2011

Thumbnail image for Better Late than Never: Sweet Potato-Apple Latkes

Better Late than Never: Sweet Potato-Apple Latkes

December 29, 2011

The holidays might be over but I haven’t exactly been consistent posting here lately. It seems oddly appropriate that when everyone is getting ready to shelve the flour, butter and sugar for the season, I would be first getting around to posting holiday recipes. Though I haven’t been doing much posting lately, it isn’t for [...]

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pomegranate martini

Perfect Party Cocktail: Pomegranate Martini

December 13, 2011

Whenever I look at a cocktail menu on a bar, a Cosmopolitan is undoubtedly on the menu. Now, I have nothing against the Cosmpolitan but at the risk of sounding, oh, I don’t know, snobby, aren’t Cosmopolitans a little bit…you know, 2004? While pomegranate juice isn’t exactly new to the block, it has a refreshing [...]

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Thumbnail image for Meatless Monday: Crowd Favorite Beet + Walnut Dip

Meatless Monday: Crowd Favorite Beet + Walnut Dip

December 5, 2011

Here’s another crowd-pleasing recipe – I made this at home and brought it to a friend’s party a few weeks ago. People were curious to find out what this fuchsia-colored dip was and surprised by how great it tasted! I initially found this recipe on Veggie Belly, a vegetarian food blog, – the moment I [...]

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Thumbnail image for Really, Really Easy Peppermint Truffle Cookies

Really, Really Easy Peppermint Truffle Cookies

November 23, 2011

During the holidays, the internet is awash with complicated cookie recipes. If you read from one blog to the next it’s almost, almost as if each blogger is trying to outdo the next with the extravagance of their brand new favorite holiday cookie. I am not one of those bloggers. Several years ago I saw [...]

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Thumbnail image for Mexican Style Baked Eggs

Mexican Style Baked Eggs

November 17, 2011

If you look in my refrigerator on any given day, you’ll always find plenty of condiments, but not a whole lot of predictability. Though some people have standby foods that they eat day in and day out, I get bored quickly. Even so, the one item that you’ll almost always find on my shelves is [...]

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Thumbnail image for Curried Pumpkin Soup with Crème Fraiche

Curried Pumpkin Soup with Crème Fraiche

November 17, 2011

Growing up I had very mixed feelings about Thanksgiving. When my family of four was together without interruption, inevitably, someone would probably bicker and being the bratty firstborn that I am, I like to be surrounded by people and activity.  Thanksgiving has never meant hordes of relatives, backyard football and too much pie. It always [...]

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Thumbnail image for Shells & Cheese with Browned Butter and Swiss Chard

Shells & Cheese with Browned Butter and Swiss Chard

November 16, 2011

Recently, it’s come to my attention that I led an extremely deprived childhood. I recently learned that for some families, macaroni and cheese was a Thanksgiving dinner staple. Oh, relax. I kid. It’s not like I starved – especially on Thanksgiving – and it’s actually a very good thing that there was no macaroni and [...]

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Thumbnail image for Quick Cranberry Applesauce

Quick Cranberry Applesauce

November 9, 2011

When I started my own company last year I thought I was going to be bored. So, I took a part-time waitress job downtown and quickly found myself working upwards of 100 hours per week. I quit said waitress job so I would have time to do other important things – like take showers and [...]

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Thumbnail image for Meatless Monday: Plant-Based Calcium Overload

Meatless Monday: Plant-Based Calcium Overload

November 7, 2011

By Laura Knapp I think it’s safe to say that the majority of vegetarians and vegans are very mindful when it comes to the food they put into their bodies. One of the first things we’re always asked by meat eaters is how we get our protein. Very seldom do people ask about our calcium [...]

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Thumbnail image for Easy Entertaining: Girls’ Fall-Themed Brunch [Pumpkin Pancakes]

Easy Entertaining: Girls’ Fall-Themed Brunch [Pumpkin Pancakes]

October 30, 2011

Two serendipitous things happened this month: Angie emailed a group of us girls and basically insisted that we have a brunch party at which brandy-spiked apple cider and pumpkin pancakes were both present. Soon after, Eggland’s Best contacted me and invited me to join their “Eggland’s Best Double Dozen” event to support breast cancer awareness. [...]

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Thumbnail image for Georgian Chicken In Pomegranate And Tamarind Sauce

Georgian Chicken In Pomegranate And Tamarind Sauce

October 24, 2011

By Gillian Nadel It’s officially, finally, fall. We dread the end of summer but then relish in some of the season’s finest offerings: the crisp air in the morning, pumpkin picking, the changing foliage, hot cider and college football. Yes, fall is filled with tasty traditions.  If you’re like me, this is one of the [...]

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Thumbnail image for Apple Walnut Salsa and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Apple Walnut Salsa and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

October 20, 2011

During the summer, I’m all about the no-cook recipes. My current kitchen is not a large space. As a result, whenever I turn a heat source on, no matter how low or how light, it immediately feels like you’re locked in a boiler room. However, as soon as sleep-with-the-windows-open weather begins, I am all about [...]

