Autumn snacks can cater to more than just the kids. A few simple, sophisticated tweaks to classic treats — popcorn and peanut butter cookies — creates snacks everyone will enjoy. Peanut butter cookies are tasty, but can be one-dimensional and too sweet. Looking for a bit of balance, we were inspired by the wildly popular...

Baking season is around the corner. While I have never considered myself an expert baker, I always have appreciated the art of baking and continue to learn and improve my skills. After years of trial and error and gathering tips from my customers, I have come garnered five top tips to better baking: 1. Always...

Five-spice powder gives a pungent, aromatic flavor to stir-fried vegetables. The powder is a mixture of five ground spices usually consisting of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. It adds the exciting flavors of Chinese cuisine to this simple vegetarian dinner. The secret to wok cooking at home is to make sure...

Summer’s winding down, and we’re starting to think about what the upcoming school year will look like. One thing that moms start to consider is how to set their families up for success when schedules get busier and sports begin, creating an increased demand for nutrients to best support their children’s bodies and minds, but...

Whether it’s shuttling the little ones to their after school activities or helping older students cram for their exams, families get super busy, quickly when kids return to school in fall. But that doesn’t mean you can’t regularly sit down together for weeknight dinners. “Parent-chefs can effortlessly turn up the flavor by relying on single-use...

Back to school is a time of new beginnings for kids. Between classroom learning, extracurricular activities, sports and socializing, fun and filling snacks can help kids have a moment away from school-year pressures while also encouraging all that excitement and learning. In fact, nearly 3 in 4 Americans snack at least once per day, according...

According to the American Heart Association, 200 years ago, people consumed 22 teaspoons of sugar per year. Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that Americans consume 22-30 teaspoons per day. That is going from five pounds of sugar consumed in a year to an average of 152 pounds per year. Sugar is a popular...

Whether it’s shuttling the little ones to their after school activities or helping older students cram for their exams, families get super busy, quickly when kids return to school in fall. But that doesn’t mean you can’t regularly sit down together for weeknight dinners. “Parent-chefs can effortlessly turn up the flavor by relying on single-use...

Summer’s winding down, and we’re starting to think about what the upcoming school year will look like. One thing that moms start to consider is how to set their families up for success when schedules get busier and sports begin, creating an increased demand for nutrients to best support their children’s bodies and minds, but...

According to the American Heart Association, 200 years ago, people consumed 22 teaspoons of sugar per year. Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that Americans consume 22-30 teaspoons per day. That is going from five pounds of sugar consumed in a year to an average of 152 pounds per year. Sugar is a popular...

Back to school is a time of new beginnings for kids. Between classroom learning, extracurricular activities, sports and socializing, fun and filling snacks can help kids have a moment away from school-year pressures while also encouraging all that excitement and learning. In fact, nearly 3 in 4 Americans snack at least once per day, according...

The days of fun in the sun, poolside hangs and backyard barbecues are here, and they are fabulous. However, one question I often get is how to prioritize health while attending the summer fun and eating at the barbeque. The last choice we want to have to make is between missing out on all the...

Have you ever stood in front of the herb and spice section at the grocery store, feeling overwhelmed and wondering where to begin? Are salt and pepper the only spices you add as you’re cooking? If so, you are missing out on a world of flavor and health benefits. Let’s begin by understanding, “what is...

Celery often is relegated to veggie trays where its built-in scoop makes it ideal for dipping. It’s also used to add extra crunch to holiday stuffing, or tuna or chicken salad. But celery offers far more. Low in calories, rich in nutrients Celery is a nutrient-rich, low-calorie food. Two stalks of celery contain only 15...

Following a vegan diet doesn’t just reduce one’s impact on the environment, but it’s associated with a range of health benefits, making it no surprise that a plant-based food movement is on the rise. “With more than 100,000 internet searches per month for ‘vegan recipes’ and ‘vegetarian recipes,’ it’s clear there is high demand for...

