James Burkart

Read Full Feature in Nesting Newbies Magazine, Issue No. 4

The bluest of blue skies with wisps of white clouds. Bright, sunny days and crisp, cool evening breezes. Mid-to-late summer is a glorious time of year—a time to enjoy a few lazy days of relaxing and unwinding before the hustle and bustle of the fall.

With midsummer in mind, Chef Lea McIntosh imagined a grilled dinner inspired by Mediterranean cuisines—a fusion-feast with flavors common to many countries in this Old World region. “You’ll see influences from Spain, Greece, Morocco, Africa, and Turkey in these recipes,” Lea explains. “To me, it is so interesting—and tasty—to mix dishes and blend culinary flavors from many cultures.”

To prove her point, Chef Lea took her recipes out of the test kitchen and put them to a real test: a Midsummer Mediterranean dinner party for group of bloggers! Take a look,and feel the happy buzz she and her culinary team created that evening.

You can create a similar celebratory experience for your friends and family…read on!

Opening Photo By: Rio Costantini
Video By: James Burkart

Read Full Feature in Nesting Newbies Magazine, Issue No. 3
Dressin’ Up!…and taking your salads anywhere you want them to go

Newbie: Jeanine Hays
Directed by: Elaine Clark
Produced By: Burkart Video

HOW TO ARRANGE AN ARTFUL— AND UNEXPECTED—CHEESE PLATTER Turn a 30-inch round glass into a cheese platter. You’ll need the selection of cheeses, fresh raspberries (or strawberries), grapes (several varieties), your favorite nuts (no salt), and a small crock of slow-roasted balsamic figs (recipe to follow). The video shows you how to build the ingredients into an extraordinary display.

Read Full Feature in Nesting Newbies Magazine, Winter ’10
The Cheese Stands Alone - Chef Lea’s formula for a fabulous wine-and-cheese party.

Newbies: Vanessa & Elise Rockey
Produced By: Burkart Video

Meet the Newbies. Wendy and Michael Mantilla were married in October 2008 – They love adventure! They keep life light and spontaneous…after 8 ½ years of enjoying being together, they just said “Hey why don’t we get married? And they pulled together a magical, intimate ceremony at the Monterey Plaza Hotel. It was relaxed and comfortable – just like them.

“That’s the way we make all big decisions in our lives,” says Wendy, “We keep things in perspective and make the choices as simple and basic as possible.” They did all the planning and decision-making together – their goal was to make their wedding a celebration of their love surrounded by family, the sounds of the ocean and seagulls, delicious gourmet food and excellent wine. According to Wendy, that’s exactly what it was!

“We try to keep life light and spontaneous. You don’t know how long you have on earth, so you might as well find joy and happiness every day you are here. Besides, the days that are tough are easier to manage if you have a full bank of good memories to collect on.”

Newbie Challenge. Wendy and Michael are interested in learning about fish and how to make a seafood risotto, and they challenged Chef Lea to also come up with some inspiring ideas for the leftovers.

Culinary Conclusion. She’ll teach them how to make her Moroccan-style seafood stew over a saffron risotto. Then she’ll show them how to make crab cakes using the leftover risotto.

By the Sea Tablescape. Learn how to set a modern Mediterranean seaside table setting using seashells, beach glass, lemons, flowers, votives and more.

Newbisode #2 Recipes & Resources

Photos By Allure West Studios

Meet the Newbies. Lacee and Tejas Naik were married on September 20, 2008 – This high-energy, uber-achieving couple celebrated with two ceremonies with one that honored Tejas’ Indian culture and the other a more typical American wedding setting. One can see that this couple celebrates life in a big way.

Newbie Challenge. When Chef Lea McIntosh asked them about their cooking interests, they wanted to know a great pasta recipe they could cook for a romantic evening at home or something they could easily make together for a huge party.

Culinary Conclusion. Chef McIntosh’s Italian Sausage Ragu is the perfect choice! It’s easy to make and adaptable for any size crowd.

Setting a Romantic Table for Two. In the classic “Lady and the Tramp” cartoon, Tramp treats Lady to a romantic spaghetti and meatball dinner while the Italian chefs sing: “Oh this is the night, it’s a beautiful night and we call it Bella Notte.”

This is the inspiration for the tablescape in this episode of Nesting Newbies. Pick an evening to surprise your partner with a chic Italian bistro setting for serving your Nesting Newbies’ Italian Sausage Ragu.

Newbisode #1 Recipes & Resources
Italian Sausage Ragu
Italian Cream Soda
Bella Notte Chic Tablescape
Behind The Scenes

Photos By Allure West Studios