The Chopping Block Cooking Blog

Desserts on the Grill: Have you Tried Grilling Fruit?

As you probably already know if you receive our handy newsletter, we are now offering in-person classes at our Lincoln Square location as well as cooking boot camps, with subjects ranging from ...

Tomato-Onion Jam: The Ultimate Summer Condiment

As I was standing in our backyard gazing at all of the tomatoes that were ready to be picked, I was wondering what on earth I should do with them. There are so many options, which makes it even ...

A Salsa of a Different Style

Salsa is America’s most popular condiment and pico de gallo is the fresh version. Both have a myriad of uses, with tortilla chips munched out of hand and as a condiment for Mexican food being the ...

How to Make Jam without Pectin

I love to make jam; I’m sure in part because I used to watch my mom make it as a kid. Thinking about Mom in the kitchen brings back such fond memories. We primarily grew our own food when I was ...

Zucchini Nut Bread

It’s zucchini season! We planted our garden a little late this year, and didn’t plant any zucchini. But thankfully, our gracious neighbor, Lori, did and offered a couple of her green beauties over ...

When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Frozen Lemon Mousse

It’s been a pretty tough year. We went from winter to hot summer with barely a notice of spring in Chicagoland, all the while sheltering in place. But to use a very worn saying, “When life gives ...

How I Conquered My Fear of Yeast Breads

For years I was intimidated by yeast breads. After all, working with yeast is like performing magic - such amazing transformation of ingredients! I remember my first brush with bread making decades ...

Meal Prep the Buffet Way

One of the questions I get asked the most in the classes I teach is: “Do you cook every day at home?” I feel like there is a common misconception that all professional chefs cook gourmet meals every ...

Browned Butter Blondies with Salted Caramel Sauce

These browned butter blondies are next level. They have a crunchy exterior and gooey, soft interior. The browned butter adds some nuttiness, which really takes it over the top. The semi-sweet ...

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes are Full of Surprises

Cupcakes are my favorite dessert to make for parties and now that we are living in COVID-19 times, they are even more perfect for your small gatherings. You don't have to share utensils from cutting ...