Women in the Kitchen: 12 Essential Cookbook Writers Who Defined the Way We Eat

Presented by Anne Willan
Culinary Historian, Author, Cooking Teacher
 
 
Women cookbook writers have had an enormous influence on the way we eat today. In her latest book, Women in the Kitchen: Twelve Essential Cookbook Writers Who Defined the Way We Eat, from 1661 to Today, Anne Willan profiles twelve of these women–from Hannah Woolley in the mid-1600s to Fannie Farmer, Edna Lewis, Alice Waters, and her dear friend, Julia Child. From her home in London, via Zoom, Anne will discuss the lives and works of these women, whose landmark books have defined cooking over the past three hundred years. Highlighting their historical contributions and most representative recipes, Anne shows how they created the foundation of the American table. Continue reading

Sweet Greeks: First-Generation Immigrant Confectioners in the Heartland

Presented by Ann Flesor Beck
Author and Candy Maker

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Gus Flesor came to the United States from Greece in 1901. His journey led him to Tuscola, Illinois, where he learned the confectioner’s trade and opened a business that still stands on Main Street. Sweet Greeks sets the story of Gus Flesor’s life as an immigrant in a small town within the larger history of Greek migration to the Midwest. Continue reading

No Ketchup! Why Dennis Foley Ate 50 Hot Dogs in 50 Days

Presented by Dennis Foley

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“The basic Chicago dog has its own ingredients,” said Dennis Foley about the “Magnificent Seven” of mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, pickle (or cucumber), sport peppers and celery salt that should top a dog with snap in a steamed bun. Continue reading

What a Waste! Here’s what the world is doing to recover, reduce and recycle food waste

Presented by Andrew Smith
Culinary Historian, Author, Editor

Podcast

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Don’t hold your nose! We’re not going to trash-talk you. Instead we’re going to offer you some savory food for thought when Andy Smith, one of our nation’s most esteemed culinary historians lifts the lid on a vital issue: food waste. Continue reading

An Invasion of Gastronomic Proportions: My Adventures with Chicago Animals, Human and Otherwise

Presented by Mike Sula,
Senior Writer, The Chicago Reader

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Mike’s favorite stories were about the people on the edges of the city’s food system; the oddballs, the uncelebrated, the immigrants cooking for their own—and especially the people willing to break the law to put food on the table. There was Shirley the Muffin Lady, making the rounds of the bars with baskets full of weed-spiked treats. Continue reading