Low Mileage Kitchen: As season changes, so should meals

Posted on September 5, 2012 by jdhadmin

Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Rich Hein~Sun-Times

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

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 →

Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Posted on September 5, 2012 by jdhadmin

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 →

Argyle St. Neighborhood Food Tour – Sept 8, 2012

Posted on August 18, 2012 by jdhadmin

If you’ve never spent time wandering around the fascinating Argyle Street neighborhood, or have been there but were mystified by the ingredients and flavors, here’s your chance to learn all about the history, the flavors and the people.

Walk with me as we visit markets, bakeries and restaurants to learn how this multi-ethnic neighborhood evolved, meet some of the residents and see and taste the products which make the cuisines of this area so intriguing.

I will be leading a tour as part of the Les Dames d’Escoffier Chicago Chapter’s 30^th Anniversary INSIDERS WEEKEND activities on Saturday, September 8 beginning at 10 am. Go to lesdameschicago.org for all of the details and registration information or purchase your ticket now.