“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 →

Italian Goose Deviled Egg Appetizer

At the Green City Farmer’s Market last weekend they were selling Goose Eggs. Huge! The Winter Farmer’s Market is alongside the North Pond in Lincoln Park. Last year I remember seeing these big broken shells around the pond, a “goose control squad” was piercing the eggs to control the goose population. Maybe we should start … 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 →

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 →

Art of the Tart…think Spring

The weatherman says 18 inches of snow by Wednesday. Chicagoans are getting their provisions— ready to hibernate, cozy-in— books, movies, games, fires, family, comfort-food, shovels, plows, chairs on the street, sleds and fun…for sure no school. I’m thinking Spring,.. missing the brights, the colors, especially yellow. And of Taline’s Tarte à l’onion with it’s warm bright … Continue reading →

Santa’s Sweet And Spicy Nuts!

I have thought about guest bloggers…I know so many good cooks. I finally took action and asked Craig Boroughf. Craig has shared his recipes before, French Breakfast Radishes and Carmen’s Prize Winning Meatballs…thank you Craig for being my first guest blogger. The words and photography that follow are a gift from one of my favorite … 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 →

Salmon Mini-Cupcakes with Wasabi Mashed Potato Frosting

I had a dream of salmon cupcakes floating in the sky. Why??? Hot salmon cupcakes floating in the sky… Delicious, fun and airy, improves your brain, skin, heart and eye! Salmon is rich in Omega-3’s—and studies have shown: “Your mother was right: Fish is brain food. The omega-3’s from fish and fish oil, reduce the … Continue reading →