EPICUREAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Archives

August 22, 2017

Epicurean Charitable Foundation Strikes for Scholarships at South Point Hotel, 8/27

CALENDAR ALERT: EPICUREAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION STRIKES FOR
SCHOLARSHIPS BOWLING TOURNAMENT AT SOUTH POINT HOTEL, CASINO &
SPA, SUNDAY, AUG. 27

WHAT:
Strikes for Scholarships, a family-friendly bowling event organized by the Epicurean Charitable Foundation’s (ECF) students, invites the public to join the fun. Enjoy team bowling excitement and a balloon-pop raffle—all while supporting the ECF’s mission to provide full-ride college scholarships and mentorship opportunities to local students.

WHO:
Epicurean Charitable Foundation

WHEN:
Sunday, August 27, 2017

TIME:
9 a.m. – noon

WHERE:
The Bowling Alley at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa
9777 South Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89183

COST:
$125 per lane (includes a team of five bowlers)
Single tickets are $35

Social Media:
#ECFstrikers

For more information about Strikes for Scholarships or to purchase tickets, click here or call (702) 932-5098.

About Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas
Founded in 2001, Epicurean Charitable Foundation (ECF) is dedicated to providing scholarships and unique mentorship opportunities to deserving local students passionate about pursuing a career in hospitality or culinary arts. ECF’s Board of Directors is comprised of Las Vegas’ top food & beverage and hospitality executives. To support the mission, ECF holds a grand annual fundraiser, known as M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring and Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students), featuring an exclusive dine-around, live entertainment and elaborate amenities. For more information, visit ecflv.org or follow on Facebook @EpicureanLV.

September 17, 2016

Photos: Epicurean Charitable Foundation MENUS Raises $400,000 to Benefit Future Leaders of Hospitality

ECF’s M.E.N.U.S. Benefits Future Leaders of Hospitality

The Epicurean Charitable Foundation (ECF) held its signature annual fundraising event M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring & Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students) last night at Mandalay Bay Beach, raising more than $400,000 to benefit local students pursuing college degrees in the hospitality or culinary arts profession.
More than 26 of the city’s finest restaurants and chefs showcased freshly-prepared bites, complemented by a vast selection of premium beverages and spirits. Guests kicked off their shoes and danced in the surf as rock band the Gin Blossoms serenaded the crowd with hits such as “Hey Jealousy,” “Miss Disarray,” and “Follow You Down.”
Fabulous silent auction packages were up for bid including private dinners with world-class chefs, vacations to Lake Tahoe, Florida, Napa, Hollywood and Dallas, staycations, show tickets and more. Owner of Las Vegas’ first NHL team, Bill Foley, was honored for his contributions to the city and Mayor Carolyn Goodman declared Sept. 16 as “Epicurean Charitable Foundation Day” in Las Vegas in recognition of the foundation’s commitment to the future of the food & beverage industry.
“It’s an honor to be involved in these students’ lives and watch them develop and grow into professional young adults, with the knowledge and experience to become the leaders of tomorrow,” said Melissa Arias, ECF’s executive director. “The proceeds from M.E.N.U.S. allow us to continue supporting these students and I’m always inspired by the generosity and compassion of this city.”
Follow ECF’s latest events and updates on Instagram and Twitter at @EpicureanLV or Facebook at facebook.com/epicureanlv, or visit ecflv.org for more information.

ECF board and students. Credit Cashman Photo

ECF MENUS. Credit Cashman Photo

Gin Blossoms perform at ECF MENUS. Credit Cashman Photo

Pouring cocktails at ECF MENUS. Credit Cashman Photo

About Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas
Founded in 2001 and comprised of 25 of Las Vegas’ top food & beverage and hospitality executives, Epicurean Charitable Foundation (ECF) is dedicated to providing scholarships and unique mentorship opportunities to deserving local students passionate about pursuing a career in hospitality or culinary arts. To support the mission, ECF holds a grand annual fundraiser, known as M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring and Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students), featuring an exclusive dine-around, live entertainment and elaborate amenities. For more information, call 702.932.5098, visit ecflv.org or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @EpicureanLV.