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Thumbnail image for How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree [Recipe: Pumpkin Chili]

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree [Recipe: Pumpkin Chili]

October 15, 2011

Let’s talk about pumpkin, shall we? I hope you aren’t sick of it yet. Since it’s mid-October, we’ve all realized by now that pumpkin is everywhere. It’s at the farmer’s market, it’s on sale at the grocery store and on almost every blog I’ve read since the end of August, there is a glowing tribute [...]

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Thumbnail image for Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

October 9, 2011

Today I spent approximately eight hours in the gym. Thankfully for everyone, I wasn’t actually working out for the full eight hours, but was getting certified to teach TurboKick, a cardio kickboxing format that my gym, along with several others in Chicago, offers. I’d never thought about teaching group fitness before, but I love this [...]

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Thumbnail image for Hindsight and Homemade Apple Crisp

Hindsight and Homemade Apple Crisp

October 5, 2011

I know there is an expression out there that says that hindsight is 20/20, but I don’t really believe it. I think that as time goes on, it’s easy to think we would have done certain things differently, but there is no way of knowing, if given the opportunity to go back in time, we [...]

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Thumbnail image for Meatless Monday: Plantains & Guacamole

Meatless Monday: Plantains & Guacamole

October 3, 2011

By Laura Knapp A couple weeks ago my friend was hosting a little gathering at her apartment. Knowing that she worries about not having enough vegan food for me, I offered to bring a few vegan snacks for everyone to eat. I decided to bring a homemade trail mix with cashews, almonds, dried cranberries and [...]

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Thumbnail image for Starting Again: Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Starting Again: Baked Pumpkin Donuts

September 29, 2011

I’ve written 515 posts here (admittedly, some of them are probably drafts that never made it to the big leagues). I won’t tell you how many visitors I’ve had here since Day 1, partially because my friend Lydia said that sharing your blog traffic on your blog is like telling everyone your bathing suit size. [...]

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Thumbnail image for 75 Recipes for Weekend Football Parties

75 Recipes for Weekend Football Parties

September 15, 2011

Football season kicked off this week, which I could truly care less about until it comes to the snacks that people make to eat while they watch the games. While I’ll never say no to a tailgate at a college football game or great tickets to an especially exciting sporting event with friends, my TV [...]

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Thumbnail image for Meatless Monday: Vibrant Antioxidant Salad

Meatless Monday: Vibrant Antioxidant Salad

September 12, 2011

By Laura Knapp Earlier this month, I was in the beautiful beachside town of La Jolla, California for a friend’s wedding. Sunday morning I wanted to explore La Jolla a bit and strolled over to the nearby Hillcrest Farmer’s Market. I always love seeing how farmers’ markets vary from city to city, from the vendors [...]

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Thumbnail image for Why I Write [Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal Recipe]

Why I Write [Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal Recipe]

September 11, 2011

Two weeks ago I wrote two posts in in which I mentioned that I recently lost a job and felt uninspired to blog. After a few days, my mother, an avid reader here, suggested I remove the “depressing posts” in case prospective employers or clients were reading my blog. Though I certainly don’t want to [...]

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Thumbnail image for Caesar Salad: Grilled and Better Than Ever

Caesar Salad: Grilled and Better Than Ever

September 7, 2011

Guest Post by Gillian Nadel When I first mentioned to my friends that I was making Grilled Caesar Salad, they looked at my like I had two heads. “Grilled? I like my lettuce cold, thank you” and “charred lettuce? Yeah right, sounds good.” O ye of little faith! Have I ever fed you something you [...]

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Thumbnail image for Dannon Oikos Review & Greek Yogurt Recipe Ideas

Dannon Oikos Review & Greek Yogurt Recipe Ideas

September 6, 2011

There are a lot of things I eat regularly but don’t talk about here because they just aren’t especially remarkable. Unlike my creamy avocado pasta or the butter-dipped cinnamon sugar donuts, the cereal or yogurt that I eat in the morning usually aren’t worth sharing. However, I was recently contacted by the Clever Girls Collective [...]

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Thumbnail image for Pretending to be Patriotic: Traditional Apple Pie

Pretending to be Patriotic: Traditional Apple Pie

September 2, 2011

For some people Labor Day is a festive weekend, full of cookouts and pool parties and friends and sun and summer fun and blah blah blah blah. Well, I did the cookouts and parties and friends and blah blah blah on Memorial Day and subsequently, on the Fourth of July, so this weekend is going [...]

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Thumbnail image for In the Meantime…

In the Meantime…

August 30, 2011

from crate and barrel. love pieces that are functional + stylish. Lately I haven’t felt very inspired the idea of blogging. This month, my career has taken a few hits on a few different levels, so while I’ll spare you the details, I will admit that I feel a little lost on the internet. And…well, [...]

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Thumbnail image for Easy Entertaining: Host a Wine & Cheese Party

Easy Entertaining: Host a Wine & Cheese Party

August 24, 2011

If you love to eat and entertain in equal measure, a wine and cheese party is the perfect opportunity to play hostess.  On Saturday I wrote a guest post for the ladies at Big Girls Small Kitchen about how to host the perfect wine and cheese party. For those of you who didn’t see it, [...]