Often, the best dishes are the simplest. If you use the best quality, freshest ingredients and treat them lightly, you will be rewarded. This is demonstrated perfectly by this recipe for grilled tomatoes on the vine, served with fresh mozzarella. The best way to prepare this classic combination is to take a bunch of cherry...

I was home in Chicago for my birthday and was treated to brunch. I got dressed up to go to this amazing place I had never been before. I ate amazing food and had bottomless mimosas. It was great. A lot of people know the city for its deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hotdogs, but...

I love this time of year when there’s a plentiful display of colorful berries. I decided to create a summer salad dinner, adding them to cooked turkey strips. Here are a few tips on selecting and using berries. Strawberries don’t ripen off the vine. Look for bright red ones when buying them. The sweetest raspberries...

I recently had an epiphany about, of all things, chicken potpie. A few weeks ago, my partner and I set out for a walk into Griffith Park from our apartment. In the mood for adventuring, we started taking every turn we hadn’t before and soon enough we found ourselves on the back of a hill,...

Grilling can and should be a year-round endeavor. But summer seems to be when we up the ante, becoming self-proclaimed barbecue masters seemingly overnight. We get saucy with new marinades and rubs, boost burgers by experimenting with different meats and accompaniments, and work in our farmers market finds, putting everything from berries and stone fruits...

With breweries and brewpubs becoming evening and weekend hangouts for many, it’s hard to deny that the culture of craft beer has had an impact on the tri-state area. Tastings, festivals and farm-to-table dinners often are centered around craft beer, and many small community breweries have become the bastions of armchair philosophers, conversationalists, board game...

When it comes to sweet treats, few things can compare to the indulgence of a crepe. These thin, delicate pancakes are made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk and butter, then cooked on a hot griddle until they become thin and crispy. They can be filled with a variety of sweet spreads, fruits and...

Following a vegan diet doesn’t just reduce one’s impact on the environment, but it’s associated with a range of health benefits, making it no surprise that a plant-based food movement is on the rise. “With more than 100,000 internet searches per month for ‘vegan recipes’ and ‘vegetarian recipes,’ it’s clear there is high demand for...

Have you ever stood in front of the herb and spice section at the grocery store, feeling overwhelmed and wondering where to begin? Are salt and pepper the only spices you add as you’re cooking? If so, you are missing out on a world of flavor and health benefits. Let’s begin by understanding, “what is...

Celery often is relegated to veggie trays where its built-in scoop makes it ideal for dipping. It’s also used to add extra crunch to holiday stuffing, or tuna or chicken salad. But celery offers far more. Low in calories, rich in nutrients Celery is a nutrient-rich, low-calorie food. Two stalks of celery contain only 15...

The days of fun in the sun, poolside hangs and backyard barbecues are here, and they are fabulous. However, one question I often get is how to prioritize health while attending the summer fun and eating at the barbeque. The last choice we want to have to make is between missing out on all the...

Summer is the ideal time to expand our daily meal variety, allowing us to incorporate seasonal foods and beverages. Fresh, local produce is readily available, providing regular opportunities to support family owned vendors. While meal-planning for summer dining and outdoor gatherings, I encourage your shopping routine to include local options, such as farmers markets, where...

The weather is getting warmer, and I am already planning meals that incorporate the produce that this time of year has to offer. One of my favorite vegetables to cook into sweet sauces, desserts, or just eat raw with a sprinkling of salt, is rhubarb. While visiting any old farmstead, you are almost certain to...

As temperatures rise and the days get longer, it’s time for grilling and get-togethers. Make sure your summer soirees are extra special by stocking up on top kitchen essentials. Gear for grill masters To be a great grill master, you need the best gear. Build up your BBQ basics with a new Prep & Serve...

“Barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen” is a figure of speech most commonly associated with the old fashioned idea that women should mother many children during their reproductive years and not work outside the home. In my kitchen shop, I have heard this phrase countless times as customers try on aprons. After doing some research,...

