For whatever reason, when I lived in California I never went to any Napa wineries. Since moving away, however, I've made several trips specifically to go wine tasting and spend a few days at a time in Napa and Sonoma. So I definitely associate Napa with "being on vacation." And yes, ... continue reading...
Olive oil cake with orange
Usually, when I buy a food magazine, I read the articles but only skim the recipes – and I certainly don’t go so far as actually making many of them. But occasionally, just from reading a recipe, I find that I can clearly imagine the taste of the finished product. And once that happens, the ... continue reading...
Superbowl chili
According to an article I just read, the White House Superbowl party will include bratwurst, kielbasa, cheeseburgers, deep-dish pizza, buffalo wings, German potato salad, twice-baked potatoes, potato chips, pretzels, dip and a salad. But no chili? That's a must-have, if you ask me. I’ve used ... continue reading...
Cheese soufflé
I love soufflés. There’s something that seems so special about a towering soufflé coming to the table – it’s always an occasion. I know, by heart, the Chicago restaurants that offer dessert soufflés, and rarely turn one down if I see it on the menu. Restaurant soufflés are one thing, though, ... continue reading...
“Peaches and cream” cake
You won’t find many packaged foods in my kitchen – I make homemade salad dressing, marinades, and tomato sauce. Cookies, cakes, and frosting are from scratch. And I have a deep-seated fear of anything Sandra makes "Semi-Homemade". Ok, I do use store-bought chicken stock… But that’s about ... continue reading...
Anguillan adventure
A little over a month ago, we were in Anguilla - as I sit here in Chicago looking out at the blowing snow, it certainly seems like longer than that! Now, generally speaking, you don't go to the Caribbean for the food. But Anguilla surprised me with its restaurants - great meals, excellent wine, ... continue reading...
Beer bread
I’m always on the lookout for easy recipes with a big payout – where homemade is clearly superior to store-bought. Fresh-baked bread, hot from the oven, with a pat of butter melting into it? Yes please. So I love this recipe for beer bread, since it’s one of the easiest recipes I’ve seen in a ... continue reading...
A Julia Child lunch
Until yesterday, I don’t think I’ve ever attended an event that Facebook proposed. Alumnae yoga (in Baltimore)? Sorry, can’t make it. Pac-10 networking night? Pass. But a few days ago, one event caught my eye immediately: a four course lunch inspired by Julia Child, featuring Joan Reardon, ... continue reading...
Sweet potato curry
This curry story begins last year, when my sister mentioned making a sweet potato and chickpea curry. While I’d never made a curry before, this one sounded appealing, so I had her send me the recipe (from Nigella Lawson, originally in the NY Times). I made the curry at the lake in Wisconsin, where ... continue reading...