Foods of the 28 NATO countries: Go Hungary

Global militarization makes me hungry.

While Chicago anxiously prepares to welcome world leaders from 28 countries at North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit on May 20 and 21, most city residents and workers view the NATO conference as a potentially huge inconvenience. Sure, there are bound …

Thank Mom with breakfast in bed

Even in the hands of the most capable chefs, a perfectly balanced dish can be elusive. Sour, bitter, salty and sweet are in constant opposition, but these basic elements of flavor can work in unison to elevate the essence of a dish to new heights. …

Derby delight fuses with   Cinco de Mayo

For years, I’ve helped dear friends pull together Kentucky Derby-inspired fare for a party celebrating the annual run for the roses.

Benedictine tea sandwiches, Henry Bain sauce, Burgoo burgers, and pimento cheese toasts are standard fare at any derby party, but this year’s race — …

En garde: Keep those asparagus tips down

I always serve asparagus with the tips pointed away from my guests.

Asparagus is an aggressive looking vegetable and I’d never want anyone to feel threatened or attacked by their meal.

Sure, people laugh at me when I express my opinion about proper asparagus placement, …

Spring brings on the ’cue; Be your own pitmaster!

FOOD DETECTIVE: Signs of springtime are at hand: birds chirp, flowers bloom, BBQs smoke.