Spring is considered a time of rebirth and new beginnings. Gardeners plant their seeds when the formerly frozen ground warms and grows softer. Rain brings new life into grasses, leading seeds to bud and bloom. The sweet green temptation of salad greens in the garden, the aromatic smell of basil and the tender crunch of...

Spring is considered a time of rebirth and new beginnings. Gardeners plant their seeds when the formerly frozen ground warms and grows softer. Rain brings new life into grasses, leading seeds to bud and bloom. The sweet green temptation of salad greens in the garden, the aromatic smell of basil and the tender crunch of...

Imagine an activity that improves your gut health, regulates stress responses in your body, encourages the absorption of one of the most important vitamins for your body, gets you more nutrients from your food and supports the health of the earth. That would be quite an activity, wouldn’t it? What if I told you that...

A bright, lemon sauce flavors delicate chicken tenderloins in this quick dinner. Tenderloins, or tenders, are a secondary muscle that lies directly under the chicken breast. As the name suggests, they’re very tender and need only a few minutes to cook. White wine and capers add to the lemony sauce for a tangy treat. The...

Like a lot of runners, I ate a lot of sweet potatoes back when I was training for distance events that required a diet full of healthy carbs and muscle-loving antioxidants. Even now that I don’t run so long or so far, I still love the orange-fleshed tubers because they’re so easy to prepare, play...

As we rush through another week of preparing meals, call on the trusted appliance to lend a hand. We always seem to be searching for ways to save time, both in life and in the kitchen. Shortcut recipes aimed for frazzled cooks have been around as long as we’ve been cooking, and appliances like Instant...

Now that the holidays are well-behind us, many are looking for meals that are quick, easy and still incredibly satisfying. One comfort food combo that warms the heart and never fails to please is homemade tomato soup and grilled cheese. Is it because so many of us grew up eating the dynamic duo at school...

Just because it has worked for someone else, doesn’t mean it is best for you. Often, we’re influenced into starting new diets or workout programs because we have heard from others that it “changed their life” or helped them lose weight. The truth about diets is they often are very restrictive. This presents (at least)...

Chicken cooked in a rich, red wine sauce is a French classic. This quick version captures the French flavors without the fuss. Helpful hints • Look for skinless chicken legs with the bone or remove the skin before cooking. • You can use dried linguine instead of fresh. Boil for 10 minutes. • A quick...

The social media platform is filled with easy recipe hacks that can change the way you cook — for the better. What’s one thing you’ve recently learned that forever changed the way you do an everyday task? For me, it was that an egg and some chili crisp could transform packaged ramen into an actual...

Casseroles have long been a favorite for family meals and gatherings because one-pan dishes are easy to make, a dream to portion and can feed a crowd. Lasagna is a particular favorite because who doesn’t love the magical marriage of cheese, pasta and tomatoes? Add that it can be composed ahead of time, taking some...

Tis the season for gatherings galore. Whether you’re an all-star entertainer or a first-time host, having the right tools will set you up for success — meaning you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones. Here are a few must-haves to add to your holiday shopping list: For classy...

For me, holiday parties always impart a warm, cozy feeling of getting together with friends, family and neighbors. But hosting such a party can be stressful, expensive and time-consuming, which defeats the whole warm and cozy philosophy. My solution is a holiday open house. The idea behind this easy-to-pull-off gathering is that there is no...

Are you hosting a holiday party and looking for a simple way to impress your guests? Here are a few steps for building an eye-catching and mouth-watering charcuterie board that will add color, flavor and variety to your holiday table. 1. Grab a platter or surface to display your charcuterie. Anything will work, even a...

Is it too early to think about holiday leftovers? How about a different kind of turkey sandwich: A quesadilla? It’s a turkey-and-cheese-filled tortilla. They’re pan-fried and served with coleslaw. You can make them with leftover turkey or chicken, or buy roasted turkey breast at the supermarket deli. You can use this recipe for any type...

