The Printed Blog launched today in Chicago and we were pleased to find a recipe in the first issue. A Bourbon Hot Tea Toddy from Cloves and Cream sure sounded good as we shivered on the train platform. More

January can be a tough time to find inspiration in the kitchen, particularly in the cold Midwest. But there's one kind of ingredient that's always readily available, even when its 10 below: Spices! We take a look at some spicy Ethiopian dishes below. More

The Spice House is our favorite spot for spices, dried herbs and seasoning mixes in Chicago. The company also offers its products online, and has compiled a large database of recipes, including some mouthwatering Thanksgiving dishes. More

The new season of Top Chef, set in New York City, premieres tonight, but it really doesn't seem that long ago when Stephanie Izard won in Puerto Rico, becoming the first female Top Chef. We loved Stephanie's approachable style of cooking and were happy to have the chance to talk to her a few days ago. Read about what she's been up to since Top Chef Chicago, what she's planning for the holidays, and her easy go-to dessert... More

Shopping at farmer's markets is a great way to get fresh, local and sometimes organic produce. But costs can vary based on where you live and what you buy. Here in Chicago, we usually take a $20 bill to our neighborhood market and see how far it will take us. This week, we tried to be as frugal as possible and get the most for our money. More

Good news for Chicago marketgoers: The Green City Market is now open year-round! As of January 2009, the market will be open twice a month through mid-April. More

If you're interested in foraging for food in Chicago, but afraid to take the plunge on your own, Living Kitchen/URBANFORAGE has a few upcoming programs to help guide you in your search. More

Our favorite dishes are usually the ones with a lot of color and a little spunk, so naturally, we're loving the whimsical pieces from Chicago's Circa Ceramics. More

On entering the kitchen of Ragdale House in Lake Forest, Illinois, you might have the peculiar sensation of traveling through time. With its cheery buttercup-yellow walls and peacock-blue painted farmhouse furniture, vintage stove, and generous porcelain sink, this homey kitchen might first appear to belong to a family from the early part of the last century.

Step in a little further, though, and you'll notice the drawers and cupboards have all been clearly labeled in bold black type: "Coffee Carafes & Tupperware," "Foil & Plastic Wrap," "Cereal & Snacks." You'll see a dishwasher, microwave oven, plates and mugs from Crate & Barrel and Target, as well as a very 21st-Century assortment of convenience foods.

What's going on?

We love looking through old cookbooks from time to time. It's fascinating to see how ingredients and recipes have changed over the years. Chicago's Newberry Library has amassed a collection of culinary titles that reaches back as far as the 1400s, and on Saturday, Exhibits Manager Riva Feshbach will offer a guided tour of some of these treasured books.

Read on for more information, and an Apple Fest update ... More