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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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

June is National Soul Food Month!

1 Jun

Leading up to National Soul food Month, I’ve noticed a boom in interest in the food, people, restaurants and foodways of this American cuisine. Shunned years ago, one can now “Google It.” This search produces more than 600,000 entries in seconds; need more info—Google Trends can help you too. I realized soul food was a […]

Choose Chili in Cold Weather!

29 Jan

I love chili and have stirred more than a few gallons of it. It’s hearty, filling and it’s fab fare on a cold day!  There is no doubt about it—today is a Chiberia* day, and with the Super Bowl coming up, what could be better? Our family recipe was traditionally ground beef served Cincinnati-style over […]

Slow-Cooker Makes Good Food Easy

9 Jan

The first month of the year represents a fresh, new start.  One of the most consistent goals for the new year is to lose weight. Inc. magazine polls show that for 2019, folks are weighing in to do the following: 71 percent plan to diet or eat healthier 65 percent plan to exercise more (me […]

Good Eats & Wine in National Soul Food Month

30 Jun

In wrapping up National Soul Food Month, I hope you’ve eaten your fill and enjoyed it all. I kicked off the month with collard greens, and continued to savor an assortment of savory soul items at the dinner hosted by Big Jones celebrating Chef Todd Richards’s new book Soul. The menu included fresh takes on traditional […]

GREENS–GOOD ‘N HEALTHY EATING FOR NATIONAL SOUL FOOD MONTH

13 Jun

June is National Soul food Month, celebrating the heritage and history of the foods and foodways of African Americans and peoples from the African diaspora. The culinary contributions of this group had an indelible impact on the American menu. Folks cook and relish so many of the dishes we know as soul food throughout the year, […]