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Thumbnail image for A More Mature S’More: No Camp Fire Needed

A More Mature S’More: No Camp Fire Needed

August 23, 2011

By Gillian Nadel I recently got back from visiting my summer sleep away camp. So forgive me if I’m feeling nostalgic for the simpler days, when color war was my biggest source of stress and dip n’ dots ice cream was a novelty. (And also forgive me if I start cheering or singing mid post. [...]

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Thumbnail image for Worknight Dinner Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Worknight Dinner Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

August 22, 2011

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Thumbnail image for Easy Entertaining: How to Host Brunch and Still Sleep ’til Noon

Easy Entertaining: How to Host Brunch and Still Sleep ’til Noon

August 20, 2011

If there is one thing I could change about my apartment it would be my kitchen. My small kitchen, to be more specific. So you can imagine why I was pleased to discover that I’m not the only one who struggles with semi-adequate counter space and less-than-desirable storage for my kitchen gadgets and ingredients. Today [...]

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Thumbnail image for Keeping It Simple: Mexican Green Rice

Keeping It Simple: Mexican Green Rice

August 18, 2011

Earlier this week, it was enchiladas. Today, it’s Mexican style rice. You’re probably thinking one of two things: does she eat anything besides Mexican food? or you don’t need a recipe for rice.  It’s true that most of us could probably make rice with our eyes closed and one hand tied behind our backs (I [...]

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Thumbnail image for Easy Homemade Blueberry Jam

Easy Homemade Blueberry Jam

August 16, 2011

Guest Post by Esther Reisinger Do you feel like lately there has been a return to our homemade roots? Do you even know what I mean by homemade roots? I make up phrases. Let me explain: I feel that I’m seeing so much more from our modern kitchens made the old-fashioned way: from scratch. We’re [...]

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Thumbnail image for Worknight Dinner Recipe: Mushroom Enchiladas

Worknight Dinner Recipe: Mushroom Enchiladas

August 15, 2011

Earlier this year I talked about my visit to my friend Dana in Seattle, where we ate, drank and toured several local markets that at the time, were just beginning to show signs of spring fruits and vegetables. Not only is Dana a phenomenal cook (and Seattle dining tour guide: every restaurant we went to [...]

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Thumbnail image for Impromptu Dinner Party Recipe: Crab Cakes with Spicy Remoulade

Impromptu Dinner Party Recipe: Crab Cakes with Spicy Remoulade

August 14, 2011

I am not an easy person to cook for. It isn’t because I am picky, because I have dietary restrictions or because I’m a food snob. It’s because when you’re cooking for me, my requirement is that I be able to put the recipe on my blog (assuming, of course, that said recipe will be [...]

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Thumbnail image for Baking for Loved Ones: Lemon Chess Pie

Baking for Loved Ones: Lemon Chess Pie

August 12, 2011

When I was in college, my mother would send me newspaper clippings about teenagers and young adults who died in car accidents. They were morbid stories that I didn’t want to read: straight-A students who were killed by a drunk driver on their way home from the  movies,  seniors in high school who would never [...]

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Thumbnail image for Easy Entertaining: Summer Date Night Menu [Recipe: Grouper with Mint-Red Pepper Relish]

Easy Entertaining: Summer Date Night Menu [Recipe: Grouper with Mint-Red Pepper Relish]

August 11, 2011

Guest Post & Photos by Alison Lewis I have been a big fan of Maris’s blog for a while, so I was so honored when she invited me to contribute a guest post about how to make date night healthier. Since my background is in nutrition and my blog Ingredients, Inc. focuses on healthy living [...]

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Thumbnail image for Wine on Wednesday: Nine Walks Sauvignon Blanc

Wine on Wednesday: Nine Walks Sauvignon Blanc

August 10, 2011

I’m not big on red wine,  but between receiving media samples, gifts and buying wine for past parties, I have somehow amassed a large collection of it. When I have parties, my apartment tends to heat up pretty quickly so unless the weather is very literally sub-zero, which is certainly not out of the question [...]

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Thumbnail image for Fresh Tomatillo Salsa (Salsa Verde)

Fresh Tomatillo Salsa (Salsa Verde)

August 9, 2011

My name is Maris and I’m addicted to chips and salsa. This is not a new addiction by any means. I’ve always loved the fact that Mexican restaurants give you the opportunity to eat endless amounts of corn chips and I have the jeans size to prove it. But more than chips, which would be [...]

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Thumbnail image for Too Many Cookies: Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Too Many Cookies: Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies

August 7, 2011

You might have heard the silly saying  “you can never be too rich or too thin.” Well, I won’t editorialize on that statement because frankly, it would be a waste of everyone’s time. What I will do is modify it to add to the phrase “…or have too many cookies.” Yes, you can eat too [...]

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Thumbnail image for Weekend Brunch for One or Two: Zucchini Omelet

Weekend Brunch for One or Two: Zucchini Omelet

August 6, 2011

I wish I had a garden, it would be so lovely. Here’s what I do have though: Two beautiful, large garden pots, one in front and one in back of my townhouse, in which I planted hosta bulbs, only to later discover holes in the dirt instead of small green baby hosta shoots. Apparently squirrels [...]

