“Stars and Stripes” Dessert … And “Over 21” Independence Day Jello-Shots**

“Stars and Stripes” Dessert … And “Over 21” Independence Day Jello-Shots**. 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 →

Cranberry Savories… Artichoke. Anchovy. Italian Giardiniera. Parmesan…NOSH.

Savory is about flavor and bouquet. Relish and chew. Subtle and soulful, pungent with zip. One savory recipe with delicate silky artichoke and essence of Parmesan, the other with salty anchovy and piquant Italian Giardiniera. Both with a touch of sweet-tart, dried cranberry tang. Voila! A Holiday Nosh. The dough is Mama Mic’s Magic Dough … Continue reading →

Not-So-Virgin Olive Oil the “Other Mother.”

In sourdough culture, they have a “Mother dough.” Italian’s have what I call the other mother—Not-So-Virgin Olive Oil. A blend of extra-virgin olive oil and chopped garlic. The other-mother can be stored a covered jar in the refrigerator for weeks, ready to use. Olive oil enhanced with the flavor of fresh garlic. As you use it, … Continue reading →

Mama Mic’s Magic Dough

    ABRACADABRA!!! Mama Mic’s Magic Dough Yield: 2 loaves, 3 pizzas or 48 rolls Ingredients: 2 cups water,  warm to the wrist 2 packets dry yeast, 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar * SWEET DOUGH increase sugar to ⅓ cup ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon Sea salt 5 to 6 ½ cups … Continue reading →

Creole Tilapia and Watermelon Disk Day

What to say to a Paul Klee  In The Magic Mirror day? Red hot and frazzled? Klee calls this “taking a line for a walk.” And what about her tiny blackened heart? Disillusionment? The center of creativity? I take full responsibility for where my thoughts go on the page, but the Muse is another story…and … Continue reading →

Grill Virtuosi and John’s Kansas City Sweet and Smoky Seasoning

Spring in Chicago brings out the grills. Although, many Chicagoans bundled in jackets, boots and gloves never put their grills away, the sit-outside-season starts with the first sunny-over-60°-day or the onset of the Cubs and White Sox home games. John and Nancy have their garden started under-wraps and the grill going as they bounce on … Continue reading →

Summer’s Garden Salmon Salad

A fresh garden salad of mixed green, cold salmon, raspberry mustard vinaigrette, and seasonal vegetables. Continue reading →

Luna Negra Dance Theater and “Cugie’s” Corn

Luna Negra Dance Theater rehearses for Wednesday night’s performance and reminds Adagio of spicy, tangy, “Cugie’s” corn on the cob. Continue reading →

Portabella Bar

Portabella mushrooms from the Green City Market are easy and fun on the grill filled with a variety of toppings. Continue reading →