food
Last-minute additions for Thanksgiving meal
SWAP SHOP: Experts in the kitchens of Dole Fresh Fruit and Chicago reader Carolynne Reina offer help for last-minute Thanksgiving recipe requests from L.W. of Read More
Brussels sprouts made even easier
Here’s a trick learned from the Two Hot Tamales — chefs Sue Fenniger and Mary Sue Milliken, the co-hosts of their own show on the Read More
Oskar Blues took beer in cans to new level
POUR MAN: We can thank Oskar Blues for kicking off the craft beer in cans movement — and for finally being available in Chicago. Read More
THE F WORD
“If God wanted me to cook, he would have made my hands out of aluminum.” — Joan Rivers in her latest book, “I Hate Everyone, Starting With Me.” …
Simple Thanksgiving side dishes move stress to back burner
We know that Thanksgiving can produce high anxiety. That’s why we’ve come up with simple — yet spectacular — sides and a host of little tips that will produce a dinner that’s as flavorful and stress-free.
A bread pudding worthy of a song
LOW MILEAGE KITCHEN: Be bold; try this new, but classic bread pudding that puts seasonal herbs — and a familiar song — to use.
Brining takes time, but delivers a moist bird
A Thanksgiving turkey the family will rave about starts with brining, an overnight soak in salt water.
Pie dough has secret and surprising ingredient
Making your own pie dough is, well, easy as pie. The ingredients couldn’t be simpler: flour, salt, butter or shortening, and ice water plus — surprise — vodka.
The safe way to stuff a turkey
SINCE YOU ASKED: Is it OK to stuff a turkey?
Bitter’s role in diet is pretty sweet
FOOD DETECTIVE: We like salty and sweet, of course. We tolerate sourness in, for instance, lemonade and Key Lime pie. We’re learning to recognize and appreciate umami. But bitterness, well, that’s another story.
Turkey troubles? There’s an app for that
Butterball is available for Thanksgiving help via the hotline and a host of other new ways, including its own app.
Tastings Around Town
Find a wine event happening in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs.
Add flavor, drama to holiday table
When P.C. of Northbrook requested squash recipes in hopes of adding flavor and drama to her Thanksgiving menu, Spice Islands, makers of spices, came up with two fragrant and memorable solutions — Butternut Squash Soup with Thyme Butter and Fruit- and Nut-Stuffed Acorn Squash. Also …
Food fight: Pumpkin vs. sweet potato pie
What’s that orange pie gracing your Thanksgiving table? Whether it’s pumpkin or sweet potato may depend on your heritage, your palate or, perhaps, your politics.
Another holiday dessert option: bean pie
FOOD DETECTIVE: On Thanksgiving, I will, again, steadfastly refuse to bow to around-the-table peer pressure by eating the orange gourd tart. For Thanksgiving, instead of pumpkin, I’m making and eating bean pie.
10 gift picks at the Chicago Fine Chocolate Show
Those looking for unique holiday gift ideas this season may want to swing by Navy Pier this weekend as the inaugural Chicago Fine Chocolate Show brings chocolatiers from across the globe tothe city.
The celebration of top quality chocolates will feature everything from fudge to …
Does hot sauce count as a health food?
SINCE YOU ASKED: A lover of hot sauce wants to know: is it healthy?
A video how-to on sharpening your knives
CHEF MATTHIAS MERGES: As a chef in a high-pressure kitchen where precision is necessary, you can train your ear to hear the knife cutting through a product. I can hear a dull knife crushing through chives rather than silently slicing through each green bundle.
