Fresh: Molto Italiano!

Everyone needs some hearty Italian food after a long day of shopping at Westfield Old Orchard. Now you’ll find Father & Son Italian Kitchen, a new quick, casual dining concept from the owners of Marcello’s, right across the street. The spot will feature gourmet flatbread- and pan-style pizzas, pastas, grilled sandwiches and salads—similar to the […]

by Jennifer Speaker

Grandma’s Sugar Cookies

Here’s a perfect holiday baking recipe from Chef Dana Herbert, winner of TLC’s “Next Great Baker.” The show is judged by “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro. Yields 6 dozen 2 cups butter 4 cups sugar 4 tablespoons heavy cream 4 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 teaspoon baking powder 8 cups flour 4 eggs Directions 1. […]

by Chef Dana Herbert

Baking Tips from TLC Winning Chef Dana Herbert

This year hasn’t been a cakewalk for Chef Dana Herbert, a.k.a. “The Sugar Daddy” and “The Kind of Cakes.” Since winning “Next Great Baker” on TLC with “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro, which finished airing in January, his business, Desserts by Dana in Wilmington, Del., has been busier than ever. His company has baked custom cakes […]

by Jennifer Speaker

Mexican Restaurants to Spice Up Your Life

There’s nothing more festive than a Mexican restaurant for a fun get together or special occasion. And whether you’re toasting with a margarita, sangria or limonata, you can’t help but feel happy, knowing that guacamole will most likely be involved.  Enjoy these North Shore and Chicago Mexican restaurants: Chicago Frontera Grill/ Topolobampo/XOCO, 445 N. Clark St., […]

by Julie Chernoff

Hungry Monkey’s Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cranberry Cupcakes

… with Maple Cream Cheese Buttercream!   These can be served as a sweet surprise for Thanksgiving Day breakfast (just leave off the frosting) or a new tradition for after dinner. Makes 24-30 regular sized cupcakes/muffins 3/4 cup orange flavored dried cranberries, found at Trader Joe’s (can also use regular dried cranberries). 1/2 cup Cointreau (orange flavored […]

by Cindy Kienzle