So many pumpkin dishes to choose from, so little time
Pumpkin pie is soooo passe.
When there's creme brulee, lattes, bagel bites, beer, ravioli and more made with this fall fruit (yes, it has seeds so it's a fruit), why would you go for pie?
Admittedly, that's my bias - I've never been a crust person.
I do enjoy the creamy, autumnal spices in a good pumpkin pie, I just want it without the flaky platform. These days I don't have to go far to find those quintessential fall flavors. Pumpkin is everywhere (really, the reported shortage of canned pumpkin was greatly exaggerated).
When it comes to my new seasonal favorite, I'm torn between the Pumpkin Pie Concrete, pictured, at Andy's Frozen Custard in Bolingbrook and the Pumpkin Bagel Poppers from Einstein Bros. Bagels. The bite-sized bagel balls start with Einstein's pumpkin bagels and get a coat of spiced cream cheese. To borrow a phrase: Delish!
The Pumpkin Pie Concrete starts with Andy's uber smooth vanilla custard. Crews add pumpkin pie, crust and all, to the mixer to churn out rich cups of this limited time treat. The pumpkin filling is so good I can overlook the occasional crusty chunk.
Sample and savor: Tickets are available for The Great American Cooking Expo, a gastronomic celebration Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23-25, at Harper College in Palatine.
The expo brings some of the area's top chefs, food producers, and wine and beer outlets under one roof to give you the opportunity to sample and swirl a variety of foods and spirits and get ideas for holiday entertaining and gift giving. Cooking demonstrations run each day on two stages.
You must be 21 and older to attend and IDs will be checked on-site. Tickets cost $20 in advance, $30 at the door and can be ordered at thecookingexpo.com. Attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item for the Palatine Township Food Pantry.
Cheers to beer! Spend an evening with actor and author George Wendt Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Wentz Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville.
Wendt, the beer-drinking Norm from the popular sitcom "Cheers," will talk about his new book, "Drinking with George," which gives readers, what else, a look at beer's cultural history.
The program starts at 7 p.m. and costs $30, which includes a copy of the book and the opportunity to have it signed. To reserve a spot, call Anderson's Bookshop at (630) 355-2665.
Best of Berghoff's: Learn cooking tips from author Carlyn Berghoff, whose great-grandfather Herman originated the Berghoff restaurant in Chicago more than a century ago, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson St., Naperville.
During the free program, Berghoff will share family memories and recipes from her latest cookbook, "The Berghoff Cafe Cookbook: Berghoff Family Recipes for Simple, Satisfying Food."
Inspired menu: Chef Bernard Cretier will prepare a multicourse French dinner inspired by Julia Child and the recent movie "Julie and Julia" Sunday, Nov. 8, at his acclaimed restaurant Le Vichyssois, 220 West Route 120, Lakemoor.
The event, sponsored by ChicaGourmets and the Chicago chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier, begins at 4:30 p.m.
Chef Bernard's menu for this evening is inspired by Julia Child's cookbook and the success of the recent movie "Julie & Julia."
Expect richly flavored, silken sauces, pureed soups and butter. The meal costs $79 a person, inclusive. Reserve at levichyssois.com or call (815) 385-8225.
- Deborah Pankey
• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at food@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4524. Listen to her discuss food and restaurant trends on Restaurant Radio Chicago, 5 to 6 p.m. Saturdays on WIND 560 AM.