The Chopping Block Cooking Blog

The Perfect Strawberry Pie

Until I was seven years old, I lived on a small homestead - my grandparents lived on one side and my great grandparents on the other. We grew sweet corn, my grandparents grew green beans, my great ...

Seasonal Fruit Curds

I love pretty much anything lemony, and lemon curd is way, way up at the top! I use it on all sorts of things from slathering it on scones and muffins to topping a tart to swirling it into my ...

Sweet Phyllo Dough Bundles

It took awhile this year, but Summer is finally here and for me, that means easy, breezy everything! I like to cook outside more, heat up the inside less, eat with minimal preparation – and so much ...

Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake

One of the biggest sources of inspiration in the kitchen for me are old and classic recipes. One of my most formative kitchen experiences was working in a innovative diner. It specialized in making ...

Dehydration Sensation

Summer is upon us and that means festivals, walking, biking and hiking! Having portable snacks is key when you're on the move, and dehydrated food is a great way to preserve and prepare on the go ...

Hello, April Calendars

I just spent the last few weeks working on The Chopping Block's April class calendars, and I can’t even begin to explain how mentally refreshing that was. I am truly a happier person now. I’m ...

Enroll in Boot Camp for your Culinary Fitness

Summertime Treats

The Chicago winter is finally behind us and now it is time to celebrate spring and summer. This includes seasonal indulgences of all kinds. Of course, first and foremost, we pay homage to the fresh, ...

Vegan Voyage

I have never been a picky eater. Besides adopting a red-meat free diet in college, I am up for trying and eating pretty much everything. And other than mushrooms and bananas, my husband is the same ...

Farm to Table

It has been awhile since I have actually talked about food here, and this past weekend provided me with just the right material for a good “foodie blog.” Sure, I have been inspired by some ...