Chow-Chow & Soul™

There are so many good things to sample during this season of good eating. And some of those are well-loved dishes that hold special memories when they appear. I come from a family of really really good cooks—it’s in my genes. I enjoy cooking. Sharing food info and our family’s food heritage are the reasons […]

Holiday cooking can take many forms, and without a doubt turkey is the superstar. It can be brined, roasted, fried, grilled, slow-cooked, smoked or spatchcocked. Last week I shared my timeline to help holiday cooks organize for the Thanksgiving meal. Today I’m talking turkey and sharing how to cook a spatchcock or butterflied bird. Spatchcock […]

You still have time to fire up the grill if you’re living in an area where cold wind and the polar vortex will make outdoor cooking just about mission impossible in a few months. Whether it’s tailgating, week-end entertaining or family dinner, grill seasoned turkey filets. They’re cooked over medium-low heat and make a quick and […]

I really love peaches and as you know Chilton County peaches are my absolute favorites. This is the second summer I’ve been back in Chicago and the first time in ten years that a Chilton County peach has not been in the fruit bowl, in the salad, ice cream, cobbler or my mouth. The Alabama […]

It was Grand Boulevard, South Park and now King Drive. Though the name has changed since its beginning, the boulevard is still paved with family, friends and well-wishers for the annual Bud Billiken Parade®. On Saturday, August 9, the Chicago parade marks a milestone of 85 years, celebrating youth and encouraging kids with this back-to-school […]

I know you’re planning the 4th of July week-end and good things to eat will be part of the festivities. Whether you’re grilling ribs, burgers, brats or dogs sides will make a meal. Some of you know that as a recipe developer with the Kraft Kitchens I’ve created a hefty file of salads for just […]

The foods that form the basis of soul food go back more than 400 years, but the term soul food is a 20th century creation. This food has a rich and highly flavored history—today’s National Soul Food Month post shares a few thoughts from James Beard Award winner Adrian Miller, whose book “Soul Food” dishes […]

Thanks to all who shared what’s cookin’ at your place and entered the Cast Iron Giveaway on ChowChow & Soul ™. Your faves included plenty of savory foods– hoe cakes, cornbread, hot water cornbread, tofu, Brussels Sprouts, pasta sauce, steak and last but not least fried chicken.   Winners of the Cast Iron Nation Giveaway […]

When I moved back to Chicago after working in Alabama as a food editor for Southern Living magazine, I had a new favorite piece of cooking equipment.  Now I know some of you are thinking it must be a very specialized, unique item that you can only find in the specialty housewares stores or on […]

After enjoying a spread of Classic Baked Ham you may wonder “What to do with ham leftovers?” (If you have any) You can chop the cooked ham for future use in omelets or scrambled eggs, casseroles or with pasta. Once the meaty portions are gone, you can freeze the ham bone to use to flavor […]