Flavors of Fall

I love it when I have some free time on the weekends to try out new recipes. Today was one of those excellent days!

I tried out a recipe for Pretzel Rolls - they turned out amazing! They look a little more "rustic" than I would like, but that just means that I need to keep on practicing (good thing - or maybe bad thing - that I could live off pretzel rolls alone!)

Another recipe that I tried out was a Roasted Squash & Lentil Salad. The squash is roasted with a little oil, cumin, paprika, cayenne and salt. It is then combined with lentils, (I also added black beans), a little more oil and red wine vinegar. This flavorful combo is served over a bed of arugula, and then garnished with mint, toasted squash seeds and goat cheese. The dish was the perfect combo of sweet, savory, salty, spicy, soft and crunchy!

Finally, I tried out a recipe for kale chips. I love the earthy, nutty flavor of kale when I simply braise it - so was curious to try out the method of making "chips". It was so simple - you just tear the kale in bite size pieces, toss with oil and your choice of seasonings (I used a mixture of sea salt, cumin and red pepper flakes for a little heat). Roast in the oven at 300 for 30 minutes - and you have crispy-salty-spicy-nutty deliciousness!

Holiday Cheer (via Cocktails!)

I'm getting ready to enjoy some holiday cheer! Thanks to the great staff at Lincolnwood Wine & Spirits for recommending some pretty tasty libations!

Sugar Bliss!

Thanks, Erin for introducing me to Sugar Bliss! The Carrot Cake cupcake was a "blissful" ending to my dinner tonight - looking forward to trying the other goodies in the coming days!

My Kind of Town

One of my goals this year was to become a tourist in my own town and learn more about Chicago - with my new membership to the Chicago Architecture Foundation - this should be very achievable! I hope to grow this wall-collage with photos of some of my Chi-town excursions!

Chicago Humanities Festival

I hadn't attended the Chicago Humanities Festival before; but, when I got a mailing from WBEZ earlier this fall I was intrigued to check it out! I attended three different events - which were all very unique & interesting in their own ways: Jane Austen and the Body, Dan Savage and "The Perfect Meal". Looking forward to next year's festival!

Festival of Wood & Barrel Aged Beers

It was another fun year of beer tasting at the Festival of Wood & Barrel Aged Beers. I tried so many beers, that I honestly can't remember all of them - a few favorites were the Red Poppy, Black Xantus and Imperial Coffee Stout. A highlight of this year was making it into the VIP area - thanks Puccini!

What's Cookin'?

I love cooking in the fall season as it gives me a chance to prepare lots of savory and comforting dishes. Here's a few things that I've made so far this month......

Sauteed Spinach & Pan-Fried Tilapia

Baked Sweet Potato

Breakfast Hash of Potato, Onion, Tomato & Spinach with a Sunny-side Up Egg & Wheat Toast

Sauteed Spinach with Sambal Olek

Tuna & White Bean Salad

Spicy Lentil Stew (Lentils, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Tomatoes, Spinach & lots of good spices!)

Lentils & Bacon (to be used as a side dish - but made in bulk)

Grilled Pork, Sauteed Kale & Caramelized Onions served on a bed of Lentils

Lentil Stew with the perfect complement - Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale (thanks Louie!)

Couscous & Vegetable Salad