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Thumbnail image for Worknight Dinner Recipe: Summer Spaghetti Primavera

Worknight Dinner Recipe: Summer Spaghetti Primavera

August 5, 2011

I’ve been eating a lot of pasta lately for a few reasons, first and foremost being that I recently decided to stop donating the lion’s share of my household budget to Whole Foods and pasta is quite inexpensive, but also because I have this website about cooking easy recipes that anyone can master. And tell [...]

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Thumbnail image for Easy Entertaining: Summer Picnic Potluck in the Park

Easy Entertaining: Summer Picnic Potluck in the Park

August 4, 2011

Photo Credit: Google Images I will be the first person to admit that when I lived in New York, I did not take advantage of the culture that the city had to offer. Though I had friends and coworkers who went to concerts in the park on Wednesday evenings, art museums on the weekends and [...]

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Thumbnail image for Pesto, Barley & Edamame Salad

Pesto, Barley & Edamame Salad

August 2, 2011

One of my favorite parts about where I live is that I have friends close by. This is convenient and enjoyable for many reasons, but the at the top of the list is probably the sentence: “I made extra __________ for dinner, want to come over?” I’ve been on both the uttering and receiving end [...]

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Thumbnail image for Meatless Monday: Vegan Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes

Meatless Monday: Vegan Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes

August 1, 2011

I’m very excited to introduce a new monthly series here on In Good Taste for our vegan and vegetarian friends – or anyone looking to make creative meals without meat. I was thrilled when my friend Laura Knapp approached me about writing some posts for us and I think you will be too.  As an [...]

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Thumbnail image for Six No-Cook Dinners for Summer

Six No-Cook Dinners for Summer

July 31, 2011

Today I am over at Simply Life with a guest post about no-cook dinners for summer. Head over to Gina’s wonderful blog for recipe ideas and inspiration. Two years ago, my oven broke, right around the end of July. For one reason or another my landlord wasn’t able to get the correct part to fix [...]

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Thumbnail image for Easy Entertaining: Spinach and White Bean Pesto Sauce

Easy Entertaining: Spinach and White Bean Pesto Sauce

July 29, 2011

I know, back-to-back pasta sauces. But you see, it’s hot out. We need these sauces. In the winter, it’s easy to make dinner for a big group of friends. You pop a pot on the stove and make a big batch of lemon basil marinara sauce or kalamata olive marinara sauce with your favorite pasta [...]

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Thumbnail image for Worknight Dinner Recipe: No-Cook Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

Worknight Dinner Recipe: No-Cook Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

July 28, 2011

It’s a scorching 98 degrees today.  And you know the house rules: the oven stays at OFF. I wish I were one of those girls who could say It’s summer! I’ll just eat “FroYo” for dinner.  But no, not me. If I don’t sit down at a table to enjoy a proper meal, I am [...]

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Thumbnail image for Worknight Dinner Recipe: Chipotle Chicken Fingers

Worknight Dinner Recipe: Chipotle Chicken Fingers

July 26, 2011

As much as I like eating healthily, I also like a good amount of junk food. For as long as I can remember, I was able to pass up on savory, salty junk food – chips, French fries, chicken fingers – in favor of sweets and desserts. I’m not what the physiological reason is that [...]

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Thumbnail image for Lazy Summer Dessert: Rustic Peach Galette

Lazy Summer Dessert: Rustic Peach Galette

July 25, 2011

Have you ever been afraid to do something…and then once you did it, realized it was one of the best decisions you’ve ever made? This galette was a product of one such scenario, as until recently I had never made a galette and found them moderately intimidating. Then, out of nowhere one day I made [...]

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Thumbnail image for Sheryl Crow’s Roasted Potato and Corn Salad

Sheryl Crow’s Roasted Potato and Corn Salad

July 24, 2011

I love summer corn but there are only so many ways you can eat it, especially when you don’t have a grill (I know, I know…break out the tiny violins). While you can cook corn on the cob in a pot of boiling water or in the microwave, I think it’s sweetest and most flavorful [...]

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Thumbnail image for Cooking for Two: Quinoa, Tomato and Corn Salad

Cooking for Two: Quinoa, Tomato and Corn Salad

July 23, 2011

Quinoa was a mystery to me until less than a year ago. I didn’t even know how to say the word. I just thought it was one of those super health foods that you had to be a super health nut to eat, and therefore I wasn’t really interested. I know, that’s bad. I do [...]

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Thumbnail image for Worknight Dinner Recipe: Curried Noodles with Shrimp

Worknight Dinner Recipe: Curried Noodles with Shrimp

July 22, 2011

Giveaway winner: Congratulations to Tessa of Handle the Heat, the winner of the KitchenAid Giveaway! Tessa said “I’d be making smoothies – with my new favorite thing, almond milk!” Please email me your address so we can send your prize. Thanks to all who entered! Whenever I eat at or order take out from my [...]

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Thumbnail image for Nutty Cinnamon Monkey Bread

Nutty Cinnamon Monkey Bread

July 21, 2011

A few years ago I made monkey bread for my friend Jen and her boyfriend and while I thought that it would be the guy in the room who devoured the majority of it, that wasn’t exactly what happened. Instead, Kevin looked on with amusement, making little to no attempt o mask his apparent disgust, [...]