Slathering sauces or seasonings over a chicken or turkey before roasting might produce a beautiful bird, but it can deliver lackluster flavor. That’s why we prefer to season a them under the skin. Sliding spices and aromatic seasonings under the skin boosts flavor by putting the ingredients in direct contact with the meat. The skin...

Here’s a different take on chili. It’s made with black beans instead of kidney beans. These give a lighter texture to the chili and are perfect for a vegetarian meal. The broccoli in this recipe is cut into small pieces that absorb the flavor of the tomato-based sauce. This chili tastes great the second day,...

It’s football season, and there’s only one thing to make game day a bigger win: Delicious game day food. Looking to add some kick to kick-off? Take flavor and heat off the bench and put them into the game with these recipes: Classic Buffalo Chicken Wings Ingredients 1/3 cup butter, melted½ cup cayenne pepper hot...

It’s football season, and there’s only one thing to make game day a bigger win: Delicious game day food. Looking to add some kick to kick-off? Take flavor and heat off the bench and put them into the game with these recipes: Classic Buffalo Chicken Wings Ingredients 1/3 cup butter, melted½ cup cayenne pepper hot...

Slathering sauces or seasonings over a chicken or turkey before roasting might produce a beautiful bird, but it can deliver lackluster flavor. That’s why we prefer to season a them under the skin. Sliding spices and aromatic seasonings under the skin boosts flavor by putting the ingredients in direct contact with the meat. The skin...

Here’s a different take on chili. It’s made with black beans instead of kidney beans. These give a lighter texture to the chili and are perfect for a vegetarian meal. The broccoli in this recipe is cut into small pieces that absorb the flavor of the tomato-based sauce. This chili tastes great the second day,...

Football season is in full gear, which means many of you already have grabbed some parking lot space, popped the trunk, lit the grill and pulled something cold from the cooler while tailgating. Everyone knows the old-guard options of how to fill that cooler: Bud Light, Miller Lite, Modelo and, of course, welcome to the...

Even when they are tasty, creamy pasta sauces can be unappealingly heavy. A few bites and you’re done. Luckily, a lighter solution lies in peak season for sweet corn, with a high starch content that can create a creamy sauce without having to resort to using cream. Just pull out the blender. We developed this...

In the last few years, more Americans have gotten hooked on the rich, mouth-watering flavors and bold spices of South Asian cuisine. Research has shown an increase in searches for Indian cuisine, making it the second most searched for food on Instagram. Creating delicious Indian foods at home is possible for anyone, regardless of culinary...

Orange, almonds and honey flavor chicken cutlets for this quick dinner. Boneless, skinless chicken cutlets, available in most supermarkets, are about ½-inch thick. They cook in just 4 to 5 minutes. A colorful side dish of zucchini strips and grape tomatoes tossed in olive oil and garlic completes the meal. Helpful hints • You can...

As fall and winter become more visible on the horizon, getting together with family and close friends over a delicious bowl of soup might be just the prescription to ease us in to the cooler days ahead. “Even though we have all become accustomed to spending more time at home, the winter months seem to...

The love of food and the entrepreneurial spirit is embedded in Danielle Stoll’s DNA. “My grandparents opened the Moracco Supper Club (in Dubuque) in the ’60s,” she said. “Then, my aunt took it over, and now, my cousin. So, it’s still in the family.” Stoll, 45, who opened Nothing Bundt Cakes in Dubuque in December...

I remember the smell of the kitchen at my first job. Bleach, mixed with old fryer oil, cigarette smoke and French onion soup. I started as a busser; clearing plates, filling waters, bringing out salads. There was only one woman in the kitchen, the sous chef named Anna. She was impossibly tall, thin and had...

