“Most tourists, having done some research on Chicago delicacies, order their Italian beef sandwiches "wet," meaning that a slosh of extra meat… — Stacey Ballis Anneke-stroudt Copy Share Image
“Bubbles enters with a plate overflowing with rugelach. The three of us fall silent as we indulge in the small snail-shaped pastries… — Stacey Ballis Apricot Copy Share Image
“I feed Volnay, who eats in her unusual way, delicately removing one piece of kibble at a time from her bowl, placing… — Stacey Ballis Dining room Copy Share Image
“We'll start with oysters on the half shell and homemade salt-and-pepper potato chips, just to whet the appetites. Then a wedge salad… — Stacey Ballis Appetizer Copy Share Image
“Look, Jenna, it isn't like Wayne is perfect. Our crew is a bunch of overgrown misfit children. Wayne had it the worst… — Stacey Ballis Children Copy Share Image
“What is it?" "It's a Thermomix." "That crazy cooking-blender thing you were telling me about?" "The very one." I've been coveting this… — Stacey Ballis Expensive Copy Share Image
“Between culinary school, a year and a half of apprentice stages all over the world in amazing restaurants, ten years as the… — Stacey Ballis Alana-and-patrick Copy Share Image
“Caroline made a steamed fig pudding with brandy hard sauce. Hedy and Jacob brought a platter of dense, moist gingerbread squares studded… — Stacey Ballis Chocolate Copy Share Image
“EL Ideas- Chef Phillip Foss Valentine's Day Menu freeze pop- honeydew/truffle/bitters shake and fries- potato/vanilla/leek black cod- black rice/black garlic/black radish cauliflower-… — Stacey Ballis Cream cheese Copy Share Image
“I grab the nonstick skillet, put it on the stove, and fetch four slices of bread from the breadbox. I've been playing… — Stacey Ballis Bread Copy Share Image
“Herman and I have been doing a lot of talking about the cake the past couple of days, and we think we… — Stacey Ballis Bases Copy Share Image
“I'm making lunch. Who wants pasta?" "We have leftover caramelized cauliflower and some cannellini beans soaking," Lois says. "There's a chunk of… — Stacey Ballis Best friends Copy Share Image
“Laid out on the rustic farm table that sits to the side of Maria's enormous kitchen island is a lovely spread of… — Stacey Ballis Comfort food Copy Share Image
“We shared deep passions. John Hughes movies, the New Romantics, the Chicago Bears. We both loved chicken-flavor Ramen and hated the shrimp… — Stacey Ballis Desire Copy Share Image
“We wanted to do French toast for the brunch, but acknowledged that it is a dangerous item for a special event where… — Stacey Ballis Alana-and-patrick Copy Share Image
“Elliot, that was amazing." The meal has been spectacular. We started with a salad of fennel, golden beets, and grapefruit. He did… — Stacey Ballis Dinner-date Copy Share Image
“Time to cut the cake, newlyweds." Caroline ushers us over to the sweet little two-tier cake, round and covered in white fondant… — Stacey Ballis Chocolate mousse Copy Share Image
“He opens a lower cabinet to reveal that it is a mini fridge, and brings over two plates that each have a… — Stacey Ballis Caramel Copy Share Image
“By the time Herman appears at six thirty, I've done a double batch of my version of an upgraded pinwheel, making a… — Stacey Ballis Bases Copy Share Image
“The nice thing about this menu is that it will keep fine for tomorrow. I decide to finish the potatoes, cutting the… — Stacey Ballis Ingredients Copy Share Image
“There will be a cauldron of spiced hot cider, and pumpkin shortbread fingers with caramel and fudge dipping sauces as our freebies,… — Stacey Ballis Candy Copy Share Image
“The feast is family-style, of course. Every six-person section of the table has its own set of identical dishes: garlicky roasted chicken… — Stacey Ballis Buffet Copy Share Image
“These. Are. AMAZING," Caroline says around a mouthful of apple cider zeppole. We're at the Logan Square Farmers Market, and have eaten… — Stacey Ballis Apple cider Copy Share Image
“I sliced the chicken with my fingers and put it into a small skillet to warm, separate a couple of eggs, and… — Stacey Ballis Black pepper Copy Share Image
“I think back to the parties Aimee and I planned, and how all those tuxedos and ball gowns weren't really that much… — Stacey Ballis Be yourself Copy Share Image
