In search of the elusive Branston Pickle
I heard from many of you this week regarding a Jan. 20 Page 1 Culinary Adventures column written by Penny Kazmier. She wrote about the intriguing, crunchy, tangy condiment darling of the U.K., the Branston Pickle. It's a beloved addition to cheese boards and traditional cheese sandwiches in England, but Penny took it a bit further creating her own Cheddar and Savory Pickle Spread. We left out pertinent information about finding it here in the U.S. You can find it at some Mariano's grocery stores, World Market stores, at Amazon.com and other online retailers. I'd call your grocer to first ask if the store carries Branston Pickles.
Penny says her mind starts to whirl with ideas for dishes whenever she's introduced to something new she likes. We're so lucky she does. I know with upcoming Super Bowl gatherings you'll want to try this spread or, as Penny herself suggests, on a grilled cheese sandwich. Be sure to visit bringoutthebranston.co.uk for more recipes.
Attention, chocolate lovers: Join the Mount Prospect Public Library Foundation beginning Saturday, Jan. 30, through Saturday, Feb. 13, for its sweetest event of the year, the Unbelievable Chocolate Raffle. The event features sumptuous baskets designed for the chocolate lover in all of us. Raffle tickets are $1 each, six for $5 or 12 for $10. Tickets can be purchased from a MPPL Foundation volunteer, or inquire at the Registration Desk. The drawings will be held on Saturday, Feb. 13, beginning at 3 p.m. Winners need not be present. All proceeds will benefit the foundation, which raises funds for special programming and events at the library. For more information, call (847) 253-5675.
History of Super Bowl snacking: As the world prepares to watch Super Bowl 50, guests can celebrate the game a week early, enjoy popular snacks and relive football memories at “A History of Super Bowl Snacks, Traditions and Highlights” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, 164 Hawley St. The program includes a look at five recipes, one for each decade of the Super Bowl; a review of iconic moments in football; various advertisements and more. A $1-$3 donation is suggested. For more information, call (847) 543-1745 or visit villageofgrayslake.com. Super Bowl 50 is on Feb. 7.
• Contact Food Editor Susan Stark at sstark@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4586. Be her friend on Facebook.com/SusanStarkDailyHerald or follow her on Twitter.