Food & Drink

Chocolate ganache is almost as versatile as the yoghurt pound cake. It can be used as a glaze, as a filling in cakes, tarts and pies, or whipped to make a fluffy chocolate frosting. Small balls of ganache, whipped or not, can be frozen, then rolled in cocoa to make truffles. Ganache is most often […]

This is NOT the buttercream I used for the wedding cake. Truthfully, it was a risky and not very wise choice, because it was so delicate and heat sensitive. Ashley, who these days is a caterer in Chicago, discovered this meringue buttercream recipe that is just as decadently delicious, much easier to make, and far […]

This is absolutely, hands-down, bar none the easiest, most foolproof made-from-scratch yellow cake you’ll ever find. It takes only minutes and has a wonderful flavor and delicate texture no box mix could ever come close to matching. I found the recipe on the back of a flour bag decades ago – so long ago that […]

Here’s a solution for those who struggle with the dilemma, “Do I want pumpkin or pecan pie?” For tips on making pie pastry as well as a recipe and thoughts on the best shortenings to use, see my 10/22/08 RealCuisine column. 1 unbaked deep-dish 9-inch or 10-inch pie shell 1 beaten egg, 2 T. reserved […]

Most recipes for this classic use beef stock or broth. This version, however, uses only water – the intense flavor of the caramelized onions provides more than enough depth of flavor for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. And it comes from a genuine French cook, a professor of French literature at the University of Illinois, U-C. […]

Here’s a creamy soup that delivers a rich satisfying mouth feel without any cream. Onions are members of the lily family, which gives the soup its name. It can be made up to several days ahead. 4 c. sliced yellow or white onions, NOT super-sweet 1/2 c. sliced shallots 12 cloves garlic, sliced 6 T. […]

3/4 c. black walnuts 1 c. unsalted butter, softened 1 c. LOOSELY packed dark brown sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract ¼ tsp. kosher or sea salt 2 ¼ c. unbleached all-purpose flour Approximately 8 oz. good quality bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate (if dipping) Toast the black walnuts in a 350º-degree oven in a single layer […]

Black walnuts are available from at least two vendors at the Old State Capitol Farmers Market, completely shelled as well as with pre-cracked shells. Hammons Black Walnuts are available at several local grocery stores.  4 pork chops, approximately 1/2 – 1-inch thick 1/4 c. kosher or sea salt 1 qt. cold water Freshly ground black […]

3 eggs 11/2 cups neutral vegetable oil, such as canola 2 cups sugar 3 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 4 c. peeled, cored and chopped apples 1 c. black walnuts, lightly toasted if desired 2 tsp. vanilla extract Glaze: 1 c. dark brown sugar, packed 1/4 c. milk 1/2 […]