December 4, 2013

Dom DeMarco’s Celebrates the Season with Second Annual Month of Giving

Dom DeMarco’s Celebrates the Season with Second Annual Month of Giving

Each week a different charity will receive a portion of proceeds
from select menu offerings

Dom DeMarco’s Pizzeria & Bar is getting in the holiday spirit with their Second Annual Month of Giving event. Each week in December a different charity will receive a portion of the proceeds from select menu entrées. The first week of entrée options include Stuffed Rigatoni in vodka sauce with basil oil, Cavatelli with broccoli and sausage, and Chicken Marsala. Each entrée is priced at $18 with $5 going back to the corresponding charity for the week.

The following charities have been selected as recipients of the Second Annual Month of Giving:

Week 1: December 2-8: Keep Memory Alive

Week 2: December 9-15: Epicurean Charitable Foundation

Week 3: December 16-22: Candlelighters

Week 4: December 23-29: Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Dom DeMarco’s is located in the heart of Summerlin at 9785 West Charleston Blvd and features classic New York-style pizza and square pies, pasta, salads, sandwiches and desserts served in a stylish, casual and fun environment. Dining hours are Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

For more information on the Second Annual Month of Giving event please call 702-570-7000.

About Dom DeMarco’s Pizzeria & Bar
Open in 2011, Dom DeMarco’s Pizzeria & Bar in Summerlin is blending two classic favorites: pizza, wine craft beer and fresh salads with modern sensibility in a neighborhood environment that radiates personality. Dom DeMarco’s Pizzeria & Bar’s namesake, Domenico DeMarco is the legendary founder of Di Fara Pizza; a restaurant with a storied Brooklyn, New York history that spans over 45 years and the #1 Zagat Rated New York City Pizza for eight years. The cherished family recipes are still used today and have been entrusted to a new generation in Las Vegas who continue to make the pizzas from scratch with quality imported ingredients and love.

About Keep Memory Alive
Keep Memory Alive, whose mission is to provide enhanced treatment and ultimately cures for patients and their families suffering from neurocognitive disorders, raises awareness and funds in support of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. By supporting Keep Memory Alive and its fight against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, ALS and memory disorders of all kinds, we can ensure progress towards better treatments and ultimately cures will occur in Las Vegas. For additional information call (702) 263-9797 or visit www.keepmemoryalive.org.

About Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas
Comprised of more than 20 of Las Vegas’ top food and beverage and hospitality executives, Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas not only awards students with scholarship funds to attend any four-year accredited university of their choice, it also provides mentorship throughout each student’s college career and helps to place the students in internships and jobs. 2013 marks the 12th year of ECF and in its tenure the foundation has provided more than $1 million to local scholars and also more than $1 million in charitable community grants to such organizations as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Lied Discovery Children’s Museum, UNLV Rebel Athletic Foundation, Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and The Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce. Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached at 702-932-5098 or by visiting www.ecflv.org. Become a friend at www.Facebook.com/EpicureanLV or follow ECF at www.Twitter.com/EpicureanLV.

About Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada (Candlelighters) is the first and oldest non-profit organization in Nevada serving families coping with childhood cancer. Candlelighters mission is to provide support, education, hope and advocacy through programs and services for children and adolescents with cancer, their families and the professionals who care for them. We assist families who are affected by childhood cancer, who request help with financial assistance, patient advocacy, and programs addressing the families’ mental and emotional health needs. We are proud to have helped thousands of families since our founding nearly 35 years ago.

About Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is dedicated to the belief that every life is precious. Funded entirely by private donations, the Society operates a no-kill shelter in Las Vegas for animals that have been abused, neglected or abandoned, or otherwise facing homelessness and danger. It works to provide medical care, rehabilitation and adoption services for thousands of animals each year and then place them in loving, forever homes. The Society’s web site is http://www.nevadaspca.org. Facebook: Nevada SPCA No-Kill Animal Shelter. Twitter: @NevadaSPCA.

