Val and Ryan talk 50th anniversary of 'Siskel and Ebert,' Thanksgiving leftovers and new movies

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Richard Roeper and Chaz Ebert joined Val and Ryan to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Siskel and Ebert."

Chaz Ebert is the CEO of Ebert Digital LLC, publisher of the preeminent movie review site rogerebert.com, TV and movie producer at Ebert Productions, and author of the indie best-seller "It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion and Kindness." Together, she and Roger Ebert, who was also her life partner for 24 years, established the Ebertfest Film Festival and the Roger Ebert Center for Film Studies at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

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The 50th anniversary of Siskel & Ebert has also coincided with Chaz's launch of The FECK Awards, which are awards to honor acts that align with the meaning of "FECK" (Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness). You can submit nominations for the awards online at giveafeck.com/awards until Dec 31.

50th Anniversary Film Series 'Siskel & Ebert'

Chicago Film Office Deputy Commissioner Natasha Olguin shared information about a few events to check out this month.

We were also joined by Chicago Film Office Deputy Commissioner Natasha Olguin, who shared information about a few events to check out this month that are honoring "Siskel & Ebert."

For the entire month of November, a screening series and live performance is celebrating the 50th anniversary of "Siskel & Ebert," revisiting their favorite "hidden gems" and celebrating the critics who put Chicago on the film map.

Each Wednesday in November, audiences will experience films that were beloved by Siskel and Ebert and engage with live post-screening conversations featuring acclaimed guest speakers. The series also includes a one-night-only live performance event, Siskel & Ebert at 50, on Saturday, Nov. 22, staged in the format of their celebrated show "Sneak Previews."

You can find out more about the "Siskel and Ebert at 50" event at the Chicago Cultural Center here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/claudia_cassidy.html

Roeper's reviews: Spend or save?

We also talked about some new movies with film critic Richard Roeper.

After hearing about some of Siskel & Ebert's favorite films, we also talked about some new movies with film critic Richard Roeper. Here are his reviews:

"Now You See Me: Now You Don't" (in theaters) - SAVE
In this third installment of the "Now You See Me" film series, the retired Four Horsemen illusionists and some new performers unite in the face of a diamond heist involving some dangerous criminals.

"Jay Kelly" (in theaters) - SPEND
This drama comedy stars George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Laura Dern, with Clooney playing famous movie actor Jay Kelly who embarks on a journey of self-discovery through Europe.

"Being Eddie" (on Netflix) - SPEND
This Netflix documentary is about the great Eddie Murphy and his journey from being a teenage stand-up comedian to becoming a Hollywood legend.

Alessi and Chef Chuck Gullo's take on Thanksgiving leftovers

We met up with Alessi and Chef Chuck Gullo at Sunset Foods in Lake Forest.

We met up with Alessi and Chef Chuck Gullo at Sunset Foods in Lake Forest to get their fresh take on what to do with all those Thanksgiving leftovers: arancini balls!

Here's the recipe for turkey and porcini arancini:

Ingredients

• 1 package Alessi risotto with porcini mushrooms


• 4 ounces turkey breast


• 16 ounces turkey gravy (2 ounces plus 14 ounces reserved for serving)


• 2 ounces dried cranberries


• Two eggs (beaten)


• 1 cup Vigo panko breadcrumbs


• 1/2 cup Alessi extra virgin olive oil

Optional

• Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage for garnish


• 1/4 cup French green beans for garnish


• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce for garnish


• Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Directions

• Cook Alessi risotto with porcini mushrooms according to directions.


• In a large saucepan with tight fitting lid bring 2 1/2 cups (20 ounces) of water to a boil.


• Add 1 tbsp. of butter and entire package of Alessi risotto. Stir while boiling for one minute.


• Cover saucepan tightly. Reduce heat to simmer and cook undisturbed for 18 minutes.


• Remove from heat and allow it to cool, uncovered, for three minutes. Fluff.


• Let risotto cool for one hour or overnight in refrigerator.


• Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit


• Shred turkey and mix with 2 ounces of the gravy.


• Mix risotto with the 2 ounces dried cranberries.


• Using measuring cup measure out four portions of 1/2 cup each risotto on to baking pan.


• Form rice into a ball and make indentation in center of ball. Fill with the turkey and gravy mixture. Cover the turkey with rice and let rice balls sit for 10 to 15 minutes.


• Beat eggs. Dip the rice ball into the egg, then into the panko. Place on baking sheet.


• Drizzle with Alessi extra virgin olive oil and place in a 400 degree-oven for 12 to 15 minutes.


• Heat the gravy.


• Serve the rice balls on top of gravy garnished with fresh herbs, cranberry sauce, French green beans and or fried sage leaves.

Next week: Ryan on the Red Carpet at the CMA Awards

Be sure to catch Ryan hosting the live streaming preshow "On the Red Carpet at the CMA Awards" at ABC's pre-show on Wednesday, Nov. 19 starting at 4 p.m.

We'll have live interviews with the nominees, performers, and presenters, followed by the award show on ABC7 at 7 p.m.