Make Easy Baked Ribs for Your Next Party If I’m having a party, I like to offer a balance of healthy-ish and decadent food. I also prefer to serve things that don’t require last-minute attention. I usually choose recipes that I can make ahead. Here’s an idea for a summer party buffet: start with a…
What to Do When It’s Blood Orange Season
Blood Orange Season Chicago is often not as warm as I would like it to be. Beautiful winter and spring afternoons are often followed by cold or rainy days. One of the ways I bring summer into my life, is with a variety of interesting citrus. Fortunately blood orange season coincides with this period of…
Where to Get the Best Chicago Hot Dog on the North Side
Best Chicago Hot Dog The Chicago hot dog is legendary. Even before I moved here I had been converted by its unique style. Chicago hot dogs are loaded with toppings. The traditional dawg is an all beef frankfurter on a poppy seed roll. It’s then garnished with mustard, chopped white onion, sweet pickle relish, a…
Why I Make a Different Type of New Year’s Resolution
New Year’s Resolution Ideas I like starting the year with new goals. After the fun of the holidays I’m ready to work on self improvement. Somehow I often find making a New Year’s resolution seems too big, and perhaps too easy to abandon. If I’m realistic, I’m more likely to stick with small changes. That…
How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate and Cocoa
How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa What’s the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate? Seemingly similar, the differences are in fact significant. Although both are satisfying hot drinks; cocoa is a low calorie treat that can be enjoyed any time. Hot chocolate is made from melted chocolate, It ‘s richer consistency…
What to Do With Holiday Leftovers?
Holiday Leftovers What to do with holiday leftovers? For years I would pour over articles looking for new ideas without finding much success instead I got good bread and mayo for sandwiches. After that I struggled. Ideas for Turkey Holiday Leftovers Turkey at Christmas always makes me think of a Christmas Carol. I like the…
Try a Chicken Ramen Recipe for the Best Chicken Soup
Chicken Ramen Recipe Have you tried a chicken ramen recipe? I hadn’t, until recently. A soup often associated with pork; especially since pork belly – filled Momofuku Ramen ignited the current US craze. Before Momofuku Ramen shops are not a new concept. They have long been a fixture of urban areas with Japanese populations. I first…
Why Chocolate and Apricot Jam Make the Best Rugelach
Rugelah With Hanukkah around the corner, I am starting to plan my menu. Latkes, of course, and applesauce, and for dessert: chocolate apricot rugelach. Since devising a recipe that included the flavors of my beloved Sacher torte last year, it has become my favorite. While you may have a rugelach recipe you treasure, I am…
When You Want to Get a Gift for a Foodie, and Some Food Gift Ideas
Holidays and the Foodie With the holidays only weeks away, it’s time to find something for the foodie or cook on your list. Even if no one you know fits that description, almost everyone likes to eat. I am both a cook and a foodie. I find these stores fascinating. If you don’t, let me…
How to Discover Pomegranate Benefits and Why You Want to
How to Discover Pomegranate Benefits and Why You Want to I love the jewel-like quality of pomegranate seeds. Bright red orbs, they add instant glamour to any dish. Compared with other foods that bring to mind luxury, they are a steal. This is just one of the many pomegranate benefits I’ve discovered. Pomegranate Benefits to…