Lifestyle Columns
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Make the most of strawberry season with traditional Eton MessMay 21, 2025 5:43 am - Strawberry season is right around the corner. Even though we can purchase strawberries year round at the grocery store, there is nothing better than a freshly picked strawberry. This recipe for Eton Mess — a traditional English dessert consisting of strawberries, crumbled meringue cookies and whipped cream — is a perfect way to make use of your seasonal bounty.
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How ACE Awards honor students who’ve overcome challengesMay 16, 2025 5:00 am - Not every student-honors event takes your emotions on a rollercoaster ride, but the ACE Awards breakfast last week hosted by the Tri-Cities Exchange Club did just that.
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Delightful dips: Gather round this trio of bold, flavorful crowd pleasersMay 14, 2025 5:49 am - There’s something undeniably joyful about a good dip. Whether it’s creamy, cheesy, fresh or fiery, dips bring people together — around the table, at backyard barbecues, or while lounging on the couch with a bag of chips in hand.
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Caesar-style salad dressing has staying power — and no added sugarMay 14, 2025 5:47 am - Has the classic Caesar salad lost its appeal? At one time, Caesar salad was a popular part of an upper-tier dining experience. Were those salads good? Depended on the restaurant and their ingredient choices. Excellent ingredients, like high-quality, extra virgin olive make a superb salad.
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Batavia Depot Museum marks 50 years since opening in restored train stationMay 09, 2025 5:00 am - In 1973, Batavia's train depot was moved to its current location, sparking redevelopment. Its 50th anniversary as the Batavia Depot Museum is celebrated in a new exhibit about the depot's history.
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Barley, lemon and dill combine for a veggie soup that’s both hearty and lightMay 07, 2025 5:55 am - Faced with some leftover barley and the prospect of creating a dish fitting for the warmer spring weather, M. Eileen Brown came up with this soup that’s both hearty and light. Barley gives it heft while lemon and dill lighten the flavor. Crisp green veggies liven it up.
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If you like Pinot Grigio, try this refreshing and affordable Austrian standoutMay 07, 2025 5:34 am - Pinot Grigio burst into the U.S. in 1979 as a light, dry and lemony alternative to the overbearing Chardonnays of the day. Today, Pinot Grigio is second only to Chardonnay in U.S. white wine sales. But success has its costs. Overplanting in Italy and international copycats have replaced Pinot Grigio’s vivacity with dull, often sweetish wines. For a refreshing alternative, try Gruner Veltliner.
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‘It’s a real community builder’: More schools are taking part in Bike to School DayMay 05, 2025 10:25 am - Parents organize Bike to School Day events, "bike buses,“ and monthly youth rides to encourage biking for health and community. New safety courses also help kids gain skills and confidence.
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Batavia resident's 'Peace on Earth Bridge' song promotes unity, good mental healthApr 30, 2025 3:32 pm - Steve Cohen of Batavia has written a song titled “Peace on Earth Bridge” to highlight the local landmark and spread a message of harmony.
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Despite pause on new biking funds, area projects keep rollingApr 28, 2025 11:37 am - Due to the potential impact of executive orders on biking infrastructure projects, six northeastern Illinois counties are developing separate safety action plans aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries.