Ask A Pittsburgh Expert: Best Fall Family Dishes

If you're looking for a creative and imaginative culinary treat, then look no farther than Hoffstot's Cafe Monaco and experience the delicacies and preparation of excellence from Executive Chef, Brian Leri. It doesn't matter if it's a birthday, anniversary, retirement or family dinner, the attention to detail to please the patrons is taken care of with a professional touch. Part of that process is Brian Leri's knowledge of how to find the appropriate meal and make sure the presentation on the plate has a feel that makes the patrons either take a bite or a photo. Brian takes the time to ask what each party needs or wants and makes the meal special for each guest. The food is served with Brian's unique creativity to come up with ideas that the guests don't expect , and they walk away with a feeling they were treated to a memorable meal.

Brian Leri, Executive Chef
Hoffstot's Cafe Monaco
533 Allegheny Ave.
Oakmont, PA 15319
(412) 828-8555
www.hoffstots.com

Brian Leri has a wealth of experience in the culinary field, and he started that destination in 1994 as a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. The next road took him to Vassar College in New York. Just before taking the executive chef position at Hoffstot's, Brian had a successful stint at the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh. Brian has roots in the Pittsburgh area and as graduate of Highlands High School in Natrona Heights, he established a repertoire of success at each level of culinary service.

Cream Of Tomato Soup

• 1/2 lb butter
• 2 1/2 lb. of onions( small dice)
• 1/4 stalk celery ( small dice)
• 1/2 oz sugar
• 2t. garlic
• 1 can of Chef's magic tomatoes(Stanislaus brand)
• 1/2 gal. chicken stock
• 1/2 cup tomato juice
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Reggiano
• 1t. dry mustard
• 1t. hot sauce
• 1 cup half & half

Directions:

1. Melt butter- Cook onions, celery and garlic
2. Add stock, tomato juice, tomato paste
3. Add Chef Magic, then puree
4. Let simmer for 30-40 minutes
5. Add cream, half and half
6. Season with salt and pepper 

Related: Best All-Day Breakfasts In Pittsburgh

Carrot Souffle 

• 2 cups cooked carrots
• 2t. flour
• 1/4 lb. of butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1t. cinnamon

Directions:

1. Put all ingredients into a blender
2. Blend well
3. Place mixture into a large quiche dish (1" sides)
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes

Almond Lace Cookies 

• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• 5 oz. sugar

Directions:

1. Mix ingredients together and bring to a simmer
2. Let cook for 5 minutes
3. Pull from heat and add remaining ingredients
4. 1.5 oz. all purpose flour
5. 1.5 oz. Filbert flour
6. 3 oz. sliced almonds
7. Use a teaspoon, spoon mixture onto trays lined with parchment paper
8. Space about 2 inches apart, bake in a convection oven at 300 degrees until golden brown
9. Small batch yields 28 cookies

Related: Ask A Chef: Best  Breakfast Casserole Recipes

Gerry Cernicky is a retired health and physical education teacher with 36 years of experience. He is a former teacher of the year and a sports writer for the Vandergrift News. He delivers podcasts, and maintains a website and blog. He currently resides in Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.