Jocelyn Delk Adams grew up traveling between her home in Chicago and the Mississippi home of her beloved grandparents, Sid and Maggie Small (a/k/a Big Daddy and Big Mama), where she spent hours in the kitchen as Big Mama worked her magic. Adams was the “Grandbaby,” and apparently an apt student, because now, at the […]
Every year, when it comes time to compile my annual list of favorite cookbooks, I ask myself the same questions: What makes a cookbook compulsively readable? Why do some cookbooks – even those without the Food Network imprimatur – become bestsellers, while others languish on the shelves? Most importantly, which new cookbooks can I not […]
Somewhere along the line, a very boring person decided that it is In Poor Taste to drink rosé after Labor Day. As far as we’re concerned, Indian summer is the perfect time to sip something crisp before the cold weather hits and it’s red wine all the way. Take advantage of late summer produce and […]
Rosh Hashanah is the two-day celebration of the Jewish New Year, and falls on Sept. 14 this year. It is the first of the High Holidays, and is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve. Holiday customs include sounding the shofar (a hollowed-out rams horn) and eating symbolic foods such as apples dipped […]
Hot and heavy may be great for kissing—but not so much for a summer meal. Opt for cool and light instead. Vietnamese shrimp summer rolls consist of fresh ingredients wrapped in rice paper and served at room temperature or cooled; they’re not deep fried or otherwise cooked on the outside like egg rolls or spring […]
In summer, we’d rather warm up outside than in front of a hot stove or oven. Summer meals should be fast and easy and utilize the bounty of the season. Cold soups fit the bill. They’re a great way to convert fresh fruits and vegetables into a refreshing meal. Gazpacho is the heavyweight of cold […]
Nearly two decades ago, my friend, Abby Mandel, realized her dream of bringing a farmers market to Chicago. She worked tirelessly to secure the right location and non-profit status to make sure this would be a lasting institution for the city so more people could have access to locally- and sustainably-grown food. Thanks to the […]
Lettuce wilts. Mayonnaise spoils. It takes a special salad to maintain its flavor and appearance an hour into the heat of a summer picnic or barbecue–coleslaw, potato or Caesar won’t do. You can place this tasty and colorful corn salad on any buffet table and rightly expect to take home an empty bowl. The recipe […]
July 28 marks a sacred holiday for many: National Milk Chocolate Day. Whether you celebrate the holiday daily or wait for its annual return, we fully acknowledge that chocolate is an important part of life. To give National Milk Chocolate Day the recognition that it deserves, check out these simple and savory chocolate-infused recipes—and eat […]
Gardening is getting trendy! There is nothing fresher than the vegetables and herbs you grow in your own garden. Of course, if you don’t have room for a garden you can try to grow herbs in the sun that reaches your flowerbeds or grow them in pots and keep them on your front porch. Here are three pasta […]
