Fourth of July heralds hot days; it brings kids clutching melting red, white, and blue rocket popsicles and local politicians handing out booster buttons. We get fun runs and freedom. In one day, we pack in fairs, fireworks, parades and potlucks. When you show up at a neighborhood barbecue, dish in hand, you want to […]
In celebration of the publication of the “Green City Market Cookbook”—and summer in general—we’re featuring this fresh and wonderful recipe from Purple Asparagus. According to volunteer Melissa Graham, Purple Asparagus is “a nonprofit organization that educates children, families, and the community about healthful, sustainable food.” Green City Market is an inspiration to them as they teach […]
The spring growing season started out nice and slow, with a few sprigs of basil here and a couple of chives shoots there. You produced just enough to garnish your meals with your homegrown herbs. But before you knew it, spring rains made way for the summer sun and your mint has grown as tall […]
Celebrating the Fourth of July? That’s a given. But if you’re really committed to your theme, you’ll need red, white and blue cocktails. Luckily, we’ve paired up with CÎROC Vodka for these great cocktail recipes to set the mood. Mix up a few pitchers and you’re good to go. Now, all you need are the […]
Gear up for summer with this new twist on a classic campfire treat. June 16 is National Fudge Day, which is the perfect excuse to sink your teeth into a hunk of mouthwatering fudge. But this is no ordinary fudge—this is Sally McKenney’s Marshmallow-Swirl S’mores Fudge from her debut cookbook, “Sally’s Baking Addiction,” named after […]
Try this summer steak salad recipe for when you want to grill, but don’t want a lot of meat. This easy-to-follow skirt-steak recipe, adapted from “Weber’s Smoke,” pairs perfectly with a light summer salad and dry rosé. Try the Salpicón Salad, the perfect dish to bring to a barbecue, loaded with grilled corn, avocado and the perfect punch of […]
Summer means salad. When the sun is really doing it’s thing, I’m all about cool and refreshing. So that’s why I’m loving “Mason Jar Salads and More: 50 Layered Lunches to Grab and Go” (Ulysses Press, 2014), the new cookbook from Julia Mirabella. Reusing Mason jars this way is aesthetically pleasing, and of course, environmentally […]
Now that it’s warming up, it’s time to break out the grill. But this season’s barbecue doesn’t have to be all steaks or chicken (yawn!). Try a grilled pizza instead. It’s truly easy to make—but follow the directions to make sure the dough doesn’t stick—and a fun way to make perfectly crisp, custom pizzas for everyone […]
Chicago’s “Breakfast Queen,” Ina Pinkney, closed her much-loved West Loop restaurant, Ina’s, at the end of 2013.
Rhubarb is in season, and I couldn’t be happier. Last spring, after many cobblers and pies, I decided to turn my sights to rhubarb beverages. Obviously, rhubarb needs a little loving before adding to a drink, so I went with this beautiful bright pink syrup, so easy to make and so very versatile. I added […]
