Recipes: Easy Salads That Sing Summer

With so much gorgeous summer produce sprouting up daily here in Chicago, the recipe possibilities can overwhelm. These summer salads are a great place to start; they taste fantastic and highlight the best picks of the season in all their glory. Sugar Snap Pea & Fennel Salad Crunchy takes on a whole new meaning in […]

Easy Cold Soups for Hot Summer Days

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 […]

3 Fresh and Easy Summer Salads

I am a big farmers’ market fan and visit several markets each week from opening day in the spring through closing day in autumn. I so enjoy talking with the farmers and their families about their farms and the growing season. Also, I think the farmers can afford to grow wonderful produce when they are […]

9 Recipes That Take Your Picnic to the Next Level

Now that school and the cold streak are finally ending, everyone is looking for ways to enjoy the summer sun. One classic way to get family and friends outside is with the promise of a picnic. Too often, however, we get stuck in the rut of standard pasta salads in plastic tupperware. Check out these […]

Fire Up the Grill 06-25-2012

Is there a lovelier smell than dinner sizzling on the grill? We don’t think so. When it’s hot and steamy out, avoid turning on your oven, and instead fire up the BBQ. Whether you use charcoal, wood or propane, we’ve got lots of easy, but delicious ideas for dinner. Plus, if you need grilling tips, […]

Summer Raspberry Blondies Recipe

These are elegant and easy. The batter is a variation on chocolate chip cookies, but with fresh raspberries and pecans. Best of all, no shaping or scooping. Just bake into bars, then serve in decadent squares. Summer Raspberry Blondies Ingredients 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 2 cups light brown sugar, packed 2 […]