Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Puff Pastry Croutons

Fall is sharing her last glimpse of color and the calendar is inching ever closer to Thanksgiving. Soon we will be decking the halls. Where has this year gone? It has been a good one, even if I haven’t shared much here. There has been lots of time with the “Littles” who are quickly growing… Continue reading Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Puff Pastry Croutons

Upscale Tortellini Soup

Tortellini soup has been a part of our family for many years. When my sons were little it was a favorite request. Simple and easy to make, all it required was some stock, a few vegetables, and store bought tortellini. It was a permanent fixture on our week day menu and when the boys moved… Continue reading Upscale Tortellini Soup

What is White Chili?

I made “White Chili” this week. As I was making it, I wondered why it was called that. It isn’t white, at least not the way I make it. The chilies I used are actually green and the hint of red comes from the ancho chili powder that I lovingly sprinkled in at the beginning.… Continue reading What is White Chili?

Melrose Peppers – A Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I have talked at length both here and on my Face Book page about the summer glory of Melrose Peppers. They are one of my home town’s claims to fame and a source of joy to Italian cooks in the Chicago area. I grew up eating these in the summer and I anxiously await their… Continue reading Melrose Peppers – A Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Caribbean Grilled Chicken Salad

Summer is upon us, and here in Northern Illinois it has been upon us with a vengeance. Grilling and salad suppers are the order of the day. Chicken, and in particular, chicken thighs are the most popular grilling item in my kitchen and on my grill. I love the bone in, skin on variety. Neatly… Continue reading Caribbean Grilled Chicken Salad