Recipes

This was the DIY pancake syrup I grew up with. It tastes fabulous without all the extra work of getting real tapped maple syrup. It's also a cheaper way to have syrup, as these are things I always have in my cupboard.

Apples are baked into an oven-puffed pancake for breakfast. This is so delicious that you don't need to add any syrup. A great alternative to regular pancakes.

I first tried aguachile when I was visiting Ajijic in Jalisco, Mexico. Ajijic is a quaint town next to Chapala Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Mexico. I fell in love with this spicy, cold dish, made with freshly caught shrimp marinated in a serrano-lime juice mixture and topped with fresh red onions, avocados, and cucumbers. This will keep for up to two days in the refrigerator but is best served within one hour. Serve it with tostadas on the side and an optional ice-cold Mexican beer to tame down the heat.

For people like me, who can't make good pancakes, this recipe is perfect. Everything is cooked in the oven in one single skillet, giving the plus of easy clean up. Serve with maple syrup.

According to sources, shrimp de Jonghe was invented at the turn of the 20th century by the de Jonghe brothers, who were Belgian immigrants and owners of De Jonghe's Hotel and Restaurant in Chicago. This garlicky, herbed casserole is one of the earliest Windy City specialties. It can be served as an appetizer or main course. My mother made it for special occasions.

This is a bulk whole wheat pancake mix recipe that my family loves, and it is very easy to make! It also makes good waffles.