How does a brand remain a household name for a century? Betty Crocker has a simple recipe: Keep changing. In October, the icon became a centenarian and has now wrapped up her 100th holiday baking season. General Mills, the company that owns her likeness, intends to keep her relevant another century by embracing more diverse...

Here’s a Cobb salad with a tropical twist. Ripe juicy mangoes are at the height of their season, added along with shrimp sauteed with coconut to make a refreshing summer salad with a hint of the tropics. Cut the mango into cubes for the salad. Here is a quick way to do that: Slice off...

One of the best ways to build flavor is layering, or using one ingredient in two ways or at different stages of cooking. Using the zest of a lemon in cake batter, for instance, while using the juice in a citrusy glaze. It’s a technique relied on often in the book “COOKish,” which limits recipes...

For a fast and easy warm-weather salad on a hot summer day, it doesn’t get better than watermelon feta. This salad has so few ingredients, you want each to be the best it can be. The sweeter the watermelon, the more amazing the salad. You can use large, baby, red or yellow watermelons. Seedless watermelons...

A summery fruit salad and spicy pork tenderloin might not seem the most natural pairing — until you consider the precedents of pork chops with apple sauce and Italian prosciutto with melon. The truth is, cooks have been pairing sweet fruits and savory meats for centuries. And there’s something about the subtle inherent sweetness of...

Back from a trip to Chile, where I was introduced to several delicious quinoa salads, it was a surprise to learn there are hundreds of different types of quinoas. The most common ones are white, red and black. With these flavors in mind, I created a quick vegetarian salad for a summer dinner. Quinoa is...

I like to keep bought, cooked shrimp in my freezer. It is readily available in the freezer case at the market. They can easily be turned into a great meal with very little effort. Here I added them to a spicy sauce made with mayonnaise and horseradish. Adding some blueberries and red bell pepper cubes...

I recently made four summertime soups. One of them was chilled, but each, in its way, was unforgettable. We’ll start with Beet-Fennel-Ginger Soup, and along with beets, fennel and ginger it also is made with cabbage and vegetable stock. ”That’s borsch,” said a colleague. “You just made borsch in March.” ”It’s not borsch,” I said....

I like to keep bought, cooked shrimp in my freezer. It is readily available in the freezer case at the market. They can easily be turned into a great meal with very little effort. Here I added them to a spicy sauce made with mayonnaise and horseradish. Adding some blueberries and red bell pepper cubes...

It’s a treat to savor wild salmon at this time of year. The season started May 1 and runs through August. Here’s a new and easy way to cook salmon: Place salmon cubes on skewers and grill or broil them. Zucchini and cherry tomatoes also are included in the kabobs. I like to place them...

Laura Ali has helped countless clients fine-tune their diets to promote healthy eating habits in her three decades as a registered dietitian and culinary nutritionist, 16 of them in a clinical setting at the Cancer Institute at UPMC, now Hillman Cancer Institute. Good nutrition is a cornerstone of good health, with study after study showing...

Kale salads might be all the rage, but served raw, the sturdy green can be off-puttingly tough. So we looked at its cousin, cabbage, for clues on how to tame the texture without cooking it. Kimchi and sauerkraut recipes use a salt massage to soften leaves, and we were pleased to find the same technique...

While there is a lot of guidance available about what to feed children, until now, there has been little guidance about how to feed them. New recommendations offer parents and caregivers practical tips for encouraging healthy eating habits vital to growth, development and health. “Childhood is a critical period for developing lifelong eating habits, and...

Who doesn’t love Nutella? This dreamy, finger-licking dessert recipe is from the Italian company’s cookbook, “Nutella: 60 Classic Recipes,” by French celebrity chef Gregory Cohen. Along with a history of the chocolate-hazelnut spread, it contains everything from simple cookies, quick breads and small cakes to fancy desserts involving choux pastry. I adapted a recipe for...

