The Chopping Block Cooking Blog

Kate S

Kate is the General Manager of The Chopping Block at the Merchandise Mart. Originally from the East Coast, she moved to Chicago 8 years ago and loves the strong food culture of the city. She loves entertaining for friends, trying new restaurants, and cooking (of course). Her friends know not to eat until she's snapped a picture of any dish! She credits her mom and grandmothers for getting her interested in cooking at an early age. Her most utilized tool in the kitchen is the recipe book her late grandmother left her. Kate also enjoys traveling and is on a mission to visit each baseball stadium in America, but even then she's really there to sample the local food!

Seven Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip

The latest cheese challenge in The Chopping Block's private Facebook group got me thinking about what’s the most cheesy, ooey, gooey dish that I like to make. Immediately, I knew: spinach artichoke ...

Pepper Season is On and Popping

I’m a self-proclaimed hot pepper fiend. I love the addition of heat into both savory and sweet dishes. I’m the girl that carries hot sauce in her purse (just like Beyonce), just in case the need ...

Grilled Greek Chicken with Grilled Watermelon and Halloumi Salad

A few years ago (which now seems like an eternity ago), my fiancé and I took an incredible trip to Greece. Aside from the gorgeous views, we, of course, ate some incredible food. While it sounds ...

Hard Cider Can Chicken with Spicy Pickled Peaches

I spend a lot of time on my deck, especially these days, and it was truly my saving grace during quarantine! I often work from my deck, but on weekends, I love to spend the afternoon relaxing out ...

Dinosaur Ribs

A few years ago, I was visiting my parents and they ordered from Mighty Quinn’s, a BBQ chain. My dad ordered a Brontosaurus rib. Of course, I was immediately interested, because as far as I knew, ...

Scallion Pancakes

I know, I know… by now you’re not shocked that I’m coming to you excited about pancakes again, but hear me out - my latest adventure in pancakes took a savory turn and it’s my favorite chapter of my ...

Mango Mania

Up until just a week or so ago, the weather in Chicago was still pretty chilly (below 40 degrees at night), and we’d been in quarantine for 2 months. My social media continued to remind me of trips ...

Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Short Ribs

Short ribs are one of my favorite cool weather, comfort foods and quarantine has seemed like the perfect time for comfort food. Braising short ribs may take a few hours, but they make the house ...

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with Dalgona Coffee

I was at a culinary crossroads the other day. My fiancé wanted me to make my mom’s sticky pecan cinnamon rolls for breakfast, but I knew that request would take a few hours by the time I had a ...

Lemon Lime Soda Cake with Fresh Raspberries

Quarantine has really stirred (see what I did there?) up my love of baking. I’ve always loved eating and making desserts, but I find myself really enjoying experimenting and trying new recipes. ...