Last October in our cooking group, we each decided to make a different kind of soup. I love pumpkin soup but have never made it myself so I took on the challenge!! I wanted to make it completely from scratch so that meant cooking my own pumpkin puree….yikes! Though that was a terrifying concept, it...
To me, peas are the harbinger of spring. Being one of the first vegetables you can plant early in the growing season, peas bring you back to your garden after a long winter. This year we really need spring. As I write this (mid April), there is a high probability it’s going to snow tonight. I’m...
To be totally honest with you, I am a new convert to Brussels sprouts. I grew up in the day where, when your mom served you food, you had to eat it. Couldn’t leave the table until your plate was clean. Let’s just say I spent many long nights at the dinner table because of...
For my very first blog post I thought I’d share a staple in our house–Annie’s very veggie soup. I make it every Wednesday night for my vegetarian in the house who gets home late from a long day at school and ballet. It’s easy, healthy and filling (especially if paired with a fresh baguette!). To...
It’s winter and I make a lot of soups in the winter. Cliche, I know, but hey soups are comforting on a cold night and perfect as leftovers for a hot refreshing lunch (especially after walking my dog through all the snow!). Mushroom Barley is one of those soups that is so satisfying you really...
The holiday season is upon us and with that comes lots and lots of entertaining. Whether it’s a dinner party you are hosting or a pot luck you were invited to, getting creative in the kitchen becomes so much more festive this time of year! Fancy china is dusted off to take its place at...
For many, 2014 started off really cold. Who ever heard of a polar vortex? Chicago being labeled Chiberia? I was fortunate enough to have missed the brutally cold air but the mere thought of it made me retreat to the warmth of my kitchen and make soup — a staple on a normally chilly day...
As the Fall time change makes the evenings grow dark earlier, the need for hearty soups grows stronger. Tomato Black Bean Soup fills that niche perfectly! Being high in fiber yet low in fat, it is a very satisfying soup that makes a terrific meal. You may certainly serve it with a dinner salad or...
As much as I love sautéed onions, I needed a little change of scenery if you will. Food gets predictable, stale almost. So rather than sauté a bunch of onions, I decided to step it up a notch and make Caramelized Pearl Onions. By roasting the pearl onions in red wine and balsamic vinegar you...
It’s cold. It’s windy. It’s snowing. It’s Chicago in January. It’s the perfect time to get in the kitchen and whip up my Winter Stew! Whether you are experiencing my kind of winter or are lucky enough to live somewhere warm, Winter Stew is a delightful dish to satisfy any type of winter day (or...