Last week I dined at IPO (short for Initial Public Offering) at the W City Center with 20 of my blogging friends. We were spoiled rotten with mixology demonstrations and a six course dinner. You know you are having a great week when that sums up your Tuesday. We kicked things off with a mixology […]
dinner
How to Roast Beets
Beets! They are the fall’s hottest new ingredient. They are in season right now, so this is the perfect time to try this trendy food. Beets can be sliced thin and served raw, but I love the smooth silky texture of a roasted beet. Right now several restaurants are serving beets roasted, then cooled, and placed in […]
Beef and Goat Cheese Bolognese
Tomato season is coming to a close, and my home seems to be filled with them. No, we don’t garden, but apparently we can’t resist picking up gloriously fresh tomatoes at the grocery stores and farmers markets. This then lead to the dilemma of what to do with all of these tomatoes. I decided to […]
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
When we go to Maine my parents spoil my husband by preparing insane amounts of seafood. Fresh seafood is more expensive in Chicago than it is in Maine, and since I don’t particularly like seafood, I don’t cook it. The rest of my family loves it, and one of their favorites is bacon wrapped scallops. […]
A Maine Favorite: The Clam Shack Lobster Roll
The lobster roll is a simple treat loved by the masses. Its rich buttery taste is an affordable way to enjoy the flavors of lobster in a casual environment without the work of shucking lobster yourself. Made popular in New England, its appeal has spread across the country, with restaurants specializing in the tasty treat […]
S’mores Brownies
I have a thing for S’mores. The crunchy Graham Cracker, the gooey melted marshmallow, and the rich melted chocolate- it is something that I can’t say no to. There is something nostalgic about s’mores. They remind me of summertime campfires. These brownies are a fun less messy way to enjoy the treat from my childhood. I recently […]
Watermelon, Balsamic, and Feta Salad
This refreshing three ingredient Watermelon, Balsamic, and Feta Salad is perfect for summer and can be served as an appetizer or a salad. I love how the sweetness of the watermelon is balanced by the salty feta. The balsamic reduction adds just a little acidity and it somehow pulls the flavor of the watermelon and […]
Pesto Bruschetta
Last night we celebrated our anniversary with dinner at home. The big celebration was our getaway to Charleston, and after a trip it is so nice just to be back at home. I thought that having an appetizer and bottle of wine ready when Charles got home from work would make the meal a […]
Dinner at Epic in River North
Once known for primarily serving up steak, Epic, in Chicago’s River North has mixed things up with a new modern American menu with both Asian and Hawaiian influences. When Epic asked me to stop in to check out the menu, I jumped at the chance – especially since I was trying to pack up my […]
Sherry Mushroom Chicken
You know those Friday nights when you work late, have somewhere to be by 8:30, and only have 30 minutes to pull dinner together? Let’s just say I am very familiar with that situation. The other factor in my life last Friday night is that we are trying to clean out our fridge before […]