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Thumbnail image for Crispy Pecan Cookies & Cook for the Cure KitchenAid Mixer Giveaway

Crispy Pecan Cookies & Cook for the Cure KitchenAid Mixer Giveaway

July 19, 2011

Three of my favorite things in the world are cookies, dinner parties and kitchen appliances…and not in that order. I especially love it when all three things merge: using kitchen appliances to bake cookies for a dinner party. Recently I was contacted by Del Webb, a home building company that has partnered with KitchenAid to [...]

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Thumbnail image for Kitchen Tip: Cooking Mussels [Mussels with Coconut and Red Curry Broth]

Kitchen Tip: Cooking Mussels [Mussels with Coconut and Red Curry Broth]

July 18, 2011

Giveaway winner (updated at 2:55pm CT on 7/18): Congratulations to Olga of Mango & Tomato, the winner of the Oneida Dinnerware giveaway! Please email me your address so we can send your prize. Thanks to all who entered! Photo Credit: The Kitchn I’ve always ordered and enjoyed mussels in restaurants but until recently, it had [...]

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Thumbnail image for Creamy Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Almonds

Creamy Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Almonds

July 17, 2011

Last week, Rachel and I were chatting over IM during work and we decided that we needed to take advantage of the worldly culture that the great city of Chicago has to offer by bringing a picnic to a free international jazz concert in Millennium Park. It took a little bit of convincing (and the [...]

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Thumbnail image for Easy Entertaining: Sun-Dried Tomato & Feta Spread

Easy Entertaining: Sun-Dried Tomato & Feta Spread

July 16, 2011

In theory, I like yogurt. When I eat it, I enjoy it. When I go to the grocery store, I always buy it. I buy it when I have more than enough in my refrigerator to eat for breakfast or the occasional snack. If you live alone and like to cook, it’s probably not a [...]

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Thumbnail image for Deep Chocolate Brownies with Chevre Swirl and Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution

Deep Chocolate Brownies with Chevre Swirl and Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution

July 15, 2011

I might not be a dietitian but I do believe in eating healthily. Contrary to the photograph above, which is essentially dripping with chocolate and goat cheese, I think that a healthy diet includes a lot of vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and healthy fat like avocado. Now, I certainly don’t always practice what I [...]

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Thumbnail image for The 10 First Kitchen Commandments: Part 6 [Setting the Table for a Dinner Party]

The 10 First Kitchen Commandments: Part 6 [Setting the Table for a Dinner Party]

July 13, 2011

Does your table look like this when you sit down to eat a meal? In my college apartment, my two roommates and I had a small kitchenette table with four chairs that I think we sat at about three times in two years, opting instead to eat on the stools that surrounded our counter. In [...]

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Thumbnail image for Cooking for Two: Mixed Berry Crisp

Cooking for Two: Mixed Berry Crisp

July 12, 2011

Having parties is one of my favorite reasons to make dessert. Not that you need a reason to make dessert, but if you did, a party is as good a reason as any. You see, when I don’t have a good reason to bake, like for a party or to bring to someone’s house as [...]

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Thumbnail image for What the Fig?: Prosciutto Wrapped Figs Stuffed with Blue Cheese

What the Fig?: Prosciutto Wrapped Figs Stuffed with Blue Cheese

July 11, 2011

As In Good Taste continues to grow, I am excited to bring you regular posts from Gillian Nadel, a self-proclaimed foodie living and working in New York City. By day, Gillian works for an entertainment magazine, but spends most of her free time thinking about what or where she’ll eat next. A wise woman once [...]

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Thumbnail image for Apple Walnut Quick Bread

Apple Walnut Quick Bread

July 9, 2011

Apples and walnuts and quick breads all sound like things that belong in the fall. And I understand, really, I do. You see, as I’m writing this very post, I would truly rather I would rather be outside by the pool.  As much as I like fresh seafood, grilled corn on the cob and tart [...]

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Thumbnail image for Two-Bite Treats: Petite Madeleines

Two-Bite Treats: Petite Madeleines

July 7, 2011

You know how when some girls eat cookies (or other desserts), they break off a just little piece of it, likely intending to stop there, but then end up going back and finishing off the entire thing, one tiny piece at a time? And then maybe they eat another whole one the same way? I’m [...]

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Thumbnail image for A Healthy Balance [Recipe: Cherry Hand Pies]

A Healthy Balance [Recipe: Cherry Hand Pies]

July 4, 2011

Giveaway winner: Congratulations to Julie of The Little Kitchen, the winner of the Babycakes Cake Pop giveaway! Please email me your address so we can send your prize. Thanks to all who entered! Even though they’ve become trite and cliched, I love miniature desserts. First of all, you can have more than one without feeling [...]

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Thumbnail image for Watermelon, Feta and Basil Salad (In Shape Magazine!)

Watermelon, Feta and Basil Salad (In Shape Magazine!)

July 1, 2011

Yesterday morning I woke up to a wonderful email from my friend Karen, an editor for Shape.com, letting me know that one of the recipes I had written as part of a series for her last year was featured in the online page of the July issue of the magazine. Not only was I excited [...]

