One of the greatest joys as a gardener is dabbling with new plant varieties. I love finding a new (to me) hot pepper or a luscious old world tomato variety. I make tough choices after hours ogling seed catalogs, resigned (and usually failing) to keep my order to a reasonable quantity. And yet, a few […]
Ashley Meyer
Ashley Meyer has been cooking as long as she has been walking. The daughter of beloved former Illinois Times food columnist, Julianne Glatz, Ashley offers a fresh, inspired take on her mother’s culinary legacy. Ashley studied winemaking at Lincoln University in Christchurch, New Zealand and recently achieved the Level III award from the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust. Ashley founded and successfully operated RealCuisine Catering for five years, then turned her focus to motherhood and homesteading. These days, when she’s not cooking, gardening, parenting or writing, you can find Ashley at It’s All About Wine, offering insightful recommendations and mouthwatering pours.
Posted inFood & Drink
As easy as pie
There are two gnarled old cherry trees on the south corner of our old family farmstead. I’m astonished every spring when they burst into bloom and that they’ve managed to survive another year without pruning, spraying or intervention of any kind. The crop of sour cherries is usually ready to harvest in mid-June, but the […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Savvy gardeners enjoy garlic scapes
“Have you got your garden in yet?” It’s a question I’m often asked in springtime and I’m never quite sure how to respond because there’s never really a point when my garden is “in” or “out.” The first plantings actually happen in autumn of the previous season, after tender annuals like tomatoes and squash have […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Affordable family outings
From outdoor festivals to a night out under the lights, having a fun-filled summer in the capital city doesn’t have to break the bank. Mark these free events on your calendar and take advantage of discounted activities for both kids and grownups. The 2024 Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series kicks off May 30. Located across […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Tips for an ideal picnic
Is there anything more summery than a picnic? Whether you’re sitting at a bench with a deli sandwich or spread out on a blanket with a basket of homemade treats, food always tastes better outdoors. While it may seem to be the epitome of leisure, pulling off a perfect picnic does require some planning. Keep […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Dips for dinner
Whether you’re worn out from yard work or looking for a breezy meal to welcome in the warm weather, these dinner-worthy dips are as nutritious as they are tasty. They all keep well in the fridge for three to five days, making them perfect for meal prep. They’re economical as well. Homemade hummus costs half […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Children’s Woodland Garden to open this summer
Lincoln Memorial Garden has been a cherished outdoor space for generations of families, and this summer LMG will unveil its largest installation in nearly 60 years: The Children’s Woodland Garden. This natural playscape is located just beyond the nature center, which was also upgraded over the winter to include a large, shaded deck with picnic […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Leave your wine comfort zone
I was recently asked to participate in a blind tasting of freshly bottled 2023 rosés. The wines ranged in hue from pale cherry to deep pink, and many were bursting with classic rosé aromas of juicy berries and watermelon, delicate florals and complex spicy notes. My notepad was dotted with hastily scribbled stars and exclamatory […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Wildflower blossoms can add pizzazz to shortbreads
Lush lawns covered with wildflowers are a lovely excuse to delay pulling out the mower. Amethyst-hued carpets of violets dotted with sunny dandelions not only provide food for pollinators and encourage biodiversity, but they can also brighten your bakes and add whimsy to supper. These early edible wildflowers will soon be followed by other tasty […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Grow a container garden
If you’re longing for the sight of fresh blossoms and lush foliage after a long winter, container gardening is an affordable, high-impact way to brighten almost any space. Whether it’s a window box overflowing with soft, romantic florals or a planter filled with tasty edibles, these basic strategies will help you create jaw-dropping arrangements that […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Fresh culinary talent on the menu at LLCC
For a few short weeks each semester, students in the final stage of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality training program at Lincoln Land Community College work together to develop a unique menu from scratch for the student-run restaurant. The restaurant is located in the Workforce Career Center on the southwest corner of LLCC’s main campus, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Backyard chickens 101
If you’ve ever stopped to admire fluffy chicks that appear at farm supply stores each spring, you may have contemplated bringing home a flock of your own. Keeping hens is likely the most approachable form of animal husbandry with a myriad of rewards, including access to scrumptious fresh eggs, reduced kitchen waste and the sheer […]
