If you want to publish a book and cook!

The fork in the road brought me back to this after 4 years… Continue reading →

Spring Chill Asparagus Vichyssoise

I decided to take the Scarlet solution… think about it tomorrow. And capture the romance of the accessory, sometimes called the garnish. In this case the wispy chive flower, packing an unexpected texture and flavor surprise in the Vichyssoise Spring Chill Asparagus Vichyssoise *this Recipe adapted from a recipe from Taste Restaurant, Seattle Museum 1½ … Continue reading →

Matisse Afternoon With Rosemary Parmesan Balsamic Chips

A Matisse week in May, kicked back, socializing, and Chef Craig Boroughf’s adaptation of a Chicago favorite! Ready and easy in minutes… What with Mother’s Day…et.all… Salty, sweet and snappy.  Just like  your mother! Matisse Chips *Recipe adaptation of West Town Tavern Potato Chips courtesy of Susan Goss, Executive Chef/Co-owner, West Town Tavern, Chicago, IL … Continue reading →

Eye Popping Popcorn On The Cob

The Green City Farmer’s Market in Chicago is full of surprises in early Spring…things I don’t notice other times of the year, when the colorful fruits and vegetables capture my eye and imagination. Popcorn on the cob? My young audience was incredulous. In the microwave? The hardest part is harnessing our impatience. The aroma extends … Continue reading →

The Spirit Of The Heart

A media witness daily to the destruction and loss from the tsunami in Japan— I watch with sadness and awe the courage and elegance of the Japanese people, their grace, dignity, gentle strength. I search for words of consolation, find none. My silence —dirge dark. “Egyptian lotus never dies.”—same for our beloved? And as the … Continue reading →

Black Sesame Toasted Tofu

Crispy, chewy, toothy texture with an echo of ginger! Smart snack-attack food, appetizer or main meal star. “According to folklore, the magic words “Open sesame!” came from the sesame seed pod—which bursts open when ripe— and that when the gods created the world… they drank sesame seed wine! Black sesame seeds contain about 60% more … Continue reading →

Italian Frittata Wears Spring Green

Fat Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day, St. Joseph’s Table, and Spring right behind,.. March is a merry month! Take a break and have a friend over for an Italian Frittata. First cousin of the Tortilla Espanola, and French Omelet. All things are one. Tchuang-Tzu The palate of ingredients used in a frittata is unlimited, use what’s … Continue reading →

Tortilla Espanola

  Tortilla Espanola is one Spanish tapa I always order. I decided to make it— to go with the Seafood Paella Ole! It is sometimes served as a light dinner in Spanish homes with a salad. Tortilla Espanola 8-10 servings as an appetizer 7 medium potatoes or 12 small potatoes, peeled 6 large eggs or … Continue reading →

Valentine My Heart Beets For You

  Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.   Dalai Lama Drab February festooned in ‘Chinese Red” for the Chinese New Year and Valentine Hearts. How smart! Red is one of the luckiest colors in Chinese traditions, standing for loyalty, success and happiness. Red underwear embroidered with the Chinese Zodiac for the year is one of … Continue reading →

Super Bowl Avocado Cream Chili Pot Pie

Nancy and John had a Chili and Cornbread Cook-Off. There were three categories, Chili, Vegetarian Chili, and Cornbread. What an aromatic… and filling. Fun and easy! After 4pm people started arriving with grins, boxes, pots, slow-cookers, beer, wine, and kids. A serious competition. This group is serious about their Chili. Pierre, The 2010 Rib Throwdown … Continue reading →