For a meal that’s both light and comforting, what’s better than a lovely bowl of soup? Especially on a cold and gloomy day, a bowl of hot soup is perfectly filling, even with just a handful of ingredients. We’ve featured a great many soup recipes at The Kitchn over the years. Here are just a few of our favorites.
When you walk through a supermarket produce section or farmers’ market, it may seem like there is a wide variety of fruit available, but there are actually thousands of varieties of tree fruit that aren’t commercially grown. The Chicago Rarities Orchard Project is working to bring some of those varieties back to the spotlight. More on that below, plus a family recipe for quince paste!
Here’s another inspiring egg preparation for you this morning – eggs baked in potato skins! That sounds like the perfect thing right about now, and it definitely falls into the category of “why didn’t we think of that?”
Oatmeal is one of the healthiest breakfasts you can eat, and we usually like to keep our toppings pretty simple. But once in a while, why not make it just a little indulgent? Adding rich espresso and cocoa powder – and perhaps a few nuts and chocolate chips on top – combines our morning bowl of oatmeal with our favorite winter drink, the mocha.
If you’re like us, you might spend some time watching Food Network on weekends. It can be relaxing, and of course a great source of recipe ideas. Here are a few episodes coming up this weekend that feature light and healthy recipes – most already available online.
Two things that really keep us going during the snowy winter months are tea and citrus fruit. Naturally, we had to try this recipe. It’s a quick bread filled with fresh grapefruit, nuts and just enough sweetness – the perfect pair to a hot cup of tea.
Frozen vegetables are one of our secret weapons for eating light during the winter. Broccoli has been in heavy rotation lately – we take a bag out of the freezer, pop it in the microwave for a few minutes, and it’s ready to be used in all kinds of dishes.
Picking my favorite posts of 2009 seemed a nearly impossible task, but I’ve managed to whittle the list down to these few. It’s a mix of simple tips, comforting and impressive recipes, and interesting stories – all inspired me to try something different or think about things in a new way this year.
Popping in a movie while we’re making cookies is one of our favorite holiday traditions. Maybe it’s even the same cheesy movie every year. Do you have a favorite movie to watch while you’re rolling up dough or decorating cookies?
If you’re entertaining for the holidays, the refrigerator can fill up quickly. Luckily, many of us have extra refrigeration space at the ready this time of year – on the porch, deck or fire escape. It’s not just for kegs of beer!
Are you making any holiday candy to give away as gifts or serve to guests? We’ve been inspired to experiment with some new candy recipes, but first we wanted to get some expert advice. So we turned to Lauren Pett of Rich Chocolates & Candies, part of Chicago’s Sweet Collective. Before you start your next batch, check out her tips below.
Chicago’s new Dill Pickle Food Co-op has opened its doors in time for residents of the Logan Square neighborhood to stock up on plenty of local and organic food for the holidays. It’s a good thing too, because despite a wonderful (but seasonal) farmers’ market, grocery options in the neighborhood are somewhat limited.
We love to play with the fillings in our favorite thumbprint cookies (membrillo, anyone?) This time, we tried one of the recipes from our 10 things to do with a can of pumpkin roundup – pumpkin marmalade with apricots and ginger.
We have entered serious holiday baking mode, but we’re still on the lookout for new recipes to add to our repertoire. The Washington Post’s Holiday Guide has some intriguing options. Two-Bite Gingerbread Whoopie Pies? Yes and yes. There are also savory Blue Cheese Walnut Cookies and a vegan cookie made with tahini and coconut oil.
In our poll yesterday, Kevin was the clear favorite, but the general consensus was that it was really anyone’s game. In case you haven’t seen the show, and have managed to avoid learning the winner, we’ll hold our tongue until after the jump. But we suggest you back slowly away from the internet and go watch the episode immediately.
Note: We reveal the winner and losers below.
Tonight, someone will be named the Season 6 Top Chef – are you excited? Will one of the ambitious Voltaggio brothers rise to the top? Or will Kevin and his elevated comfort food take home the win? Answer our poll below and tell us who you’re rooting for.
Last week, we showed you our favorite kitchen basics under $25. But let’s face it, if you have a lot of people on your holiday shopping list, even that can get a little pricey. So here are 15 more budget-friendly gift ideas – all under $10.
Did you stock up on canned pumpkin before Thanksgiving? Did fears of a shortage leave you with a few extra cans? Whether it was all a marketing ploy or not, you can still put that pumpkin to good use. You surely know a few pumpkin dessert recipes, so why not try it in a main course, appetizer or a drink?
When a loved one is going through a difficult time or has suffered a loss, sending flowers or bringing them a homecooked meal are thoughtful gestures. But here’s another idea that could be even more helpful: groceries.
The long-awaited Chicago French Market opened its doors yesterday at the Ogilvie Transportation Center. We were there bright and early to check it out.