Cooking Club...Adventures continue 1 1/2 years later!

Over a year ago six friends and I started an adventure of a lifetime--a culinary one that is!  After finding some inspiration we formed a group to begin our cooking adventure and try new things.  Beginning with a theme each month, we cook foods centered around that theme.  Each one of us learn new recipes and really begin to stretch our culinary experience.

People ask me all the time--which one was your favorite?  I have too many to really choose.  I do have to say sushi making made me appreciate eating sushi out and now I'm willing to pay for it prepared :).  Our Mardi Gras theme was fun because a lot of that food I've never had before!  Each of them is so unique that I've really liked all of them. 

The other question I get asked is how did you come up with the theme?  Well we think of them as a group; we usually use a holiday as inspiration or something that someone read about!  We are always looking for new creative ideas and sometimes it's easier to think about than others. 

People also ask me how did you find this idea to join a group of girls together and create a cooking club--well sorry to say it wasn't my original idea.  I actually adopted the idea from  Rebecca, the mom of the two cutest boys I babysit for.  Her and her friends published a recipe book (http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Club-Cookbook-Friends-Broil/dp/0375759689) and I was so inspired by it I decided to try it!  We've changed and tweeked a few things that fit my group.  We've had a few leave and move, which is always sad but such a part of life...

So friends--if you have some close girlfriends and are looking for a meal once a month, think about starting a cooking club--it's such a fun time!!!!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Merry Christmas from Chicago!
The snow, hustle bustle on the street, the decorations, and all the Christmas music always gets me in the spirit!  Chicago has so many things to offer in the city to do this time of year:  From the Christkringel market and the Magnificent Mile lights parade, from the 12 bars of Christmas (TBox) to caroling under the bean and ice skating at Millenium Park.  There is no reason not to be excited for Christmas this time of the year!  There's plenty of Christmas parties whether they are work related or a time to gather family and friends.  I had a great time wearing my ugly Christmas sweater a few weeks in a row ;)

There's plenty to do in Chicago so bundle up and enjoy what the city has to offer!