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Thumbnail image for Plan the Perfect Fourth of July Party [25 Delicious Recipes]

Plan the Perfect Fourth of July Party [25 Delicious Recipes]

June 30, 2011

Photo Credit: Eat, Drink & Be Merry While there are a lot of patriotic holidays throughout the year dedicated to honoring our country and the soldiers that serve us, Fourth of July is undoubtedly my favorite. While Memorial Day signifies the beginning of the summer, the weather hasn’t always caught up to the calendar. In [...]

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Thumbnail image for Wine on Wednesday: Organic Wine 101

Wine on Wednesday: Organic Wine 101

June 29, 2011

We are used to seeing organic eggs, organic fruit and organic milk at the supermarket. Lately, organic wine has begun to appear on the shelves at wine shops. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a social drinker, you might have wondered what exactly makes organic wine different than traditional wine. “Organic wine is the emphasis [...]

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Thumbnail image for A Picnic Potluck: Cold Sesame Noodles

A Picnic Potluck: Cold Sesame Noodles

June 28, 2011

Today’s guest post is brought to you by Gillian Nadel, a self-proclaimed foodie living and working in New York City. By day, Gillian works for an entertainment magazine, but spends most of her free time thinking about what or where she’ll eat next. A wise woman once told her that if you like to eat [...]

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Thumbnail image for Lemon Cake Pops Recipe + Babycakes Cake Pop Maker Giveaway

Lemon Cake Pops Recipe + Babycakes Cake Pop Maker Giveaway

June 27, 2011

Last week I posted a guest post from my mother that featured a really awesome cheesecake recipe as well as some memories of her late brother, who I unfortunately never had the chance to meet. Because she was so grateful for and touched by your comments, she insisted that we thank you with a giveaway. [...]

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Thumbnail image for Cooking for Two: Southwestern Breakfast Burrito

Cooking for Two: Southwestern Breakfast Burrito

June 26, 2011

Today’s guest post is by Marnely Rodriguez of the food blog, Cooking with Books. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she has worked as an overnight bread baker in Colorado, a chocolate maker in Virginia as well as a pastry cook on Martha’s Vineyard…just to name a few. She currently resides in Santo [...]

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Thumbnail image for Fresh Basil Lemonade

Fresh Basil Lemonade

June 24, 2011

You know what I’m good at? Making lemonade. No, there is no analogy here, I’m not saying that when life hands me lemons I am good at turning it into a positive situation. Because I’m actually not. I am, however, good at literally taking the lemons from my fridge and creating a tasty, refreshing summer [...]

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Thumbnail image for Seven Layer Magic Bars

Seven Layer Magic Bars

June 23, 2011

I have a shelf in one of my kitchen cabinets devoted entirely to baking supplies. It’s a large shelf, big enough to accommodate multiple bags of flour, four or five kinds of sugar at any given time, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, several types of oatmeal…you get the picture. It’s crowded in [...]

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Thumbnail image for Wine on Wednesday: Five Rosé to Try This Summer

Wine on Wednesday: Five Rosé to Try This Summer

June 22, 2011

In college, white zinfandel, in all its too-sweet glory, always seemed to have a place in the refrigerator that my roommate Sarah and I shared. I’m happy to report that when we turned 21 as our palates matured, so did our tastes in wine. As my taste in wine evolved, I wish I could say [...]

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Thumbnail image for A Family Recipe: Glenn’s Cheesecake

A Family Recipe: Glenn’s Cheesecake

June 21, 2011

As if I needed an excuse to make a cheesecake, my mother sent me an email this past weekend asking if she could write a guest post on In Good Taste. Since the recipe she wanted to share is so-good-it-should-be-illegal good, I obliged (among other reasons). I did a little baking yesterday and snapped some [...]

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Thumbnail image for Asparagus and Goat Cheese Galette

Asparagus and Goat Cheese Galette

June 20, 2011

I love shopping at farmer’s markets. I mean, I know that everyone loves shopping local and buying fresh food blah blah blah, but I can’t help it. I love that at each farmer’s stand, there is the possibility of a new recipe, a new idea, an inspiration that I never would have thought of standing [...]

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Thumbnail image for Easy Entertaining: Chipotle Steak Sliders

Easy Entertaining: Chipotle Steak Sliders

June 19, 2011

Sliders. Did you just think of White Castle? Harold and Kumar? Did you gag a little? Does that word only become appealing after 4.7 alcoholic beverages? If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, I may have a solution for you. It may change your view on sliders forever. If you answered “no,” [...]

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Thumbnail image for Cool Down with a Banana Date Shake

Cool Down with a Banana Date Shake

June 16, 2011

Raise your hand if you’ve experienced the following situation: you’re hungry but it’s about 700 degrees outside (Fahrenheit or Celsius, it makes no difference at this point). You want to eat….but it’s so hot that you don’t want to eat. Well, I have. It’s no secret to anyone that knows me that I am happiest [...]

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Thumbnail image for It’s A Wrap: Cajun Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

It’s A Wrap: Cajun Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

June 14, 2011

Today’s guest post is brought to you by Gillian Nadel, a self-proclaimed foodie living and working in New York City. By day, Gillian works for an entertainment magazine, but spends most of her free time thinking about what or where she’ll eat next. A wise woman once told her that if you like to eat [...]