March 13, 2013

Poppy Den by Chef Angelo Sosa Adds More Local Charities to Its Meaningful Mondays Lineup Schedule

Poppy Den by Chef Angelo Sosa Adds More Local Charities
to Its Meaningful Mondays Lineup Schedule

Percentage of proceeds from Monday night dinners will be donated to local charities

Chef Angelo Sosa of Poppy Den has scheduled additional dates with local charities for its Meaningful Mondays community-giving program. The gastropub created the program to raise money for local charities and will donate 20 percent of the proceeds generated every Monday night from 6 to 10 p.m. to a different local charity.

The ongoing program kicked off on March 4 with Create a Change Now, followed by Opportunity Village on March 11, and will continue with a lineup of other local charities including:

·      March 18 – The Shade Tree
·      March 25 – Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Southern Nevada
·      April 1 – Epicurean Charitable Foundation
·   April 8 – Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation
·      April 15 – Dress for Success Southern Nevada
·      April 22 – Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Las Vegas
·      May 6 – Nevada Children’s Center
·      May 20 – The Animal Foundation

Guests looking to support their favorite charity are encouraged to make a reservation by contacting Poppy Den at 702-802-2480. Charities looking to get involved with Meaningful Mondays should contact Preferred Public Relations at 702-254-5704 for more information.

About Poppy Den by Chef Angelo Sosa:
Critically acclaimed, award-winning Chef Angelo Sosa debuts his first Poppy Den restaurant in Tivoli Village, giving Las Vegas residents a new culinary option. Poppy Den is an Asian gastropub inspired by hand-picked, high quality ingredients and is Chef Sosa’s first Las Vegas based restaurant. Poppy Den is located in the heart of Tivoli Village at 440 Rampart Blvd, Suite 180. Poppy Den is open Monday – Thursday from 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. The Den is open Wednesday – Thursday from 5 p.m. – midnight and Friday – Saturday from 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. For more information, please visit www.vegaspoppyden.com. For reservations call 702-802-2480.

March 7, 2013

Meaningful Mondays Continues at Poppy Den by Chef Angelo Sosa with New Local Charities

Meaningful Mondays Continues at Poppy Den by Chef Angelo Sosa with New Local Charities

Percentage of proceeds from Monday night dinners will be donated to local charity

Poppy Den by Chef Angelo Sosa, a gastropub with Asian influences, authentic flavors and handpicked ingredients continues Meaningful Mondays, a community giving program the gastropub created to raise money for local charities. From 6 – 10 p.m. the restaurant will donate 20 percent of the proceeds made to a different local charity. The ongoing program kicked off on March 4 with Create a Change Now and will continue with a variety of other local charities including:

·     March 11 – Opportunity Village
·     March 18 – The Shade Tree
·     March 25 – Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Southern Nevada
·   April 1 – Epicurean Charitable Foundation
·     April 8 – Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation
·     April 15 – Dress for Success Southern Nevada
·     April 22 – Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Las Vegas

“Meaningful Mondays started off with a bang and we look forward to building partnerships with different local charities,” said Chef Angelo Sosa. “This is a great program for all involved, the charities receive some well needed funds and our guests give back by simply eating here on a Monday night.”

About Poppy Den by Chef Angelo Sosa:
Critically acclaimed, award-winning Chef Angelo Sosa debuts his first Poppy Den restaurant in Tivoli Village, giving Las Vegas residents a new culinary option. Poppy Den is an Asian gastropub inspired by hand-picked, high quality ingredients and is Chef Sosa’s first Las Vegas based restaurant. Poppy Den is located in the heart of Tivoli Village at 440 Rampart Blvd, Suite 180. Poppy Den is open Monday – Thursday from 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. The Den is open Wednesday – Thursday from 5 p.m. – midnight and Friday – Saturday from 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. For more information, please visit www.vegaspoppyden.com. For reservations call 702-802-2480.

