From the far reaches of the vegetable bin to the exotic aroma of unexplored spices, Mollie Katzen makes meal time a culinary adventure

BALTIMORE, MD (April 7, 2000) – Tasteful adventure and flavorful discovery lie just beyond the pantry shelf as celebrated chef Mollie Katzen rolls out her third season of delectable cooking on MOLLIE KATZEN'S COOKING SHOW. Beginning May 13, 2000 (check local listings) on public television stations nationwide, this New York Times' best-selling author and vegetable virtuoso elevates healthy eating to its tasteful outer limits. Grilling everything from apricots to zucchini and dedicating an entire episode to the virtues of a single spice, Mollie Katzen uses nature's bounty to its fullest bloom in these two 13-part series. Distributed by American Public Television (APT), the series is a coproduction of Maryland Public Television and Enchanted Broccoli Inc., and is funded by Boca Foods and Beano.

Full-flavored variety with simple ensemble is the cornerstone of Mollie's menus. Few cooks master the simplicity of authentic flavors with such creative applications as has this "beloved mentor," as Newsweek has described her. Based on newly released editions of the legendary Moosewood Cookbook and the Enchanted Broccoli Forest, Mollie's latest series offers renowned, time-tested recipes from this trusted guide, whom Health magazine named one of the five "Women Who Changed The Way We Eat" (June 1999).

Mollie's irresistible recipes are the perfect remedy for a fast-paced lifestyle, and support a growing recognition that healthy eating need not require great sacrifices. "I want people to realize they can have it all – good, nutritious food in their daily lives, without sacrificing on flavor," says Mollie. "And I hope they'll discover the many joys of cooking along the way." In her inimitable style, Mollie celebrates all that is healthy, creative and genuinely fun about cooking with sumptuous ingredients from the nearest grocer to marketplaces around the world.

From al fresco to global, this new season of wholesome cuisine is a veritable travelogue for viewer taste buds without ever leaving the kitchen. MOLLIE KATZEN'S COOKING SHOW takes the essence of international allure – Brazil, China, India, Greece and Mexico – and marries it to American lifestyles through its simplicity and appeal. From savory to sweet and everything in between, Mollie serves up inspired recipes, including: Gingered Carrot Soup and Home Made Ginger Ale, Balkan Cucumber Salad, Savory Vegetable Cheesecake, Vegetable Kabobs, Green Onion Pancakes, Mexican Corn and Cheese Bread, and Maple Walnut Pie, just to whet the appetite. She even pays homage to the sandwich, an everyday food with infinite possibilities.

Each mouthwatering episode serves up a well-rounded menu from appetizer to dessert, with exciting twists on the traditional: a bounteous spread of small dishes with big personalities replaces a main-entree meal; a make-ahead menu leaves the chef at home time to run all day and still pull off a stunning dinner; breakfast fare gets turned on its ear as Zucchini Feta Pancakes are fair game for lunch or dinner; and the all-American summer cookout takes on new meaning with marinated grilled vegetables and even dessert on the grill.

All of the featured recipes from the series are located in the companion books, the New Moosewood Cookbook and the New Enchanted Broccoli Forest, both available in retail stores from publisher Ten Speed Press. An interactive Web site, www.molliekatzen.com, features a TV series home page, an art gallery of Mollie's illustrations, books, select recipes, monthly messages, a bulletin board with Mollie's and friends' conversations posted, and related links. For more information, visit the site.

MOLLIE KATZEN'S COOKING SHOW is a coproduction of Maryland Public Television and Enchanted Broccoli Inc. Executive producer/host is Mollie Katzen. Executive producer for Maryland Public Television is John T. Potthast. Co-executive producer is Torri Randall. Supervising producer is Peggy Lee Scott.

Enchanted Broccoli Inc., the proud coproducer of MOLLIE KATZEN'S COOKING SHOW, is a company formed to produce visually-oriented merchandise, publicity and teaching vehicles for Mollie Katzen's recipes and artwork.

Maryland Public Television (MPT) is among the largest producers of national and international programs for U.S. public television. Renowned for its award-winning cooking programs, MPT boasts such series as Baking with Julia (with host Julia Child), In Julia's Kitchen with Master Chefs, Pierre Franey's Cooking in France, Jewish Cooking in America with Joan Nathan, Dessert Circus with Jacques Torres, and Country Inn Cooking with Gail Greco.

MOLLIE KATZEN'S COOKING SHOW is distributed by American Public Television (formerly American Program Service), a major source of programming for the nation's public television stations. Known for identifying innovative programs and developing creative distribution techniques, APT provides stations with program choices that enable them to strengthen and customize their schedules. It also serves as an essential distribution and funding option for producers.