CANTON – North Country Assemblywoman Addie Russell will be in the kitchen at The TAUNY Center, 53 Main St., Friday, Nov. 20 whipping up a four-course benefit dinner to support TAUNY's programs.

The cost is $50 per person and is limited to 30 guests.

The menu will be composed of favorites from Russell's family recipe file: spanakopita, French onion soup au gratin, lemon garlic chicken with mashed sweet potatoes, and carrot cake. Ingredients for the meal will come from local producers. All cooking will be done by Russell; who says she is accustomed to cooking for large family gatherings.

"We are so honored that Assemblywoman Russell has offered to support TAUNY's work by giving of her time and expertise to prepare a meal in our gallery," says TAUNY Executive Director Jill Breit. "So much of family and community life revolves around sharing meals. The event Assemblywoman Russell is planning perfectly reflects TAUNY's mission and our desire to bring people together around the best aspects of local life." Proceeds from the event will support TAUNY's program fund, including programs showcasing regional food traditions.

In describing the menu for the benefit dinner at The TAUNY Center, Russell explains, "It's North Country home kitchen meets resort town restaurant. I've added ingredients to my spanakopita recipe for North Country tastes. The carrot cake is one of my mother's favorites." At this stage of Russell's life, cooking has become a favorite hobby and she is pleased by the opportunity to cook for a good cause: "I'm very enthusiastic about the new demonstration kitchen at The TAUNY Center and the plans to use it to celebrate the rich food traditions of our region. Local agriculture is a robust sector of our economy and I'm pleased to showcase the work of our hard-working and creative local farmers."

Reservations: 386-4289.