The Gift of Food

Everybody has to eat, and everyone that I know likes to eat well. Not all of them like to cook, and even if they do, might not do it all that often. All of us struggle at times to find that gift for a loved one, but have you ever thought of giving the gift of food? I only recently realized that this idea was right in front of me. I'm lucky enough to have people around me that enjoy my food, and I enjoy cooking for them. I don't always get to do this as much as I or they would like, so why not give them what they're really looking for. A new tie, no. James Taylor's Greatest Hits, definitely not. A swatch watch, now you're not even trying. They want to eat my friends.

Your first inclination is to make baked goods, which are a great treat, but I'm talking about something more substantial. I'm sure you've all heard of dinner by design or you've had a bad tv dinner, so why not replace those with home cooked meals. Break out the dutch oven and make a big batch of whatever you're good at. A pot of chili, pasta sauce, soup, pot roast, or even jambalaya all taste great day after day. They can all be placed in individual containers for the fridge or freezer and will last for a long time for that someone special. On the initial delivery you can even put together a full meal with a beverage of choice, maybe some good bread, and other necessities to fully enjoy the dish. I like to focus on meals that can be reheated on the stove or in the oven, so you can reclaim the taste of food that was actually cooked by a human at some point in lieu of the microwave. You could even pair the food gift with additional gifts like silverware, nice containers, or anything that fits the motif. So next time you're stuck in the gift giving rut, try putting the thought and effort back into the occassion with the gift of food. If you can't cook, snag some Lou Malnati's to go. You can't go wrong there.

Restaurant Recap

In honor of Cornfest week in Grundy County, I need to give some press to the best pizza restaurant in the suburban area, Maria's in Morris. They make homemade pizza that you just can't find in the "true" 'burbs. It is an actual hand tossed crust that isn't paper thin or monsterously thick. The ingredients are actual food not processed meat pellets and frozen vegetables. Surprisingly enough, they are one of the few places that you can get actual bacon on your pizza. Not canadian bacon and not a Baco's knockoff, true strips of the pork belly. If you want a culinary adventure in the extended suburban area, take a quick stop off I-80 at Route 47 and enjoy some truly great pizza. I fully endorse the sausage and bacon version. If you're not feeling pizza, I'd go for the chicken, ribs, or seafood platter complete with frog legs.