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One of the revelations from the new book The Obamas by The New York Times‘ Jodi Kantor that’s getting some unexpected heat (especially on right-wing blogs) is the supposedly “secret” 2009 Halloween party at the White House, which was attended by the likes of Johnny Depp and Chewbacca The Wookie. At today’s White House briefing, Jay Carney responded to the “controversy,” telling ABC Radio’s Ann Compton and Fox News’ Ed Henry that it wasn’t actually a secret at all.

It was a Very Special Super Chef Battle on Iron Chef America last night, featuring White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford, the White House vegetable garden, and garden proprietor (among other things) First Lady Michelle Obama. First Lady Obama joined Comerford, host Alton Brown, and the other Iron Chefs on the South Lawn to provide the night’s ‘secret ingredient’. The chefs had their fill of produce from the White House; the television event was intended to promote the benefits of home-grown vegetables and healthy eating habits.