(Rich Hein~Sun-Times) Photo styling by Judith Dunbar Hines.

Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

This time of year, we cherish time outdoors, knowing that a sudden storm could suddenly appear, ruining our plans for just one more al fresco dinner as fall nears.

That’s when we need a recipe that will accommodate any fluctuations in weather or venue. This salad has been in my files for years. As the holidays approach, I use dried cranberries instead of fresh fruit. In winter, needing a bit of sunshine, I add diced dried apricots. But as pears are just ripening and herb gardens are lush, now is the perfect time to make it. Continue reading →

Makes 6-8 Servings

• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1½ cups wild rice
• 3 cups water or broth
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 pears, cored and chopped into ½-inch pieces Continue reading →

Judith Dunbar Hines has a collection of Julia Child books and memorabilia at her home. John J. Kim – Sun-Times

Thirty years before Julie, of book and movie fame, discovered Julia Child, my college roommate and I taught ourselves to cook by making every recipe in Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Disenchanted with my first career choice, I discovered a new interest in the kitchen.

I went to culinary school and began to teach cooking, but was conflicted about this new direction. Continue reading →