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Thumbnail image for Worknight Dinner: Creamy Avocado Pasta

Worknight Dinner: Creamy Avocado Pasta

June 13, 2011

This post is one that’s long overdue. It’s long overdue because there are few things easier and more delicious than this pasta. I am obsessed with it. Of course, my obsession with avocados is nothing new but the idea of blending avocados into pasta was new to me when Angie made it for dinner one [...]

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Thumbnail image for Kitchen Tip: My Favorite Sea Salt

Kitchen Tip: My Favorite Sea Salt

June 12, 2011

Buying salt at the grocery store is a lot more complicated than it needs to be. Being the kitchen commodity that it is, you would think that you’d go to the store and there would be one shelf devoted to one type of salt made by one brand and you could use this salt for [...]

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Thumbnail image for Weekend Brunch for One: Caprese Eggs Benedict

Weekend Brunch for One: Caprese Eggs Benedict

June 11, 2011

It’s funny how our taste buds mature. It’s great how our taste buds mature. Imagine going through life only eating chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, PB&J, pancakes, and ice cream. Actually, that doesn’t sound too bad. But it might not be so healthy. But I love that as we grow up and our palates expand, [...]

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Thumbnail image for Friday Mojitos!

Friday Mojitos!

June 10, 2011

When my friends and I get together to drink mojitos, trouble usually ensues.  There was the time in college when my friend Alison and I, on a calorie cutting kick, decided to make cocktails with Splenda instead of sugar or simple syrup. I’m pretty sure “hangover” doesn’t even begin to describe what I felt the [...]

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Thumbnail image for Easy Dessert: Mixed Berry Shortcake with Mascarpone Whipped Cream

Easy Dessert: Mixed Berry Shortcake with Mascarpone Whipped Cream

June 9, 2011

It’s a sad reality that when I have parties, dessert is often forgotten. No matter how much time I spend preparing a tart, cake or crumble it is inevitably overshadowed by the savory dishes, the cocktail table or my never-empty wine rack (really, if I had a dollar for every time someone said “how come [...]

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Thumbnail image for Cooking for Two: Thai Curry with Basmati Rice

Cooking for Two: Thai Curry with Basmati Rice

June 7, 2011

Today’s guest post is by Marnely Rodriguez of the food blog, Cooking with Books. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she has worked as an overnight bread baker in Colorado, a chocolate maker in Virginia as well as a pastry cook on Martha’s Vineyard…just to name a few. She currently resides in Santo [...]

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Thumbnail image for Easy Entertaining: Mint & Pea Pesto Crostini

Easy Entertaining: Mint & Pea Pesto Crostini

June 6, 2011

It started at the Farmer’s Market when I decided I needed to make pesto sauce. The weather was gorgeous, I was wearing a sundress and it seemed like the right thing to do. Because there is a saying about the best laid plans and how they never work out or something like that, I could [...]

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Thumbnail image for Easy Entertaining: Red Lentil Hummus

Easy Entertaining: Red Lentil Hummus

June 5, 2011

There are a few things I always have on hand in my pantry and for some reasons, lentils are one of those things. I wouldn’t say I use lentils especially often, although they are certainly in the winter rotation for things like lentil soup with spicy Italian sausage or lentil soup with chunky potatoes and [...]

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Thumbnail image for Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri

June 3, 2011

There are some things that I really only do when I’m on vacation, like read for pleasure with no guilt, drink wine with lunch or eat French fries (okay, well sometimes I do that when I’m not on vacation but let’s not get into semantics here). Another item for the “only-on-vacation” list is drink strawberry [...]

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Thumbnail image for Kitchen Tip: How to Make Vinaigrette

Kitchen Tip: How to Make Vinaigrette

June 2, 2011

The best way to convince your friends and family that you’re a strong home cook – even if you’re just a novice – is to take an ordinary salad and turn it into masterpiece with a tasty homemade salad dressing. In its simplest form, a homemade vinaigrette is made with oil and vinegar. Beyond these [...]

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Thumbnail image for Wine on Wednesday: Champagne Deutz

Wine on Wednesday: Champagne Deutz

June 1, 2011

This year I spent Memorial Day weekend visiting my cousins in the Virginia Beach area. I arrived Friday and we had a great weekend of eating, drinking, shopping and beach-going but before any of that, we kicked off the weekend with their favorite champagne, one that they had tried in Paris and smitten, ordered a [...]

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Thumbnail image for Easy Pantry Meals: Dinners with Simple Ingredients

Easy Pantry Meals: Dinners with Simple Ingredients

May 31, 2011

I’m excited that In Good Taste is growing and to provide you with more quality recipes, cooking tips and entertaining inspiration, you’ll be hearing from a few new voices on a semi-regular basis. Esther Reisinger is a food obsessed designer and writer in Chicago who will be here from time to time sharing her own [...]

