After Sunday’s roast turkey success, we were left with many pounds of turkey meat.  So, this Homemade Mother got to work to make sure that not one ounce of the beautiful bird went to waste.  One the agenda: homemade turkey stock followed up by homemade turkey soup. The beauty of homemade turkey soup comes from […]

The wonderful co-op we buy fresh food from didn’t have turkeys ready in time for Thanksgiving (further proof of the legitimacy of the farmers – they didn’t pump the birds with artificial scary stuff just to have the birds ready for the high season).  When I got an email last week letting me know their […]

One of my absolute favorite ingredients to cook with is fresh ginger.  It is so warm and comforting and soothing.  The gnarled knobs might not look very appealing, but so much happiness is lurking inside!  Whether it be a Mango Lassi with Ginger and Cardamom or Homemade Green Chai Tea or Ginger Pumpkin Bread, I […]

One of the best things about living in a big city is encountering diversity on a daily basis.  People from all walks of life and all corners of the globe call Chicago home, and I consider their presence in my hometown to be a true asset and gift. Aren’t I lucky to have the world […]

Yesterday morning Mack woke up fussing at 5:24.  Ugh.  Although he settled himself back to sleep, I was up. I gave myself 20 minutes to fall back into my dreams, but it was no use.  So, I decided to be productive with this extra 90 minutes in my day.  I took care of a few […]

At the start of the fall season my mom gave my sisters and I each a lovely pumpkin cast iron pot.  We had been admiring the one she puts on display every year, so her thoughtful gesture really means a lot. Every time I look at my new pot I think of my mom and […]

As any mother knows, there is no such thing as a weekend/vacation/holiday/day-off for a mom.  Tummies need to be filled, little bodies need to be dressed, boo-boos need to be kissed and curious minds need answers to their questions.  There is absolutely no break, but I am so grateful for every minute. With all that […]

Having kids changes EVERYTHING.  Before kids, a typical Friday night might have included a fun dinner at a fun restaurant, meeting up with friends, going to a movie, jetting off  for a quick weekend getaway.  These days, a super awesome Friday night for my husband and I now involves the following: *Chris helping Evie write […]

We love love love roast chicken.  Especially on a Sunday evening when the house has been calm all day and I’m happy to unwind with a cozy meal.  I buy delicious free-range chickens from our wonderful co-op, and every roast chicken comes out of the oven juicy and flavorful even when I season with nothing […]

My mom’s friend and neighbor Pam recently invited me to take a tour of her garden.  She lives in a rural part of Illinois, so for a city girl like me spending a day surrounded by tangled vines, busy bumble bees and heirloom produce was a real treat. The garden was full of earthy carrots, […]