Turkey, Part Two: What to Do With All Those Leftovers

Thanksgiving may only be one day of the year, but the leftovers tend to linger a while in your fridge. And if turkey is going to make a second appearance over the holiday weekend, it needs to be in a different form, if for no other reason than to shake things up a little. So […]

Turkey, Part Two: What to Do With All Those Leftovers

Thanksgiving may only be one day of the year, but the leftovers tend to linger a while in your fridge. And if turkey is going to make a second appearance over the holiday weekend, it needs to be in a different form, if for no other reason than to shake things up a little. So […]

Finally: The Perfect Guacamole Recipe

Updated Feb. 20, 2017 I wasn’t the only one up in arms when the New York Times published a recipe for pea guacamole. In fact, the entire Internet flew into an uproar, and rightfully so. Guacamole is not to be tampered with. At its finest, it is simple and unfettered by fancy add-ins. The nuanced […]

Lake Forest Destination: Westwood Bistro

The Lake Forest crowd is a clubby bunch, and when they find someplace they like, they descend upon it in numbers. Westwood Bistro, which opened last year, certainly fits that bill. Yes, I’m a little late to the party, but better late than never, right? It was jammed to the gills on a recent visit, […]

10 Ways to Repurpose Those Old Mason Jars

Did you collect a shelf full of Mason jars back when they were all the rage? Maybe you no longer want them front and center as tabletop décor, but no need to toss them just yet. We mined Pinterest (and a few of our other favorite sites) to find clever ways to repurpose your Mason jars. You’ll […]

Showstopping Holiday Gifts: 2015 Shop For Good Gift Guide

Make It Better Founder and Publisher Susan Noyes is joined by family fun expert and frequent Today Show guest Donna Bozzo to talk about great Shop For Good products to give as gifts. Buy these products now! Chelsea Carry-All from Vintage Nest, $18 Kohl Children’s Museum Bangle Bracelet from Burdeen’s Jewelry, $40 Pleece Jacket from Skandal, $295 […]

JeanMarie Brownson’s Red Lentil Soup With Lamb and Fresh Lemon

It all started with an avocado. When longtime Chicago Tribune food columnist JeanMarie Brownson was in fourth grade, her teacher returned from a Florida trip with the then-exotic fruit and shared it with the classroom. Brownson was captivated by the flavor and texture, and it inspired in her a lifelong love of food. Fast forward […]

New in Town: Gigi’s Cupcakes in Wilmette

Beloved throughout the country, Gigi’s Cupcakes opened in Wilmette on Oct. 28, offering a rotating menu of more than 300 cupcake flavors. Piled high with icing, Gigi’s cupcakes are a national phenomenon — but don’t miss out on other breakfast options including muffins, pies, breads, cinnamon rolls and a host of other treats, all baked […]

15 South Side Restaurants That Are Worth the Drive

North siders and North Shore residents, Chicago doesn’t stop at Madison Street! There’s real life in the South Loop and beyond, and some great new restaurants that you really, really need to know about. To ease you into your migration south, I’ve thrown in a few yummy places near Symphony Center and Millennium Park as […]