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Thumbnail image for Bulgur Salad with Cranberries & Almonds

Bulgur Salad with Cranberries & Almonds

May 30, 2011

It’s Memorial Day and I should be sharing all kinds of delicious party food with you, like strawberry sangria and tomatillo guacamole. I have a strawberry daquiri recipe tucked up my sleeve and there may even be a recipe for chipotle chicken wings in your very near future. Today, though, is about bulgur. Bulgur is [...]

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Thumbnail image for Plan the Perfect Memorial Day Menu

Plan the Perfect Memorial Day Menu

May 26, 2011

Though it technically does not begin until the end of June, everyone knows that Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. Whether you’re enjoying the inaugural weekend of warm weather and sun with a cookout on the beach, picnic in the park or a simple spread on your two by four balcony, the days [...]

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Thumbnail image for Some Thoughts on Bloggers and Public Relations

Some Thoughts on Bloggers and Public Relations

May 24, 2011

This weekend at the Eat, Write, Retreat food blogging conference there was a panel titled “PR 101.” There were two public relations professionals, a food reporter/editor and a cookbook editor on the panel. The  latter two panelists were engaging, articulate speakers with great information to provide the room full of bloggers about the different types [...]

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Thumbnail image for Cooking for 2: Cucumber, Tomato and Avocado Salad

Cooking for 2: Cucumber, Tomato and Avocado Salad

May 23, 2011

I’m excited that In Good Taste is growing and to provide you with more quality recipes, cooking tips and entertaining inspiration, you’ll be hearing from a few new voices on a semi-regular basis. Esther Reisinger is another food-obsessed twenty-something who will be here from time to time sharing her cooking, shopping and dining experiences. Sometimes [...]

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Thumbnail image for Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

May 21, 2011

Growing up, it was a real treat in my house if one of my parents had gotten up early on a weekend to pick up donuts or bagels for breakfast. Obviously, this was before I had any cognizance of calories or the fact that donuts would one day land firmly on the no-fun side of [...]

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Thumbnail image for Five Healthy Recipes for Road Trips and Air Travel

Five Healthy Recipes for Road Trips and Air Travel

May 20, 2011

Today I am heading off to the Eat, Write, Retreat conference in Washington, D.C. Since I’ve been on an “eat less, move more” kick for the past few weeks I’ve been mentally planning when – and what – I’m going to eat during my travels. While I am obviously planning a few cocktail party splurges [...]

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Thumbnail image for Kitchen Tip: Types of Flour for Baking

Kitchen Tip: Types of Flour for Baking

May 19, 2011

I know a lot of people who like to bake. That is: they like to take a box, mix or package of something, dump it into a bowl and mix it with two eggs and a cup of water or oil. I think it’s a great start but if you want to get technical, it [...]

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Thumbnail image for Wine on Wednesday: Wine on the Web

Wine on Wednesday: Wine on the Web

May 18, 2011

If you live in a city without access to a car like I do (unless you count Yellow Cab, which I should probably own stock in by now) then you know that buying more than one bottle of wine can be a challenge. Buying wine for a party? Not especially easy either. I should rephrase [...]

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Thumbnail image for Martha Stewart’s Easy Shrimp Paella

Martha Stewart’s Easy Shrimp Paella

May 17, 2011

If you’re like me and you can’t afford to travel to exotic foreign countries like Italy, Greece and Spain, you can do what I do: channel the culture in your own living room by preparing cuisine inspired from the country that you hope to someday visit. Though my budget (or more accurately, lack thereof budget) [...]

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Thumbnail image for Raw Cashew “Cheese” Dip

Raw Cashew “Cheese” Dip

May 16, 2011

Fake things have a pretty bad reputation. Fake boobs, fake friends, fake purses. I’m going to add one more thing to the list of less-than-stellar imposters: fake cheese. Now, I’ve never tried soy cheese so I’m not including all fake cheeses here, but I’m saying that this cashew cheese is nothing like cheese. What it [...]

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Thumbnail image for 1 in 4: Food Blogger Bake Sale for Share Our Strength [Pyrex Bakeware Giveaway]

1 in 4: Food Blogger Bake Sale for Share Our Strength [Pyrex Bakeware Giveaway]

May 14, 2011

It’s food blogger bake sale day – and a rainy, cloudy one here in Chicago. If you’re willing to brave the elements to help raise funds to eliminate childhood hunger and take home a sweet treat, visit us from 12-3pm at The Poison Cup (1128 W. Armitage Avenue) in Lincoln Park. Why is this so [...]

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Thumbnail image for Worknight Dinner Recipe: Fish Tacos

Worknight Dinner Recipe: Fish Tacos

May 13, 2011

Two weeks ago I met my friend Laura for a casual dinner on a Saturday night. We met up without any clear idea of where we would go and a few minutes into our contemplation, Laura informed me that her birthday was Monday. She wanted margaritas. Who was I to argue with an impromptu birthday [...]

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Thumbnail image for Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad [and my love for Whole Foods]

Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad [and my love for Whole Foods]

May 12, 2011

I spend a lot of time at Whole Foods. Even though my budget would likely prefer otherwise, I shop almost exclusively at Whole Foods. The grocery stores in my neighborhood, well, just aren’t that impressive. Even though there are some lovely supermarkets throughout the Chicago neighborhoods, my patience threshold for hauling grocery bags on public [...]

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