January 5, 2012

EPICUREAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SELECTS NEW SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS IN 2012

EPICUREAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SELECTS NEW SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS IN 2012

This January the Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas (ECF) will launch its search for the scholarship recipients of its 2012 class. Up to 10 high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in the culinary or hospitality industry will be selected this spring.

ECF currently has more than 20 scholarship recipients in the program attending the schools of their dreams, from the Culinary Institute of America in New York to the world renowned William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. More than a million dollars in scholarship funds have been awarded to deserving students since its inception.

To be eligible, students must be high school seniors at a Clark County school with plans to attend an accredited post-secondary institution as a full-time student during the academic year following their graduation. Applicants must also pursue a bachelor’s degree and major in hotel management, food and beverage, culinary or other related programs. Additional scholarship qualifications include a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and demonstrate need for financial support. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Mar. 2.

ECF is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enrichment, involvement and education of individuals committed to pursuing a career in the hospitality and culinary industries. The ECF scholarship program provides students the opportunity to attend a four‐year university with premier hospitality and culinary programs anywhere in the nation. ECF provides financial aid, presents varied professional work experience and ethical guidance throughout a student’s educational experience.

In addition to financial support, more than 40 top food and beverage professionals serve as ECF mentors providing monthly one-on-one guidance for professional leadership, advising and academic counseling. The foundation’s mentorship program contributes a strong support system to ensure success for the hospitality and culinary industries’ future leaders.

“The scholarships are just part of what we offer to the ECF scholarship recipients,” says Elizabeth Muto, Executive Director of ECF. “Our students are also assigned mentors who serve on our Board of Directors, which consists of the city’s top food and beverage executives. We guide our students through their educational pursuit, identify internship opportunities, and when they graduate, guide them through their profession journey. ECF isn’t just a scholarship; it is a foundation that ensures our students’ success throughout their educational and post-graduation professional endeavors.”

Applications must be postmarked by Mar. 2, 2012 and mailed to the ECF office located at 6765 S. Eastern Avenue, Suite 1, Las Vegas NV 89123. Potential candidates may call

702.932.5098 for more information.

About Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas

Comprised of more than 40 of Las Vegas’ top food and beverage executives, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation not only awards students with scholarship funds to attend any four-year accredited university of their choice, it also provides mentorship throughout each student’s college career and helps to place the students in internships and jobs. 2011 marks the tenth year of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation and in its tenure the foundation has provided more than one million dollars to local scholars and also more than one million in charitable community grants to such organizations as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Lied Discovery Children’s Museum, UNLV Rebel Athletic Foundation, Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Nevada Cancer Institute. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached at 702-932-5098 or by visiting www.ECFLV.org. Become a friend on Facebook: www.facebook.com/epicureanlv or follow ECFLV on Twitter: www.twitter.com/epicureanlv.

December 21, 2011

EPICUREAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION’S SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS SET THE BAR HIGH WITH NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

EPICUREAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION’S SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

SET THE BAR HIGH WITH NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

Once the clock strikes 12, scholarship recipients of Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas (ECF) plan to get rid of the old and in with the new with their New Year’s resolutions in 2012.

Students from ECF will set the bar high in January with personal, academic and career goals for the New Year.

Whether it’s finding the job of her dreams or getting straight As this spring, Beatriz Portillo, a freshman at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, (UNLV) plans to have a busy year. For a personal challenge, Portillo hopes to overcome her fear of heights and zip line across the Grand Canyon. The Harry Potter fan also plans to work hard and save money for a trip to the Wizardly World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla.

Cindy Ureno, a junior at UNLV, is primarily focused on finding a summer internship with a reputable company to learn the ropes in the culinary industry. She also plans to graduate early and finish school by December 2012. Despite her busy schedule for the upcoming year, Ureno’s personal goal is to enjoy new experiences with friends in her last year of college.

