A chef winning a James Beard Award is like a scientist winning the Nobel Prize for research. It's a huge honor and I'm thrilled to share that a local chef, Chef Tory Miller of L'Etoile in Madison, has won this year's for the Midwest. Many congratulations to him and his dedicated team!
Those that have the opportunity to enjoy fresh produce by way of a community sponsored agriculture share (or regular trips to your local farmers' market) know that now is the time when things really start to become truly breath-taking in the kitchen. Beautiful salads, tender rhubarb crisps, and stir-fries to make anyone drool become common on tables that are fortunate enough to experience CSA joy!
Do you have a go-to recipe for an easy dinner when you're not feeling like fussing much in the kitchen? I do. And it's a fantastic way to feed your family and leave your house smelling fantastic. Super simple baked chicken thighs can be easily paired with rice and a green salad and you've got dinner with minimal work.
When you're putting together a casserole, what's your go-to topping to give it that extra flavor and texture? I'm sharing my favorites and asking you to do the same. Some are tried and true, while others are a bit more unexpected. Add in the option of layering and the possibilities are endless!
Did you know beer has ideal serving temperatures, just like wine? It can also be paired with foods and other beverages. It even has health benefits! Find out more about beer with a fun infographic from FrugalDad.com and then check out Madison's Craft Beer Week event guide and, if you are in the area, get out and learn even more.
A little nostalgia for a favorite carnival treat becomes the inspiration for a great cake. Layering a beautifully spiced apple cake with pillows of apple filling and a rich coating of sweet, sticky caramel results in bliss. Add a generous sprinkling of chopped peanuts and you've got a cake that's paying proper homage to the best carnival caramel apples.
Fusion gets dusted off and taken for a spin when fried rice brings together Tex-Mex and Asian flavors for a spicy dish that pairs beautifully with creamy, cheese-filled quesadillas. Get ready to enjoy a dish with complex flavors that takes about 15 minutes to make!
Everywhere around me, spring is doing its thing. The grass is getting green, the flowers are blooming, and I'm looking for ways to work fresh produce into my meals as much as possible. So when tender venison steak finds its way to my kitchen, giving it a bath in Thai-inspired marinade and light searing before resting it on a bed of fantastic fresh greens and crisp vegetables seems only natural!
Imagine topping brownies with the recognizable flavors of Cadbury Creme Eggs. Now imagine the praise and admiration that is going to be heaped upon you by friends and loved ones when you share them. Happy Easter, everyone!
Every year, there's a question that will be reliably asked around this time of the year. This time around, answering it is the subject of an article. Just in time for Easter, I'm sharing the secret to perfectly hard-boiled eggs for decorating and enjoying in everything from egg salad to deviled eggs. Enjoy and have a Happy Easter!
