Month: November 2019

Thanksgiving 911

“911, what’s your emergency?”“Justine! WHAT DO I MAKE FOR FRIENDSGIVING?!” I love cooking around the holidays, despite my previous diatribe about my lack of affection for the Turkey Day meal. Cooking for others is the best way I know how to show I care, and this season allows me...

Cinnamon Rolls with Spiced Rum Icing

I’ll always be a savory girl at heart, but cinnamon rolls are my preferred sweet breakfast treat. Growing up, my favorite weekend tradition was making Pillsbury cinnamon rolls from the can with my grandma. I still love those damn things, but I opt to make homemade cinnamon rolls these...

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

If you’re a monster like me, you basically hate all standard Thanksgiving dishes. Don’t get me wrong; I realize I am a weirdo. In theory, it all sounds so delicious! In reality, this holiday is when my claim of being a reformed picky eater rings hollow. Turkey? More like...

Baked Polenta with Smoky Brussels Sprouts and Apples

Get yer stretchy britches. We’re hostin’ brunch! Hosting brunch at home is an introvert’s dream. (Or, at least, this introvert’s dream.) I loathe waiting for tables. LOATHE. Life is entirely too short and Chicago entirely too chockfull of amazing places to eat to ever wait any amount of time...

Taco Pizza: Jewel of the Midwest

I don’t like pizza. Well, I don’t like pizza with red sauce. Do you know what it’s like growing up loathing the one thing that is always served to children, often to celebrate some kind of milestone or achievement? I was a voracious reader who absolutely made Pizza Hut’s...