Jonathan Grant’s main goal is to follow his passion and get back into the kitchen during his senior year at UNLV. An ambitious chef, Grant plans to roll up his sleeves and learn valuable real life work experience from his mentor, Sean DiCicco, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

UNLV senior, Leizell Seligbon, a runner who plans to participate in two half marathons in 2012, will physically challenge herself and train on a daily basis. To further explore the culinary world, Seligbon wants to become more adventurous and experience different restaurants throughout Las Vegas.

About Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas

Comprised of more than 40 of Las Vegas’ top food and beverage executives, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation not only awards students with scholarship funds to attend any four-year accredited university of their choice, it also provides mentorship throughout each student’s college career and helps to place the students in internships and jobs. 2011 marks the tenth year of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation and in its tenure the foundation has provided over one million dollars to local scholars and also over one million in charitable community grants to such organizations as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Lied Discovery Children’s Museum, UNLV Rebel Athletic Foundation, Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Nevada Cancer Institute. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached 702-932-5098 or by visiting ECFLV.org. Become a friend on Facebook: facebook.com/epicureanlv or follow ECFLV on Twitter: twitter.com/epicureanlv.

December 15, 2011December 15, 2011

EPICUREAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS PREPARE CHRISTMAS RECIPES

EPICUREAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS PREPARE CHRISTMAS RECIPES

The scholarship recipients of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas (ECF) bring the holiday spirit through putting their own spin on traditional family Christmas recipes.

A freshman at the University of Las Vegas, Nev., Mercedes Sanchez loves to make her mother’s favorite holiday recipe, arroz con leche (rice with milk). The recipe is a tribute to their family’s Cuban background.

Vesna Boscovic, a junior at the University of Las Vegas, Nev., is majoring in hotel management. For a traditional Serbian Christmas side dish, Boscovic’s specialty recipe is Sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls).

Arroz Con Leche:

Ingredients:

1 cup of Jasmine rice

1 cup of 2% milk

1 can of condensed milk

1 can of evaporated milk

1 table spoon of vanilla extract

1/3 of a cup of sugar

1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest

1 cup of raisins (optional)

1 cup of coconut (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a large pot and cook on medium heat for one hour, or until the rice is completely soft.

2. Pour mix into large casserole dish or individual cups and add cinnamon powder over the mix.

3. Let mixture cool at room temperature.

4. Refrigerate for 2 hours.

5. Serve and enjoy.

SARMA (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls):

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 3 hours

Ingredients:

1 large head cabbage (or buy already steamed cabbage leaves)

1 pound ground chuck

1/2 pound ground pork

1 cup raw rice

1 package dehydrated onion soup mix

6 smoked ribs, ham hock, or other smoked meat

Instructions:

1. Steam the cabbage leaves and remove the ribs from each leaf (or use the pre-made ones)

2. Mix ground chuck, ground pork, rice and onion soup mix. Put 2 tablespoons of the mix on each leaf, fold top of the cabbage leaf up over meat, then fold sides to the center and roll. Repeat until meat filling is enclosed.

3. On the bottom of the pot you are using, place a few whole steamed cabbage leaves and layer the rolls on top of each other.

4. Place pieces of chopped smoked ribs (or other meat) on top of the last layer of rolls.

5. Add enough water to cover the rolls (could also add some tomato sauce) but stop before the water covers the top layer.

6. Cover the dish and cook on the stove for 3 hours at 325 degrees (low-medium).

7. Remove from pot and serve.

About Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas

Comprised of more than 40 of Las Vegas’ top food and beverage executives, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation not only awards students with scholarship funds to attend any four-year accredited university of their choice, it also provides mentorship throughout each student’s college career and helps to place the students in internships and jobs. 2011 marks the tenth year of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation and in its tenure the foundation has provided over one million dollars to local scholars and also over one million in charitable community grants to such organizations as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Lied Discovery Children’s Museum, UNLV Rebel Athletic Foundation, Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Nevada Cancer Institute. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached 702-932-5098 or by visiting www.ECFLV.org. Become a friend on Facebook: www.facebook.com/epicureanlv or follow ECFLV on Twitter: www.twitter.com/epicureanlv.

