Food as a sense of place, identity
I had the fun challenge of defining my homeland by its food this month. It was part of a little exercise to spread goodwill via […]
Food/Drink
Virtual holiday tastes of the world
No one I know is traveling internationally these days, except in their imagination or through fond memories. My last big trip, one year ago, was […]
Holiday shopping? Buy the book
Well-woven words will always hold value, regardless of whether they are assembled in a publication you can touch, page by page, or scrolled on a […]
Popcorn: kernels about the harvest
Goodbye, sweet harvest of summer. Hello, autumn pickings, for hot popping all year. Sweet corn commands intense attention because of the short turnaround between plucking […]
Winning Bloody Marys, craft brews, wines
Do you turn the Bloody Mary into a meal? Judge quality by the kick of spice in a juiced-up glass? Prefer properly pickled garnishes over […]
2020: year of the drive-in for food, fun
A burger would be on my short list for best last meal on Earth. Not just any meat slinger’s burger, but a perfectly seasoned, chargrilled […]
Summer shows go on, in novel ways
All the world’s a stage but COVID-19 compromises the traditional platforms and performers that we count on for entertainment this summer. For some troupes, that’s […]
Take 12: for moms, other mentors or you
Mothers get their day this month, but maybe that should apply to other mentors too. And perhaps our kind words, deeds and gifts should extend […]
Wisconsin meat raffles fill taverns on wintry days
At least 30 years have passed since my husband and I walked into a small-town tavern one wintry morning, in search of a beer and […]
HobNob gains attention for excellence in hospitality
The James Beard Foundation typically pays attention to the nation’s edgiest and newest chefs and restaurant concepts. An easy majority of the annual Beard semifinalists […]
Take 12: All in good taste for 2019
Extraordinary dining is not about category or price. This year I found it at farms and an aquarium, from rural Wisconsin to the seaside of […]
Winning recipes: grasshopper cheesecake, choco cheesecake bars
Two home bakers in Wisconsin have taken the top prizes in the Taste of Homes recipe contest, “Best-Ever Baking”. Sue Gronholz of Beaver Dam was […]