Lazy days of summer hit Chicago like a brick Monday. Suddenly everything is green. Rooftop boxes are sown with plants and herbs kept inside for weeks because of the cold. Boat sails dot the lake, bikes fill the paths, lawn trimmers buzz, the air is humid and tweets say… get out and play. This is … Continue reading
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
In ancient China oyster mushrooms were sent as a gift to friends and family. The jewelry maker in me couldn’t resist adding the pearls… The graceful appearance of the bloom of the oyster mushroom hooked me at the Green City Farmer’s Market. I wondered if I could roast them to keep the whole mushroom together? … Continue reading
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
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
“Help me help myself.” Maria Montessori’s quote is the inspiration for this recipe… and the Gluten-free Bisquick® box. How’s this for a contented look on a kid? Anthony, age eight, prepared this meal on his own with a little guidance and he also made the broccoli and cauliflower recipe posted earlier, but we snacked on … Continue reading
Olivia started it with a gift of a beautiful Spanish fan and a pair of fine leather Spanish gloves. A vial of Spanish saffron from Laura and Miguel with the promise of Miguel’s Paella recipe…. A red and black Spanish apron from Nancy and John with more polka-dots and ruffles than a Carmen Miranda movie! … Continue reading
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
I accepted a challenge from Green City Farmer’s Market to submit a recipe and pictures using products found at the January market. Organic root vegetables were abundant. I read that with vegetables buried in the earth, and fruits on trees you don’t peel; organic is best. Green City Farmers Market is organic. Therefore my choice. … Continue reading
I am working on the final draft of my book in progress, Italian Handful. I went to the Art Institute Chicago where I could sit in the Ryerson and Burnham library (very silent and the seats have cushions) to read my manuscript undistracted, cover to cover, both feet on the ground, without a pen to … Continue reading
Italian Handful 