Although the produce section in our local supermarket looks the same year round, most people are beginning to recognize the concept of seasonality when it comes to vegetables. Summer tomatoes, zucchinis, and corn are simply …

This past Thursday, Itchefs-gvci (Virtual Group of Italian Chefs), an organization made up of Italian chefs cooking abroad, kicked off the First International Day of Italian Cuisines around the globe. Itchefs-gvci rallied chefs, foodies and …

As a professional chef, I have a well-equipped kitchen. Three drawers full of every imaginable tool — knives, spatulas, whisks, tongs, you name it. Yet there are some gadgets I just can’t live without. Thinking …

While living in Texas I was introduced to the custom of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s for good luck. My friend Carrie would whip up a batch of Texas caviar, a salsa-like dish made …

In large families, the holidays are often surrounded by a myriad of food traditions. Family members all arrive at the table with signature dishes — and these are recipes that have been passed down from …

Depression has officially set in. Our local farmers’ market lasts only two more Saturdays and I’m already starting to feel unhealthy. Despite the ample supply of late-fall vegetables (carrots, potatoes, turnips and brussel sprouts), I …

Nothing warms the body and soul in the winter months more than a fantastic pour of wine. This year, why not check out some local Illinois wines for your holiday spread? One of Illinois’ largest …

This year I had a special turkey grace my table: a heritage breed Bourbon Red turkey from Monticello’s Caveny Farm. Caveny Farm raises several varieties of heritage poultry, including duck and geese. Unlike the tasteless, …

For the past several weeks, I’ve been stocking up on winter squash. Not only do squash make a charming centerpiece, but they are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. So far this season, I’ve picked up …