They’re the essential building blocks of any dish, and spring markets are awash with them. The beauty of spring alliums — we’re talking green garlic, garlic chives, chives, baby leeks, […]
Author Archives: Julie Chernoff
Julie Chernoff is a freelance food and culture writer and the longtime Dining Editor of Make It Better Media. She loves all things Evanston and has lived here since 1989.
Posted inFood
Asparagus is springing up all over
Spring has finally sprung, and I just can’t wait to take advantage of all the tender, thin asparagus spears cropping up in the markets. Who could resist? But if you’re […]
Posted inFood
Hearty winter greens add fiber and flavor to your meals
Not much grows in cold climates during the winter, but hearty greens like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, rapini, collards, chard, bok choy and kale last longer than most. The introduction of […]
Posted inFood
Brighten up the season with citrus
The tart, sunny flavors of citrus are the cure to winter’s ills. Loaded with Vitamin C, these brightly hued fruits grow on trees and shrubs and flourish in warmer climes. […]
Posted inFood
Sweet or savory? Pears cross the divide.
Pears just don’t get the love that apples do, and I really don’t understand why, because they pair (pun intended) so beautifully with so many different flavors. I can’t imagine […]
Posted inFood
Soul-warming cooking with winter squash
Yes, I realize that PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latté, for those living under a rock) season now starts as early as August, but the winter squash varietals I choose to celebrate […]
Posted inArt & Life
Deeply rooted
What’s up, Doc? Fall carrots are sweet and delicious. A root vegetable, they spend the summer underground, putting up glorious, feathery green tops to let you know they are working […]
Posted inArt & Life
An Apple a Day
There’s a hint of crispness in the air, and that’s all the impetus I need to usher in my favorite fall produce, starting with apples. Last week, the market tables […]
Posted inArt & Life
Pepper up your autumn
The humble pepper, genus Capsicum, has global appeal. Whether your personal preference is for the hot or sweet variety, you’ll find them used in cuisines from Mexican to Indian, African […]
Posted inArt & Life
I say tomato
The tomato: fruit or vegetable? Does it matter? Any way you slice it, tomatoes are delectable. And here in Illinois, late summer is the absolute peak season for these beauties, […]