Juneteenth 2020!

19 Jun

This year 2020, is one that is literally rewriting the history books. Juneteenth, considered our country’s second Independence Day has long been celebrated by African Americans. However it has largely been unknown to the general population and folks outside of Texas. Juneteenth recognizes the day, post-Civil War that more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans in […]

Choose Ham with Citrus Glaze

3 Apr

Grlled or roasted diamond-back ham.

You’ve reached out to me with questions and even confessed that you cheat sometimes—“My family doesn’t know it, but I use the glaze that comes with the ham.” The question of the month is how-to make a star attraction ham. That diamond ‘n clove studded ham on the carving board says special and it’s not […]

Thanksgiving Timeline for Holiday Cooks

12 Nov

Once we hit November time makes a quantum leap.  Like so many of you, I look at the calendar and don’t know where the time has gone. I don’t know about you, but 2020 is filled with so many twists and turns, the holiday season is welcome even though the celebrations will be different. They […]

Grace the Table with Jill’s Parmesan Chicken

10 Nov

Folks it was a loong week. I started this recipe as dinner on election night. I’ve been wanting to sample the recipe and it was a great distraction from the only show in town Tuesday night. The source? Dr. Jill Biden—yes that Jill Biden our new First Lady!  “Food is love and I serve this […]

It’s Gumbo Season

26 Oct

About ten days ago, I posted a pot of gumbo and its fixins. Now for folks who may not be familiar with this signature dish from the Gulf Coast, this is gumbo season. Since my first post I’ve seen so many gumbo images on social media, I’m making a second batch today. Often prepared with […]

Now We’re Cooking Greens!

26 Sep

This year has brought new experiences to so many of us.  As you know, I’m passionate about cooking and I’m thrilled that folks now recognize the value of mixing it up, cooking and serving food to those we care about. With ChowChow & Soul™ my goal as your cooking coach has been to inspire your […]

It’s National Soul Food Month—Add Black-Eyed Pea Salad to Menu

4 Jun

It’s National Soul Food Month and folks must look toward eating and being healthier. There is greater awareness of the many health challenges faced by African Americans—diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity.  We need to increase consumption of many traditional soul foods. The foods are not unhealthy, it’s how we adorn the food […]

Eat Beets to Boost Health

31 Mar

We’ve had one helluva month! And our current situation of sheltering in place, is unique for all of us. Regardless of what goes on in the nation, self-care is essential and that includes making wise choices on what we eat. According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) only one out […]

Quick, COOL Cucumber Salad

4 Jul

It is finally Summer in Chicago and if you’re like me you’re looking for an easy and refreshing, almost rote summer dish. Favorite Cucumber Salad is what you need. It is so very easy, you’ll just need fresh cucumbers, onions, vinegar and seasonings. I usually slice the onions and cukes by hand, but if your food […]

Step Up Your Greens Game!

13 Jun

When asked about flavor profiles it’s rare to hear folks respond enthusiastically that they “love bitter.” Bitter is one of the four basic tastes that our taste buds identify along with sweet, salty, and sour. Your affinity for bitter is influenced by taste experiences, culture, and environment. Bitter plays several roles—it can signal toxins and something that […]