Fall is supposedly just around the corner, but as I write this the temperature outside is a balmy 96 degrees and a blanket of corn sweat is hanging heavily in the afternoon air. Weather like this compels us to slow down and seek out a shady spot, perhaps with a cool drink in hand. Modern […]
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
Late summer’s fruit
This is the time of year when my heart feels like it belongs in two places. Mornings are crisp, the kids are back in school and I’m more inclined to crave a steaming cup of hot coffee rather than an iced cold brew. The air has the aroma of fall and I am all in […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Taking kids out to eat
A few years into raising my eldest daughter, I was convinced that we had it all figured out when it came to kids and mealtime. From her first days eating solid food she was a superb eater and readily tried and enjoyed all sorts of new foods, from kalamata olives to blue cheese to kale. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Maximize plant power
This week is all about celebrating summer veggies with recipes inspired to maximize delicious plant-based power. Regardless of what else I’m serving, weekend dinners in the summertime always include a large melange of grilled or roasted vegetables, simply seasoned with salt and olive oil. They fit in nicely no matter the cuisine and can take […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A key to many Asian recipes
Lemon grass is a cornerstone ingredient in many southeast Asian recipes. This culinary grass lends a refreshing, verdant quality to a range of dishes and is readily available in Asian grocery stores. A perennial in tropical climates, lemon grass also can be grown as an annual here in Illinois and can overwinter well indoors in […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A magical, boozy dessert
Zabaglione (za-ba-lee-ohn) is a seemingly magical dessert that originated in Italy in the 15th century. Egg yolks are whipped with wine and sugar to create what is essentially a boozy custard sauce. Originally made with Marsala, the French quickly adopted their own version of the recipe using Sauternes, a lusciously sweet white wine from Bordeaux. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The sauce is the boss
Think of these five sauces as your passport to delicious summer meals. Transform plain Jane grilled chicken thighs or pork loin into a vibrant, flavor-packed meal with a simple drizzle. They keep well in the fridge or freezer, making it easy to jazz up any meal at a moment’s notice. Chimichurri Known in my house […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Green beans a great summer side dish
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 […]
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 […]
