BUFFALO, N.Y. – Eight local cooks with unique, home-style recipes have been chosen to join host Eileen Koteras Elibol in WNED-TV’s “WNED Cooks: Family Favorites.” They will prepare their recipes live during this new three-hour cooking extravaganza, premiering Saturday, Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. 

The popular “WNED Cooks” series is returning after six years, blending food, fun and proven kitchen tips with family tradition. Guest cooks and their featured dishes include Sharon Badach, Williamsville, N.Y. (pasta fagioli); Ann Marie Kennick, Buffalo, N.Y. (hamburger pie); Joe Kennedy, chef, Spar’s European Sausage & Meats, Buffalo, N.Y. (jambalaya with andouille sausage and chicken); Marilyn Barker, Buffalo, N.Y. (pierogi); Chuck Miano, Bradenton, Fla. (clams casino à la Miano); Trevor Ritchie, chef, Queen’s Landing Restaurant, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario (braised short ribs); Pamela Tabak, Toronto, Ontario (honey and walnut roll); Lori Caso, Lewiston, N.Y. (“Chocolate Mess”).
Celebrity chefs Joe Kennedy and Trevor Ritchie are two of the region’s finest culinary experts.  Joe Kennedy, chef at Spar’s European Sausage & Meats, purchased the shop in 2005 after serving as the Chef de Cuisine at the Park Lane Restaurant in Buffalo.   Kennedy’s specialty shop was awarded the “Art Voice Award for Best Sausage in Buffalo” in 2008.  Trevor Ritchie joined the Queen’s Landing culinary team in August 2007. He has earned several distinguished culinary awards and represented Canada in the Hans Bueschkens World Junior Culinary Challenge, where he was crowned World Champion.  He was also awarded the coveted “Top 30 under 30″ recognition in 2010.
“We are thrilled to have such a diverse group of guest chefs,” says “WNED Cooks: Family Favorites” producer Mindy Takacs. “This is a wonderful forum to learn about the special dishes that receive rave reviews from area families.”

Community members were encouraged to submit their best, family-tested recipes for the official “WNED COOKS: Family Favorites” cookbook. The book includes more than 135 recipes—from apricot chicken to zucchini parmesan. Other tasty examples include “Camille’s Easy Matzah Ball Soup,” “Best Ever Bread Dip,” and “The Simplest Pot Roast Ever.” 

The recipes are user-friendly and submitted by people who simply enjoy cooking said Koteras-Elibol, who developed a love of cooking – especially in the Polish tradition – from her family.

WNED’s senior graphic designer and staff photographer has volunteered to host cooking programs for more than a decade.  Many dedicated WNED staff members including Stratton Rawson, Dora Rankin and Peter Hall have put in countless hours to create an enjoyable learning experience for viewers, audience members and the guest chefs.

Elibol and guest cooks will appear from the WNED Studios on a specially designed set created by Artisan Kitchens & Baths in Buffalo. 

“We are very grateful that Artisan Kitchens & Baths built a gorgeous kitchen set for our chefs to prepare their prized delicacies,” said Takacs.  “They have been outstanding partners and we hope to see more of their work in future “WNED Cooks” productions.”

The program will be re-broadcast Saturday, March 26 at 10 a.m.