What now? My quandary resembled de Kooning’s Untitled XI — one of his “20 new canvases”completed at 71 years old. What’s next? What is my passion? My answers and inspiration come from going outside myself… the Art Institute of Chicago my muse. I put … Continue reading
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
My love affair with radishes began when I was six years old and pulled my first baby radish from our city prairie garden. The green leaves popped early, their tiny tips of red tinge bursting warm though the hard dirt. I tugged at the leafy stem. Once out, it looked like a tiny red carrot. … 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
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
“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
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
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
Evocative. Stacked. Still on the stalk. Roast Brussel Sprouts on the stalk? And after they’re roasted? A fantasy base for an appetizer tree. But…the Reality Tree!!! Easy to topple and your guests could cut themselves removing the sprouts. But if perseverance prevails… Roasted Brussel Sprout Log With Maple-Lime Glaze 1 Brussel Sprout Log, cut off … Continue reading
Italian Handful 