Lifestyle Columns
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Talk of the towns in 2024: A look back at some top local stories in Kane CountyJan 03, 2025 6:00 am - Daily Herald columnist Dave Heun takes a look back at the people, organizations and places that were featured in his “Talk of the Town” column in 2024.
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It’s not easy being green: Talking about Cab Franc, Part 2Jan 01, 2025 5:58 am - When you talk to a winegrower about their Cabernet Franc, make sure you don’t describe it as green. You can use words like herbal or peppery, but say “green” and a winegrower hears “underripe.”
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The year in birds: Conservation progress, remarkable sightings highlighted 2024Dec 31, 2024 6:00 am - Birding columnist Jeff Reiter takes a look back at the year in birds: Conservation progress and remarkable sightings highlighted 2024.
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Where to next?: Bike club members plan rides for the new yearDec 27, 2024 6:00 am - Bike club members across the Chicago area are anticipating their 2025 riding goals. Clubs offer a built-in advantage: a large pool of riders often possessed with cycling ambitions to match one’s own.
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Kid-centric countdown: Put young chefs in charge of the snacks and let the creativity flowDec 25, 2024 5:31 am - We adults may consider cooking a chore, but it’s the main source of entertainment when kids gather to ring in the noon year. Together you can craft kid-friendly grazing boards loaded with dips, crackers, crunchy chickpeas, stuffed dates, crudites, cheese and fruit.
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Ditch the beef, embrace the turkey chili this winterDec 25, 2024 5:15 am - You don’t need beef or tomatoes to make a chili worthy of the name. This Winter-Warming Turkey Chili from Don Mauer is a terrific twist on the classic.
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How to make a charcuterie board: Tips, ingredients and inspirationDec 20, 2024 10:30 am - Charcuterie has come a long way since its humble beginning as simple sliced cheese and sausage with some crackers on a plate. Here are some tips for assembling your own crowd-pleasing display.
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The history of Christmas: Remembering the Rev. Beckmann and some of his best holiday loreDec 20, 2024 6:00 am - In the holiday spirit and in honor of the late Rev. William Beckmann’s passion for everything Christmas, Daily Herald columnist Dave Heun shares some of his thoughts, observations and lessons about this most wonderful time of the year.
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Cookies for every craving: A Midwest holiday treat guideDec 18, 2024 5:56 am - Biz Velatini shares three irresistible cookie recipes: a delightfully thin and crispy cookie perfect for those who love a little crunch, a classic snickerdoodle with that signature cinnamon-sugar sparkle, and a festive twist — an edible cookie dough that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
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Bowls of comfort: Warm up with three soothing and satisfying soupsDec 11, 2024 5:11 am - Whether you’re craving sweet, spicy, or hearty, these soups are perfect for cozy nights by the fire or sharing with loved ones around the table. So grab your ladle — it’s time to make the most of soup season!