Books are big business. In 2020, the American book industry made over $25 billion from the sale of print books, e-books, and audio books, and over 4 MILLION new books are published each year. Of that enormous number, less than a million are print books published via traditional channels, meaning by the storied “Big 5” […]
The Big Game is no time to drop the ball. Seriously, there’s no excuse not to cook for the hugest sporting event of the year. It couldn’t be simpler. Everyone is glued to the TV—especially the commercials—and they will eat whatever is put in front of them and be happy about it. This is […]
In the early morning of December 29, a multi-alarm blaze swept through three popular Evanston businesses, leaving devastation in its wake. While the building’s owner hopes to rebuild, many people are unexpectedly out of work. The Evanston community has banded together to raise money to help the displaced employees of Pineyard, Taco Diablo and […]
It’s nearly the holidays, and you’ve been to your share of super-fun parties. But have you thrown one yourself? No need to be shy about it, counsels Aric Spiczka, Executive Chef of Eddie Merlot’s in Lincolnshire. “Simple things make a party great,” says Spiczka, like his seasonal and easy Cranberry Kiss Martini, made with cranberry […]
Sure, it’s a gorgeous turkey. The skin crisped and golden, the poultry tender and flavorful, perfumed with sage and rosemary. Or maybe you hail from a red-meat holiday household, and it’s a beef tenderloin or standing rib roast that you’re pulling out of the oven. But I’m here to tell you, we can not […]
It’s the ultimate holiday mash-up, the only of our lifetime, given the vagaries of the Jewish calendar combined with the seven-year cycle of Thanksgiving. It seems that the excitement of this singular event has led to some bad culinary choices. Just last week, Kathy and Hoda were subjected to (gag) Sweet Potato Donuts stuffed […]
So you’ve been invited to a holiday cookie exchange…that’s great news, right? Who wouldn’t want to be a part of something that’s both yummy and fun? Except you don’t want to show up with another plate of Toll House cookies or brownies from a box. That just wouldn’t fly. Here are three easy-to-follow recipes from […]
Is your apple crisp recipe ho-hum? Time to wake it up! Adding cranberries and fresh lime will brighten it considerably with the interplay of tart and sweet; the oatmeal-almond crisp topping adds texture and crunch. As desserts go, this one is health-conscious AND delicious. Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe 1 package (12 ounces) cranberries, picked over […]
In the British Isles, the ultimate comfort food is Shepherd’s Pie, originally made with stewed mutton topped with mashed potatoes. Here in the Chicago area, Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris have been serving up their “untraditional” version with Tallgrass beef and a puree of potatoes, parsnips and butternut squash at Northbrook’s Prairie Grass Cafe since […]
Ah, fall! Visions of stadium parking lots and portable grills are dancing in my head. Sure, you could just throw a couple of dogs on the fire, but why not get a little inventive? Here’s how to update your red hots and brats: get them a passport. Italy? Vietnam? Mexico? I’ve got you covered. […]
