Chow-Chow & Soul™

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

I am excited and up before dawn to watch The Royal Wedding. I typically watch the major American networks, but today I am tuned in to the BBC.  In considering which network would have the best coverage—my bet is on the hometown broadcasting network. The BBC will point out the British traditions, celebrities, and identify […]