Home Cook: Todd Garcia

CHICAGO -- Windy City LIVE's Home Cook for December is an up-and-coming Chicago actor who lives in the city's Logan Square neighborhood.

Tom Garcia is 29 years old, was married in 2013 to his lovely bride Stacey and has a love for food - especially Italian!

His dream is to have a show on the Food Network - so he is here so show us some traditional Italian favorites that can be used either as an appetizer or a meal! He brings us his Stuffed Mushrooms and Bruschetta recipes.

Our Friends at Alessi sent Todd and a lucky member of our studio audience home with a gift basket of goodies. Visit their website for all the Alessi products.

RECIPES:

Stuffed Mushrooms

1 pound of Italian sausage (hot or mild)

4 large Portobello mushrooms

1/4 cup of pine nuts

2 tablespoons of oregano

4 cloves of garlic

1/2 cup of onion (chopped)

1 cup of kale (chopped)

1 cup of parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)

Salt and pepper to taste

Bruschetta

2 tomatoes chopped

1 small red onion or half 1 large onion (chopped)

1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

2 cloves garlic

4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons of olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste