My Most Favorite Chicago Restaurants

I had the privilege of living and working in the heart of Chicago for five years.  This city offers the incredible energy of a major city, combined with a melting pot of cultures and flavors through its diverse network of neighborhoods.  I have since moved to Pittsburgh, but I still get asked from time-to-time my list of favorite local restaurant suggestions for people planning to visit the city... [Read more]

Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies

I received a text message that said, “Your cookies were a huge hit! They were gone by 9 a.m.” “I guess they really liked them,” I thought to myself. It should be no surprise to hear that I typically don’t eat the entire portion of everything I cook.  If I did, my waistline would surely expand to much larger than any normal doorway.  So, on occasion, I have sent various... [Read more]

Rain, Rain Go Away

Like explorers staking their claim in the new world, John and I swerved our two cars across three lanes of Chicago traffic to unload our Blues Fest gear.  After a quick flick of the hazard lights, all six of us jumped out of the car and started to unload while screaming, “this is not a drill…this is not a drill!”  Piles of chairs, tarps, coolers and even a gigantic pop-up tent... [Read more]

This Little Piggy Went to Market

The plane landed early which meant there was no gate available for our arrival.  It’s very typical O’Hare.  As I looked out my tiny window, I noticed the Sears Tower in the distance, and immediately realized I had forgotten the Chicagoland area was really quite flat.  If you haven’t been to Chicago before, the airport is somewhat far away from the city.  But there it was in all... [Read more]

Chicago Bound

This was the blog post I wrote on the plane last night (6/12). The radiant blue sky began to emerge as my plane climbed to a proper cursing altitude through the fluffy white clouds.  Some people hate traveling on planes, but frankly, I love it.  I get the best ideas when I’m in the air.  For awhile, I thought it was some sort of mystical dust they put in the recycled air that made people... [Read more]

Citrus and Ginger Broccoli Slaw

I was killing time at the mall when I found myself in the cookbook section of a bookstore.  Brent has recently decided to go on a low calorie diet, which means I’m on one as well.  Oh the pressure.  I was desperately searching for inspiration as I thumbed through the wide assortment of magic potion books that claimed to add flavor to my diet.  There was no way I’m going to live off... [Read more]

Roasted Corn & Black Bean Salad

You’re considered part of the “really good friend” category when you’re invited to a messy meal at my house.  Not too long ago, I hosted rib night.  Say it with me folks….. “Riiiiiiiiiiibbbbs”.  There were only three of us for dinner, but I made enough ribs for 20.  Imagine a pile of tender, fall-off-the-bone, pork ribs with a hearty slathering of glistening... [Read more]

Double Chocolate Swirl Bread

When I plunged my tense hands into the semi-dark dough, my frustrations began to melt away.  There was something wonderfully relaxing about kneading the dough when the only thing I wanted to do was scream at the stupidity that inspired me to bake bread in the first place. I rarely bake breads for the simple fact it takes so much time.  But, one evening, I was so frustrated I wanted to eat an entire... [Read more]

Grilled Angel Food Cake with Balsamic Strawberries

This was my dessert for my Impromptu Dinner Party. When life speeds past you at 100 miles per hour, it’s always good to remember to stop and savor the season’s best flavors.  Like balsamic strawberries with the tender, light and airy texture of grilled angel food cake.  The heat from the grill creates an intense, heavenly flavor that squeals perfection when topped with my most favorite... [Read more]