Eggs have been a symbol of spring for centuries, long before the advent of Christianity and our modern hunts for Easter eggs. The ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians all had beliefs relating to eggs and the creation of the universe, that the earth itself was born out of an egg. Cultures around the world decorate […]
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
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish-inspired desserts
St. Patrick's Day is almost upon us and what better way to celebrate than with boozy, Irish-inspired desserts? This decadent chocolate Bundt cake gets an extra layer of complexity with the inclusion of rich stout beer. While Guinness is possibly the most famous stout in the world, there’s a huge variety available from Murphy’s Stout, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Incorporate more mushrooms into your diet
“I’m going to run into the grocery and pick up some potatoes for dinner – it’ll be quick, I promise. I’m just getting one thing.” I made these assurances with the best of intentions but as I briskly walked through the produce section a sign caught my eye. Button mushrooms were on sale for 99 […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Personalizing the food
Of all the choices that must be made when planning a celebration, the food and drink that’s served can provide a unique opportunity to personalize and differentiate the experience. This season couples are more inclined than ever to buck tradition and plan a party that reflects their own style and interests and the food is […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Sweet on beets
Show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day with beets. These deeply pigmented vegetables are a glorious addition to winter menus, providing visual pop, sweet earthy flavor and loads of nutrition. Rich in iron, manganese, potassium, vitamins and B6, beets also are a source of plant-based nitrates, which research has suggested can increase blood flow and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Sourdough baking an ancient process
Countless cooks caught the sourdough baking bug in the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown. Yeast was scarce and with time on their hands, modern bakers discovered the joys of this ancient process. I was fortunate to grow up with artisanal sourdough baking, but as a Midwestern kid in the 1990s it was anything but […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Non-alcoholic drinks gaining in popularity
For nearly 40 years the percentage of American adults who consume alcohol has consistently remained in the low 60s. However, over the past two decades, Gallup reports that alcohol consumption has been steadily declining among younger adults aged 18 to 34. Indeed, specialty non-alcoholic drink offerings have become commonplace in both fine dining restaurants and […]
Posted inNews
Try stretching to improve your health
It’s no secret that exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. But what about stretching? It can help improve mobility, flexibility, strength and ultimately a person’s independence, whether you’re a dancer, athlete or just looking to live life to its fullest. Dr. Marc DeJong is a board-certified orthopedic specialist with Springfield Clinic and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Fresh flavors for a frigid forecast
Did everyone have a great December? I certainly did. It was quite a run of eating and drinking and I have no regrets. Unfortunately, my once roomy jeans are no longer roomy and the ache in my joints is a reminder that there are consequences to my gluttony. As lovely as all those cookies were, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Eggnog, the divisive drink
Of all quintessential holiday flavors, eggnog might be one of the most divisive. Folks either love it or hate it, however it’s hard to argue that this richly spiced and strongly spiked holiday beverage has left an indelible mark on the American holiday tradition. Eggnog is widely believed to be a descendant of posset, a […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Delicious gifts
I finally got my act together this year and got a head start on holiday baking preparations. Last weekend’s blustery weather practically begged me to bust out the stand mixer, put on some jaunty carols and get to work. I’ve been making holiday treat boxes for friends and family for years and always find myself […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A party in your freezer
Great food takes time, a commodity that’s in notoriously short supply during the frenetic holiday season. The freezer is a savvy host’s best friend, especially if you’re wanting to wow guests with sumptuous homemade treats. Whether you’re planning ahead for a grand holiday soiree or just want to be prepared for last-minute gatherings, these freezer-friendly […]
