Don't sideline wine at your Super Bowl party
Super Bowl parties wouldn't be the same without a couple of cold beers in the cooler, but Bud Light and Rolling Rock needn't be all you have on hand for thirsty guests.
If pizza is on the menu (and really, when is it not?), have some red on hand.
Mary Ellen Hogan, owner of Urban Harvest, a gourmet shop in downtown Arlington Heights, suggests 14 Hands Merlot with sausage and caramelized onion pizza.
"While soft and approachable, this wine maintains a sturdy frame and pairs beautifully with the sausage and caramelized onion," she said.
Pick Oakley 5 Reds, a Zinfandel, with a barbecue-chicken-topped pie.
"With smooth tannins and luscious fruit, this wine is ideal for pairing with the barbecue chicken pizza," Hogan said.
If you want to try the pairings yourself before serving them to friends, stop by Homemade Pizza from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, for a taste test. The pizza shop, 17 S. Dunton Ave., and Urban Harvest, 15 S. Dunton Ave., will offer samples of several game-day pairings.
B-list produce: A beet might not be the prettiest vegetable, but it's what's inside that counts. In a beet's case, what's inside are loads of betaine and folate, compounds shown to reduce heart disease.
According to this month's Women's Health magazine, beets are not to be ignored. Editors suggest washing and peeling one fresh beet, then shredding it on a wide-bladed grater. Toss the shreds with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and juice from half a lemon.
Also on the list: cabbage (top a burger with its crunchy leaves), dried plums (wrap with prosciutto and roast 10 to 15 minutes) and guava (seeds and skin edible).
Bowled over: Firefighters from across the suburbs will compete for bragging rights at the annual chili cook-off sponsored by Whole Foods Market in Palatine.
From noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, you can taste batches from departments in Des Plaines, Plainfield, Palatine and other towns and cast your ballot for the best chili. A panel of judges, myself included, also will be on hand to rate the recipes.
If you leave your e-mail address along with your ballot, Whole Foods will send you the firefighters' recipes. Last year's winning recipe from Villa Park is available here.
The 2009 chili champ will receive a $250 donation to the fire education fund; second- and third-place departments receive food for their firehouse for a day.
Last year, some 600 people turned out to support the cause and taste chili, so don't wait until the last minute to show up. Whole Foods Market is at 1331 N. Rand Road, Palatine.
Not just for breakfast anymore: I can't imagine a better way to start a day than with a mimosa.
This classic Champagne and orange juice cocktail brightens my mornings, yet for practical reasons (two boys and a job) I can't start every day with this bubbly beverage. Until now.
Mimosa is the hot new color of 2009, as deemed by color experts Pantone. Thanks to the Gap, I can now wear mimosa at the gym, at work and at play. The clothing store and the colorists joined forces to offer T-shirts showcasing this "warm, engaging yellow." The shirts cost $18 for men; $18.50 for women.
If the color clashes with your skin tone, you can still celebrate this hue of hope and renewal with color-themed stationery, office supplies, books and accessories. Items can be purchased at pantone.com.
• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at (847) 427-4524 or food@dailyherald.com.