As summer winds down and fall subtly begins to makes its presence known, many of us begin to take to indoor retreat of our kitchens — the place where rich aromas fill the air, recipes that have been passed down through generations are perfected and hobby meets nourishment for the mind, body and soul.
Truth be told, this is my favorite time of the year, when summer hangs on by a loose thread and autumn teases our senses with those few random crisp days — a hint of what’s to come.
It’s a time of year where I dust off some of my favorite seasonal recipes: Apple crisps, vegetable chili and anything of which I can sprinkle on a little pumpkin spice.
It also marks one of my favorite editions of Her magazine: The one dedicated to fellow foodies.
Food is one of those universal things that everybody loves. (Think about the last time you heard someone say that food just wasn’t something they enjoyed.) And as in previous issues, we’ve rounded up some great tips from local pros to inspire your culinary creations.
On the cover, we feature Kim Hackett, a Dubuque transplant originally hailing from New England who is the brains behind my new favorite local spot, Wicked Dame Wine + Bar. She shares her inspiration behind the establishment founded less than a year ago, as well as what it has to offer and her appreciation for local support.
Pour another glass with tips offered by Barbara Sue Schubert, with expertise in both wine and cheese, on how to establish the perfect pairing.
And meet a pair of women contributing to the local food community, through Habits Coffee & Mini Donut Co. in Dubuque and the Grateful Gourmet in Galena, Ill. (for which we also showcase some of the creative foodie finds available at the shop).
We also include a roundup of fall food events you can check out in the tri-states with a special two-page spread, as well as recipes to accompany seasonal produce, firsthand trials and tribulations of growing your food and more.
Bon appetite!
Save the date
Mark your calendars for our second annual Salute to Women Awards Breakfast. The event — presented by Her magazine, BizTimes.biz and ImOn Communications — will be from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the Diamond Jo Casino’s Harbor Room, Port of Dubuque.
This year, we’re recognizing four local women nominated by readers who have made a positive impact on their community. Michaela Freiburger, of Dubuque Main Street, will be honored as a Woman to Watch. Natalie Nemmers, of Dubuque Hempstead High School, will be recognized as a Woman Who Makes a Difference. And Nicole Hutchison, of Statera Integrated Health and Wellness Solutions, will receive a nod as a Woman of Innovation.The coveted Woman of the Year Award will be presented to Marina O’Rourke, the director of the Dubuque Academy of Ballet and the Dubuque City Youth Ballet.
Tickets are $20 and include a breakfast buffet and presentation.
