American

In the heart of Chicago, hardy food full of comfort

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CHICAGO — On a recent visit to help my son settle into his apartment off Lake Shore Drive, I opened the fridge to look for something for breakfast. Skunked!On his way out the door to register for classes, he said, “Mom, try Valois on 53d Street . They have the best breakfasts, it’s a friendly …

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A cookie contest keeps friends together through the years

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WEST PEABODY — They call themselves the Agawam Babes, and for 16 years, these girlhood friends have been getting together in each other’s homes for brunch and a cookie swap. It started as a way to stay connected despite marriages, kids, and jobs. The group has changed over the years, but the core has stayed …

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Competition cooks up at a 4-H county fairFood and Fun Club members put their kitchen skills to the test

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WESTFORD — Louise Donahue looks for an empty cake rack on her kitchen table, brimming with baked goods. “We’ve already had one disaster today,” she says as she sets down the hot pan of butterscotch bars her 10-year-old son, Greg, has prepared for the 51st annual Middlesex County 4-H Fair. The bars go next to …

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Two delectable desserts for cooling off during the summertime Granitas, sorbets are frozen delights

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Two great frozen desserts are granitas, which are coarse-grained Italian ices, and sorbets, which have a creamy texture even when they’re not made with milk. For both, begin by pureeing the fruit that is in abundance now. Add super-fine sugar and fresh citrus juice for a tart twist that adds depth to the fruit flavor. …

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Here’s the flip side to holiday tradition

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LEXINGTON — Bleary-eyed souls are making their way to the Battle Green. A shot rings out. The all-volunteer army is spurred into action. Ready, aim, flip! Did you think only the British were coming? The other great Patriots Day tradition in this historic town is pancake breakfasts. Next Monday, hungry hordes who waited for hours …

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A little barley goes a long way to beef up a soup or vegetablesUse it instead of high-carb pasta, potatoes or rice

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Tired of potatoes, rice, and pasta? Looking for another carb with some nutritional clout? Try barley. When cooked, barley has a soft but slightly crunchy texture. When added to soups, it makes them creamy. It is a great base for a pilaf. Barley has a long history. Part of the human diet for several thousand …

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Zappin’ the Apple

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Traditional methods for baking apples take almost an hour, but how about zapping an a apple for a simple dessert or a sweet start to your day with breakfast? A micro-waved apple takes only minutes — a great impromptu treat during apple season. You can even make an individual serving of fresh warm applesauce – …

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Beauty secrets? Check the fridge — Make skin cream and a snack, too

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Sometimes it’s OK to have egg on your face – or banana or yogurt or apricot or avocado. Just call it a food facial. Facials at salons can be expensive, great for a birthday present for a friend, maybe, or a splurge for yourself. Instead, consider shopping for your salad and your beauty at the …

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Time to step out of the box and make your own crispy crackersThey won’t steal limelight from spreads

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Munching away happily on a variety of crackers gathered in a basket, a friend was incredulous when informed they were all homemade. ”Get outta town!” she exclaimed. ”These are awesome!” If you can make cookies, why not crackers? According to Merriam Webster, a cracker is ”a dried, thin, crispy baked bread product that may be …

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A pumped-up energy-drink industry flexes its muscles

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”Party like a rock star.” ”For energy that lasts.” ”Xapp your mind, Xapp your muscles.” ”Vitalizes body and mind.” Amp, Monster, Adrenaline Rush, Red Bull, XAPP: Are we talking about heavy metal bands here? No, these are the latest entries in the exploding energy-drink market, replete with fan clubs. What their devotees are cheering about …

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In the Lime-light

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MIAMI — Ask any five people about Key lime pie and they will agree on one thing only — it should never ever be green. ”Honey,” said the slight waitress with weather-beaten skin at a little dive called the Crack’d Conch (where the choices for dessert were a slice of Doris’s Key lime pie or …

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Homemade goodies a satisfying gift

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There is something satisfying about making a gift of food. If you have time to bake and make the cookies everyone salivates for, great. However there are also wonderful recipes for snack mixes, granola, or spiced nuts that can be made in bulk in very little time. If you don’t have time to cook, but …

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