(Chandler West~Chicago Sun-Times) Photo styling by Judith Dunbar Hines.

Recipe: Spaghetti squash with crisp brussels sprout leaves

Several years ago, after a particularly brutal winter, I moved from Chicago to a Southern state. I was sure I would be happy to leave behind the heavy coats and deep snow drifts.

And, for several months, I was happy. In spring the wildflowers sprouted in the dry landscape in a riot of colors. Not the daffodils and tulips I was used to, but beautiful nonetheless. Summer came with full force and acquainted me with weeks of 100-plus degree temperatures and I began to long for Lake Michigan breezes. But when the fall arrived, ah, that’s when I missed my hometown the most. Continue reading →

Makes 4 servings

• 1 (3 to 31⁄2 pound) spaghetti squash
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups brussels sprouts
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan Continue reading →

(Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times) Photo styling by Judith Dunbar Hines.

Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie

I don’t know when or why Coconut Pie became my Birthday Pie.

I remember that my mother made complicated pink and white checkerboard birthday cakes, multi-layer showstoppers, some with jelly beans on top if my birthday coincided with Easter, as it often did. Continue reading →