The Chopping Block Cooking Blog (3)

How to Grill Baby Octopus

We officially kicked off grilling season last Wednesday with a hands-on grilling class on Cinco de Mayo. On Saturday, we had our first demonstration class on the Lincoln Square patio with one of ...

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin 101

When I went shopping last weekend, pork tenderloin was on sale so I decided to pick up a couple. I had no idea what I was going to do with them at the time, but after some serious brainstorming, I ...

All About Asparagus

Spring has arrived and with it comes one of my favorite vegetables: asparagus! While asparagus is luckily usually found year-round in grocery stores, like most produce, it has a peak season. You ...

How to make Rhubarb Curd

My mom worked full-time and between work and taking care of four kids, it didn’t leave a whole lot of time for baking. We didn’t have a lot of money, so buying premade cakes and cookies was not an ...

Superfoods are Superheroes

Superfoods are the food industry’s superheroes: they’re touted as “powerful,” having “superpowers” and being “extra-nutritious.” I mean, who wouldn’t want a superhero in their life? I personally ...

Grilled Red Cabbage with Magic Green Sauce

It’s grilling season, and I am ready for it! I love entertaining, but sometimes I prepare so many appetizers for fear that my guests will be too hungry while I am grilling that by the time I ...

Quiche for Every Meal

I'm a sucker for quiche on any menu. When I'm traveling, I always seek out the best bakery in town to try their quiche. Paired with a green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette, quiche is the ...

Get the Kids in the Kitchen for Mother's Day

Growing up, were you the kid who helped your mom in the kitchen or did you just show up to the table when it was time to eat? If I had to pick one, it was definitely showing up to eat. However, I ...

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Feta

If you’re local to Chicago, you know about Mother Nature’s wild mood swings when it comes to spring weather. One day it’s 75 degrees and sunny, and the next day it’s snowing. Despite the ...

Brandade: Your New Favorite Dip

I remember first trying brandade when I was in culinary school and experiencing a moment of euphoria. Brandade is a Mediterranean dip consisting of pureed potatoes, salt cod, garlic and olive oil, ...