Charred Broccoli, the New French Fries? Whether you are a passionate foodie who embraces every trend, or someone who regards new preparations with suspicion, it’s hard not to like charred broccoli. It’s crispy, savory, and easy to prepare, It’s also healthy and addictive. I top it with freshly grated romano cheese or a sprinkling of…
Author: Pamela A. Allen
I love cookbooks, restaurants, creating recipes, and photographing everything. I write about my search for balance between my passions and a healthy lifestyle on my blog Measured https://measuredfoodlover.com. I taught “Cooking from Your Garden” at Orrington Elementary School and represented the city of Evanston at the 2011 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference. I am the social media director for The Kindness Connection and a contributor to 30Second Mobile.
Why You Need Vernors Ginger Ale and Ginger Ice Cream for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Dinner Thanksgiving is around the corner. It’s definitely time to start planning the menu. Last year I wrote a post about how the stomach soothing properties of ginger make Vernors Ginger Ale a favorite accompaniment to a Michigan Thanksgiving dinner. As a popular holiday spice, ginger conjures up memories of fun and celebrations. Nevertheless,…
What Kind of Summer Cook Are You?
Summer Summer can be short in Chicago, and I don’t want to spend mine in the kitchen. I take my cue from Ina Garten, a cook I try to emulate. She suggests using the best ingredients and preparing them simply. Fortunately, I have the popular Evanston farmer’s market to keep me supplied with fresh picked fruits and vegetables…
Are Smoothies Really a Better Milkshake?
Smoothies I could say that I drink smoothies just because they are healthy, but I’d be lying. I like them because they are thick and frothy. Because they don’t feel heavy in my stomach. And because they are quick to make when I wait too long to eat. I also like that they are healthy. Healthy…
How to Simplify Your Weekend in Chicago Itinerary
City Weekends I’m always ready to travel. Even a weekend is enough to get a snapshot of a locale, When I get away I most often choose to try a new city. Although I love the beach, I am naturally a city person. My idea of fun is: food, art, music, and discovering what makes a place…
How to Discover if You’re Meant to be a Food Blogger
How to Discover if You’re Meant to be a Food Blogger I haven’t posted recently. First I got the flu and was traveling, but then mostly because I had been thinking about changing the scope and focus of my blog. I initially started blogging because I have a passion for food. I love cooking, markets, cookbooks,…
Why Spring is the Best Time for This Easy Tiramisu Recipe
Why I Crave This Easy Tiramisu Recipe I first became a tiramisu connoisseur in the late 80’s. It was all the rage then, a fixture on restaurant menus. I was new to New York City. After hours of exploring, I would stop for tiramisu, the perfect pick me up. Light, creamy, and laced with expresso,…
How Steamed Artichokes Can Make a Party Special
Dinner Party When I want to make a party feel special without being expensive, I make steamed artichokes. They are relatively cheap, yet sculptural and forbidding. They give a meal a dramatic quality. I love sharing food experiences, and artichokes are a particularly fun because it’s not clear how eat them. They are also are…
How to Make Good Healthy Muffins
Healthy Muffins I must admit to a lifelong love of the kind of breakfast pastries that could be classified as dessert. Nevertheless, it’s the warm baked good with a cup of coffee that I really crave. It doesn’t have to be decadent. With that as my premise, I started my quest to create light, tasty…
What is the Best Breakfast Recipe
What is the Best Breakfast Recipe? I am not a morning person. Growing up, my favorite breakfast recipe was something we had on the weekend. During the week I kept my morning routine simple by not eating breakfast at all. The truth is, my mother made big dinners, and we ate late. I just wasn’t…