I have spent a lifetime experimenting with variations on basic instant ramen, with the vague goal of someday reaching noodle soup perfection. As with a lot of things, there were instances when I believed I had reached the pinnacle of homemade ramen, only to see a new idea bubble up, hinting that there could be...

So much snow. And nothing to do with it. Or is there? When there is a big snowstorm like we typically get in the Midwest, it is time to make snow ice cream. It is the frozen precipitate equivalent of Jiffy Pop popcorn. That is, it’s as much fun to make as it is to...

I have spent a lifetime experimenting with variations on basic instant ramen, with the vague goal of someday reaching noodle soup perfection. As with a lot of things, there were instances when I believed I had reached the pinnacle of homemade ramen, only to see a new idea bubble up, hinting that there could be...

Who doesn’t love Nutella? This dreamy, finger-licking dessert recipe is from the Italian company’s cookbook, “Nutella: 60 Classic Recipes,” by French celebrity chef Gregory Cohen. Along with a history of the chocolate-hazelnut spread, it contains everything from simple cookies, quick breads and small cakes to fancy desserts involving choux pastry. I adapted a recipe for...

So much snow. And nothing to do with it. Or is there? When there is a big snowstorm like we typically get in the Midwest, it is time to make snow ice cream. It is the frozen precipitate equivalent of Jiffy Pop popcorn. That is, it’s as much fun to make as it is to...

As we settle into another year living with the COVID-19 pandemic, Valentine’s Day is next up. And showing love and gratitude can feel more important than ever. Perhaps during a regular year, you and your dearest might have gone out for a romantic dinner, or somewhere special like the theater, a concert, a horse-drawn carriage...

As we settle into another year living with the COVID-19 pandemic, Valentine’s Day is next up. And showing love and gratitude can feel more important than ever. Perhaps during a regular year, you and your dearest might have gone out for a romantic dinner, or somewhere special like the theater, a concert, a horse-drawn carriage...

Casseroles have long been a favorite for family meals and gatherings because one-pan dishes are easy to make, a dream to portion and can feed a crowd. Lasagna is a particular favorite because who doesn’t love the magical marriage of cheese, pasta and tomatoes? Add that it can be composed ahead of time, taking some...

Summer vegetable gardens have been long put to bed, and winter fruits and vegetables are now on the menu. Elizabeth J. Bailey, a Mayo Clinic registered dietitian nutritionist, says that traditional winter vegetables can be satisfying and healthy. Winter brings cooler temperatures — sometimes downright cold temperatures. A crisp cool salad might be what the...

We rarely appreciate cauliflower for what it is. We grill slabs of it and pretend it’s steak. We mash it like potatoes. We even mangle it into pizza crusts. But cooks around the world, from Greece to Israel to China, have shown us how good it can be. That is, when we stop fussing so...

Summer vegetable gardens have been long put to bed, and winter fruits and vegetables are now on the menu. Elizabeth J. Bailey, a Mayo Clinic registered dietitian nutritionist, says that traditional winter vegetables can be satisfying and healthy. Winter brings cooler temperatures — sometimes downright cold temperatures. A crisp cool salad might be what the...

Have you (reluctantly) turned on your furnace? We have, too, which indicates it’s probably time to snuggle up for winter. It also means it’s time to brush up on your chili recipe repertoire so your insides will feel as warm and toasty. Chili is a favorite fall dish and often includes either chicken or beef....

The holiday season brings an abundance of feelings that could include joy, comfort, gratitude and, unfortunately, stress. Don’t let the task of entertaining friends and family break the bank or your back. Instead, create memorable gatherings with loved ones while saving time and money in the process using these hosting tips. Delicate decor Creating the...

Whether you’re a beginning baker or an experienced entertainer, having the right tools can make the process of holiday party prep faster, easier, more festive and ensure you can achieve expert-level results. Here are a few must-haves to add to your holiday shopping list: Spatulas that make you smile From cookie batters to mashed potatoes,...