November 4, 2011November 4, 2011

EPICUREAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS PREPARE FAVORITE HOLIDAY RECIPES

EPICUREAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

PREPARE FAVORITE HOLIDAY RECIPES

The scholarship recipients of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas (ECF) bring the culinary spirit of the holiday season with their favorite Thanksgiving recipes.

A freshman at the Culinary Institute of America in New York City, Ciro Fodera loves to bake his specialty, pecan ginger pumpkin cookies. Before moving to the Big Apple to pursue his love and passion for the culinary industry, Fodera interned in Canicatti, Sicily, as a prep chef at La Torre Home Services.

Cheyenne Vallette, a sophomore at the University of Las Vegas, Nev., is majoring in culinary arts management. For a traditional Thanksgiving side dish, Vallette’s specialty recipe is the sweet potato soufflé made with marshmallows. With a genuine passion for food, Vallette hopes to own a pastry shop one day.

Pecan Ginger Pumpkin Cookies:

Ingredients (3 dozen cookies)

1 cup pecan halves, divided

1 cup 100% bran cereal

1/4 cup light molasses

1 egg, beaten

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar, divided

3/4 cup Powdered Sugar Icing (see recipe below)

3/4 cup candy corn pieces

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove a couple of the pecan halves; set aside. Finely chop remaining pecans; set aside. Mix cereal, molasses and egg until well blended; let stand 5 minutes. Mix flour, baking soda and spices in separate bowl; set aside.

Beat margarine and 3/4 cup of the sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy. Add cereal mixture; mix well. Stir in flour mixture until well blended. Add chopped pecans; mix well. Shape into 36 balls, each about 1 inch in diameter; roll in remaining 1/4 cup sugar until evenly coated. Place, 2 inches apart, on lightly greased baking sheets. Flatten the balls. Insert 1 whole pecan into top edge of dough round for the “pumpkin’s stem.”

Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies feel set to the touch. Let stand 1 minute; remove to wire racks. Cool completely. Spread each cookie with 1 tsp. of the Powdered Sugar Icing. Decorate with candy corn, using about 3 pieces on each cookie. Let stand until icing is set.

Powdered Sugar Icing:

2 cups powdered sugar

3 Tbsp. milk

Mix sugar and milk until well blended.

Note:

If a thinner consistency is desired, gradually stir in up to 1 Tbsp. of additional milk.

Sweet Potato Soufflé with Homemade Marshmallows:

Ingredients

3 pounds sweet potatoes

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups softened butter

6 large eggs

1/2 cup self-rising flour

3 cups sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Marshmallows (recipe follows)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Boil the potatoes in water with the salt until tender. Drain the potatoes and cool to room temperature. Blend the potatoes with the remaining ingredients in a blender. Pour the blended mixture into a 9 by 13-inch casserole pan that has been greased with butter. Bake in the oven for 50 minutes until almost set and lightly browned. Turn the oven up to 400 degrees F. Top the soufflé with the marshmallows and then return to the oven. Continue baking for 5 to 10 minutes until the marshmallows are golden. Enjoy!

About Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas

Comprised of more than 40 of Las Vegas’ top food and beverage executives, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation not only awards students with scholarship funds to attend any four-year accredited university of their choice, it also provides mentorship throughout each student’s college career and helps to place the students in internships and jobs. 2011 marks the tenth year of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation and in its tenure the foundation has provided over one million dollars to local scholars and also over one million in charitable community grants to such organizations as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Lied Discovery Children’s Museum, UNLV Rebel Athletic Foundation, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Nevada Cancer Institute. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached 702-932-5098 or by visiting www.ECFLV.org. Become a friend on Facebook: www.facebook.com/epicureanlv or follow ECFLV on Twitter: www.twitter.com/epicureanlv