“Kale, kale, kale!” I imagine Brussels sprouts saying in an exasperated tone like Jan on “The Brady Bunch” with her “Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!” envy of her more popular sister. From DIY kale chips to the first recognition of a National Kale Day in October of last year, we’re in the middle of a bonafide kale […]
Winter squash is an enigma. It’s grown in the summer, harvested in the fall, yet gets it name from its ability to last on the shelf through our most bitter season. In terms of storage, the vegetable is a bit like Goldilocks—the refrigerator is too cold, a heated house too warm. A cool pantry or […]
There are all kinds of cookies on the market: those in the store bakery that tempt you while the deli slices your turkey, the shelves full brand-name packages with ingredients you can’t pronounce, and even logs (conveniently chilled next to the milk) that you can slice for a quick fix. But, armed with some easy-to-make […]
Though the traditional Thanksgiving meal centers around the turkey, it’s often the foods that surround it that are the tastiest at the table. In fact, turkey is the perfect silent partner to these star side dish recipes from top chefs on the North Shore and in Chicago. There are both simple and more intricate […]
Changing careers or re-entering the workforce after time away can be daunting. For the fifth year in a row, we hosted a series of workshops designed to ease this transition. The program, RE:WORK V, presented expert speakers on topics like marketing yourself, resume writing, social media and interviewing. Here are their 15 best tips for […]
We’re able to get strawberries year round, but winter’s mealy stand-ins are no match for the juicy, sun-fattened berries of summer. Their intense sweetness naturally lends itself to inclusion in desserts. We stuff strawberries into pies, crisps, tarts, shortcakes, cheesecakes and parfaits. We dip them in chocolate and smother them with whipped cream. But […]
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 […]
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 […]
