Dessert pro looking for recipes from parents
Dessert diva Gale Gand is inviting parents throughout the country to collaborate with her on a cookbook that will stress nutrition education for children and emphasize parents' roles in their children's diets.
In conjunction with the Wheat Foods Council's 35th anniversary, Gand, celebrity chef and mother of three, asks moms and dads to submit nutritious, child-friendly (in prep and taste appeal) and wheat-based recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snacks.
"My favorite sous chefs are my kids, so I love spending time with them in the kitchen and teaching them about the foods they eat and how they can affect their health," Gand says. "I love the idea of collaborating with other parents to not only develop a cookbook, but help them to educate their children about the importance of a healthy diet."
The council's Web site, www.wheatfoods.org, provides contest details and resources to help you craft nutritious recipes. Entrants also must provide personal tips for encouraging children to make healthier food choices. The contest closes Jan. 31, 2008.
Thirty of the recipes will be featured alongside five exclusive recipes from chef Gand in the council's cookbook, expected to be available in May.
Sour apples: To celebrate autumn, The Olive Tap, 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove, has bottled a unique Apple Balsamic Vinegar.
According to The Olive Tap owner (and former Daily Herald Cook of the Week) Rick Petrocelly, the rich flavorful balsamic works in salads, marinades and as a glaze. Stop in for a taste this weekend as The Olive Tap joins 80-some shops and restaurants featuring apple-inspired treats and gifts during Long Grove's Apple Fest.
Pick up a dozen of the town's famous cider doughnuts, a brown-bag apple pie or even some apple popcorn while enjoying music from all genres. Festivities run 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Historic Long Grove is located along Robert Parker Coffin Road near routes 53 and 83.
You be the judge: Does a French Cabernet or Chardonnay leave its competition from across the globe rotting on the vine?
You do the research and decide for yourself Thursday evening at the French Wine Society's France vs. The Rest of the World tasting event.
The society invites wine enthusiasts to join blind taste tests of wines made from eight of the world's most popular grapes. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling represent the whites, while Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon represent the reds.
Experts from the French Wine Society have selected one French wine they think best represents each grape and an independent wine expert will have to challenge each of those with one wine coming from anywhere else in the world.
After tasting flights of each varietal, you get to vote for your favorites. Along the way you might even learn something, like how to identify major grape varieties. French cheese, of course, will be available for noshing.
The event costs $65 and runs 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 N. St Louis Ave., Chicago. Wines from both sides of the ring will be available for sale that evening. Get your tickets at (312) 208-1215 or www.frenchwinesociety.org.
Chili weather: Head into downtown Arlington Heights Saturday for free chili.
From 3 to 6 p.m. you can sample chili from five restaurants: Birch River Grill, Boston Blackies, Fuego's, Harry's of Arlington and Peggy Kinanne's. Beer, soda and other foods will be available for purchase.
The Harvest Heat event caps off the Arlington Heights Park District's family Autumn Harvest event held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Park School, Arlington Heights Road and Eastman Street.
-- Deborah Pankey