Ginger is not just spicy, sweet and delicious. It’s also tremendously good for you. The holiday season is the perfect time to pack a punch with it in everything from the cookie tray to the cocktails. Here’s why and how to include this efficacious superfood in your holiday festivities: Be good to yourself Amid the...

Have you (reluctantly) turned on your furnace? We have, too, which indicates it’s probably time to snuggle up for winter. It also means it’s time to brush up on your chili recipe repertoire so your insides will feel as warm and toasty. Chili is a favorite fall dish and often includes either chicken or beef....

The holiday season brings an abundance of feelings that could include joy, comfort, gratitude and, unfortunately, stress. Don’t let the task of entertaining friends and family break the bank or your back. Instead, create memorable gatherings with loved ones while saving time and money in the process using these hosting tips. Delicate decor Creating the...

Whether you’re a beginning baker or an experienced entertainer, having the right tools can make the process of holiday party prep faster, easier, more festive and ensure you can achieve expert-level results. Here are a few must-haves to add to your holiday shopping list: Spatulas that make you smile From cookie batters to mashed potatoes,...

These are meals that are made entirely in a single pot, which cuts down considerably on the monstrous chore of having to clean up after cooking dinner. Another advantage is that they often are quite good, presumably because the flavors blend organically together. Sometimes they are even better than quite good. And occasionally they are...

Fall ushers in a different kind of cooking for many home cooks. When the weather gets cooler, we’re happy to trade cooking outside on the grill for baking, roasting or sauteing dinner on the stovetop. This easy one-pan recipe is a great kick-off to fall. This means apple season and when cabbages such as Brussels...

Too often, restaurant entrees leave you subtly unbuttoning your pants as you accept the bill. Most people don’t make it to dessert, despite their yearning for delicious ala mode goodness. But there are some sweet treats you just shouldn’t miss. Here are some swoon-worthy desserts in the tri-states: Barrel House Location: 299 Main St., Dubuque....

A good meal is one of the simple joys of life. Food is the foundation for energizing our bodies. It’s a way in which to get out and about to see friends and family. It can bring people together, provide a sense of adventure, demonstrate family traditions and offer a sense of great comfort. A...

There was only one building Laura Kempner was willing to uproot her life for — and it’s now the home of Galena, Ill.’s, Champagne on Main, which she runs with her sister, Lisa. “It’s just a wonderful place to do business,” Laura Kempner said. “And there are very few champagne bars across the country, so...

Comedian Steve Martin once said, “Those French — it’s like they have a word for everything!” Charcuterie is one of those words. The art of pairing meats and cheeses with all kinds of delectable accompaniments is derived from the French words “chair” (flesh) and “cuit” (cooked). In 15th century France, the word was used to...

Whether ice cream is beloved for its creamy goodness, nostalgic reminder of childhood or refreshing effect on a steamy summer night, one thing is certain: Everyone screams for a delicious scoop. Many disagree about the flavors that reign supreme — cookie dough or mint Oreo — but at a few area parlors, there’s something for...

Too often, restaurant entrees leave you subtly unbuttoning your pants as you accept the bill. Most people don’t make it to dessert, despite their yearning for delicious ala mode goodness. But there are some sweet treats you just shouldn’t miss. Here are some swoon-worthy desserts in the tri-states: Barrel House Location: 299 Main St., Dubuque....

Fruit, flowers, herbs — nothing says summer more than the bounty from farmers markets or our gardens. Those fresh ingredients that fill our baskets also are the best places to start when crafting summer cocktails. “We’re seasonal drinkers here in the Midwest,” said Christian Kyllonen, a bartender. “Obviously, in summer, you think fresh and fruity.”...

A good meal is one of the simple joys of life. Food is the foundation for energizing our bodies. It’s a way in which to get out and about to see friends and family. It can bring people together, provide a sense of adventure, demonstrate family traditions and offer a sense of great comfort. A...