Ah, the Illinois State Fair – the highlight of my childhood summers. From about the third grade on, I sold produce from my grandparents’ organic farm from a makeshift stand at the end of our driveway. Every year I hoarded those earnings, my allowance and babysitting money, then blew it all on a gloriously uninhibited […]
Food & Drink
Posted inFood & Drink
Caramel Corn
This caramel corn is simple and simply delicious. Dark corn syrup and vanilla make most traditional; using maple syrup and flavoring is a nice variation. Adding just peanuts makes it “Cracker Jack.” Using other nuts, singly or in combination, creates a more sophisticated version. 3-4 quarts freshly popped, unseasoned popcorn 3 c. roasted nuts: peanuts, […]
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Mole verde (Green mole)
1 lb. fresh tomatillos, husked and washed 1 poblano chile 4 garlic cloves, peeled 1 medium white onion, coarsely chopped 1 handful EACH flat-leafed parsley and cilantro, or use all cilantro 1/2 c. water 1 T. masa harina 2 T. unhydrogentated lard, bacon fat, or butter (*See note below.) salt and sugar to taste Heat […]
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Memories of a Tamale Queen
It began with a call from a longtime friend, Sangamo Club general manager David Radwine. The Sangamo Club was hosting the 1995 Hope School Celebrity Chef Benefit. Rick Bayless, chef/owner of Chicago’s Frontera Grill and Topolobampo was the celebrity chef, but the SC was responsible for the first course: did I have any ideas? I […]
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Fresh corn tamales
I used traditional dried corn husks for the Hope School Benefit, but since then have discovered that fresh corn leaves and husks are even better – and easier. 24 fresh corn leaves OR the fresh outer husks of sweet corn, washed and dried. 1 fresh poblano chile 8 T. 1 T. unhydrogenated lard OR unsalted […]
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Pasta with Brie, Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic and Basil
This is a family favorite, something all three of my grown children still make now that they’re on their own. It’s good when still warm, but equally good at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics and potlucks. 3 c. coarsely chopped, seeded fresh tomatoes 1 T. kosher or sea salt 8 oz. brie — […]
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Jalapeno Mayonnaise
2 T. minced pickled jalapeños and 1 T. of the pickling liquid 1 large free-range organic egg 1/4 c. chopped scallions 1 T. sugar 1 tsp. kosher or sea salt 1 1/2 c. vegetable oil, preferably canola (do NOT use olive oil) Put all ingredients in the container of an electric blender or food processor […]
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Cajun Macaroni Salad
Many macaroni salads are bland and boring. Not this one, which gets its kick from the jalapeno mayonnaise. Don’t hesitate to make this if you don’t like spicy heat. Just use mild or medium pickled jalapenos, which are widely available. Even the regular ones only make this slightly hot; the mild/medium variety just add flavor, […]
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Salami, Chickpea and Wilted Greens Pasta Sauce
This one is best served warm, but the sauce is just a matter of assembling the ingredients and cooking them while the pasta drains. You can vary this recipe by using other types of canned beans for the chickpeas and/or canned tuna or clams for the salami. Approximately 1 1/2 c. salami, pepperoni, or other […]
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Can’t beat pasta to beat the heat
It’s too darn hot.I’d like to sup with my baby tonight,Refill the cup with my baby tonight.But I ain’t up to my baby tonight,’Cause it’s too darn hot.From It’s Too Darn Hot! – Cole Porter, 1948 Hopefully by the time you read this it will have cooled down some, but right now the temperature is […]
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Keep cool with noodles and summer rolls
What do you think it’s going to be like tonight? It’s going to be hot and wet. That’s nice if you’re with a lady, but it ain’t no good if you’re in the jungle!” – from the movie, Good Morning Vietnam Day after day the temperature keeps climbing into the mid-90s, and the forecast isn’t […]
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Crab and mango summer rolls
1/2 lb. crabmeat 6 oz. thin rice noodles a.k.a. vermicelli 1/4 c. seasoned (sushi) rice wine vinegar 3 T. light brown sugar 4-5 scallions, cut lengthwise into 2-inch slivers, OR garlic or regular chives OR chives cut into 2-inch lengths 1-2 ripe mangoes, preferably Adolphos, cut into very thin slices 1 seedless cucumber, unpeeled, cut […]
