Every year around this time, I start to get cabin fever. The novelty of winter wore off about 3 months ago, and it feels like spring may never come. It’s this time of year when I am especially thankful for Farmers Markets!
This year, the Rogers Park Winter Farmers Market was held on the third floor of the United Church of Rogers Park. While not as colorful as a summertime farmers market, it was a nice reminder that the worst days of winter are behind us.
Continue reading 'The best cure for the winter blahs: Farmers Markets!'»
I used to be one of those girls who asked for jewelry and flowers on Valentine’s Day. But nowadays, I’m old and boring and somewhat of a cheapskate. So this year for Valentine’s Day, I asked Brian for something that was low on cost, but high on effort - I asked him to make strata!
Believe it or not, I’ve never had strata. Apparently there’s a whole world of casserole-style dishes that I was never privy to until recently. Brian actually had to explain to me what Strata is. Can you believe it? Let that be a clue of how unqualified I am to write about cooking. I should be stripped of my blog! 
Continue reading 'And they say I’m hard to please…'»
Happy Valentines Day, readers!
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted. Sometimes my fantasy life (where I just bake cookies in my fantasy kitchen, walk my fantasy dog, and get my hair highlighted every 13 days) is rudely invaded by my real life, and I have to put The Daily V on hold for a few days.
Anyway – I promised you a recipe for fabulous Valentine’s Day cookies, and that’s what you’re going to get! But let’s be honest. Do the men in our lives really want cookies for Valentine’s Day? No. So, to be fair to the men we love, I’m also including a great recipe for grilled rib-eye steak.
Continue reading '♥ I choo-choo-choose you! ♥'»
The next time you’re around a cook, take a close look at their hands and arms. Chances are, you’ll find quite a few scars. Even the most experienced chefs get hurt sometimes.
I’m no exception. I think I’ve kept Johnson & Johnson in business over the past few years, with all the Band-Aids I’ve bought. But if you want to stop kitchen injuries once and for all, the best defense is a good offense. If you follow these steps, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary cuts and burns.
Continue reading 'How to Prevent Kitchen Injuries'»
What do penicillin, post-it notes, and champagne have in common? According to legend, they were all invented by accident.
I debated whether or not to write about my sugar cookie experience, because it certainly fell under the category of “accident.” I goofed up the recipe… and in my opinion, ruined the cookies. But as they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Continue reading 'Think all flours are created equal? Think again.'»
I was surprised to learn that Clementines are in season right now. Being from Chicago, it’s difficult for me to grasp the concept that anything’s in season in January besides like… potholes.
But every year around Christmas, you’ll start to see these everywhere:
For the most part, I don’t have a discerning palate. I’m not one of those people who can take a bite of cheese or a sip of wine and instantly tell you what region it’s from. But I can always tell a Clementine from any other tangerine or orange.
Continue reading 'The Daily V – In Season: Clementines'»
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