by Terry Curran

On February 18, members of the Sacred Heart Home and School Association's Cook Off Committee assembled at the home of John and Edna O'Malley to produce a television spot for an upcoming program of "It's All about Arts." Hosted by Roslindale resident Glenn Williams, the show features local talent in all areas of the arts.

As a former president of the Home and School Association, Glenn is always willing to lend a helping hand when asked. When approached about appearing on his show to promote the upcoming 10th Annual Cook Off, he gladly offered the programs entire hour show. After brain-storming, the committee came up with the idea to prerecord a cooking segment with Charlie McCarthy and Karen Wright, both of whom had prize-winning entries many times in past years and are serving on this year's committee. Eager to assist us, Glenn also served as cinematographer for the evening and will do the post-production editing.

Charlie and Karen prepared "Charlie's Shrimp Drinagh," which had taken second place last year in the Nouvelle Cuisine category. They added a quick bruschetta to accompany it, along with a simple dessert called, "Hello Dollies." If you've ever watched a cooking show where the host recommends that they invent "smell-a-vision," the reason was evident in the kitchen that night. As Charlie added the white truffle oil to the hot skillet the air was perfumed with the most incredible aroma

Committee members felt like they were attending a production of "Emeril Live" as they sat at the counter sipping wine, whilewatching the food being prepared, asking questions of the chefs, and waiting for a taste of the main dish. After serving everyone, Karen presented Charlie with an apron with the word "Oldies" emblazoned across the front.

We imagined that Karen's apron would say "103.3" because Norm Thibeault, a radio personality from "Oldies 103.3," is scheduled to be the master of ceremonies at this year's Cook Off. Instead her apron said, "But Goodies" Those words were quite appropriate because Karen was making the dessert for the evening.

It was just coincidence, I believe, that Charlie happened to be the elder of the two. At this point the Committee decided that the best theme for this year's Cook Off would indeed be "Oldies but Goodies," thereby combining the radio station's motto and the cooking theme into one big play on words.

The show will air on Monday, March 21, at 7:00 p.m. on Cable TV's Boston Neighborhood Network. Along with inserts of the prerecorded cooking session, it will feature a live interview with Charlie McCarthy, Matt Baronis, and Karen Wright.

As you can see, this year's Cook Off is shaping up to be the social event of the season. To get some oldies who like goodies, the Committee is recruiting celebrity chefs and judges who have been active in the Roslindale community for many years. They are out soliciting gift certificates for prizes and raffles. (If you would like to participate, please send .your donation to Cook Off Committee, 1035 Canterbury Street, Roslindale, MA 02131). The Committee is also busy rounding up participants to cook up dishes in the following six categories: "Heritage Showcase," "Crowd Pleasers," "Funky Finger Foods," "Does It Cluck?," "Happy Endings," and that Oldies but Goodie herself "In Julia's Kitchen." For a more detailed explanation of the categories, see the entry form.

This year's Cook Off will take place on Saturday, April 9, at the Sacred Heart School Auditorium, starting at 6:00 p.m. Tickets and entry forms are available at Centre Cuts Day Salon and Spa, at Travel by Judie Leon in Roslindale Village, at the Sacred Heart Rectory, and at Sacred Heart School, or by contacting Terry Curran at (617) 323-7355.

As recorded in the TV sessions, here is Charlie's award-winning recipe, which you can prepare to make a delicious, quick, and easy supper for your family. For those curious epicures among us, this dish is named for the town in Ireland where Charlie's grand-mother grew up.