Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Cool Weather Recipes

The winds are starting to howl as the fall heads into winter. There will be a few warm days here and there, but cold weather is coming. The old-fashioned crockpot is an easy way to make a warm tummy-filling meal with minimum fuss and usually only a few ingredients. Even the most novice cooks can put together a great meal. For those of us back to work or if you have worked all this year outside the home, it is a great way to come home to a hot cooked meal. The following are three easy recipes with beef, pork, and chicken.

This beef stew is super easy. Brown two pounds of stew meat in vegetable oil over medium-high heat till well browned. Add this to the crockpot along with two bay leaves, small red potatoes, about a pound, and three carrots cut in one-inch pieces. Mix together 14oz low sodium beef broth, ¼ cup BBQ sauce, one tablespoon soy sauce, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Pour over all and cook on low for six-eight hours. Remove meat and veggies, keep warm—strain juices and discard solids along with the bay leaves. Bring juices to a boil; add one and a half teaspoon cornstarch mixed with another tablespoon soy sauce. Simmer till thickened. Return meat, veggies, and gravy to crockpot and cook till warmed through. Serve with crusty bread.

Country-style ribs are made for the crockpot. Place four-five pounds in the bottom of the crockpot. Add two 14-ounce bottles of your favorite BBQ sauce. You can mix flavors for variety. Rinse out each bottle with one-tablespoon vinegar and add to the pot. Add one chopped onion, two cloves minced garlic, one-teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook on low six-eight hours. Serve with buttered noodles.

Chicken is another crockpot staple. Coat chicken strips with combined taco seasoning and flour. Add to vegetable sprayed crockpot. Cover with sliced red and green bell peppers along with one cup of frozen corn. Cover with one and a half cups of your favorite chunky salsa. Choose your heat preference. Like more heat? Add a chopped jalapeno. Cook on low for six hours. Serve over rice—top with grated Mexican blend cheese, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.

Do you have any crockpot recipes you would like to share?

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Dealing With Scratched Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are highly desirable for most homeowners, but they come with their share of challenges when it comes to cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. After a few months or years of heavy use from kids playing with toys and chairs being shuffled around, it may be time for some DIY fixes.

Hiding scratches: If you’ve got a good eye for matching colors, you can actually use crayons or markers or purchase wax sticks from the hardware store to fill-in scratches. Try to match the stain color on your floors, but don’t worry if it’s a little off. If the color is close, once the scratch is filled, it’ll look like a variation in the wood grain.

Polishing floors: You can make a polish solution for your floors from household ingredients. Mix olive oil and vinegar in equal parts, pour it directly into scratches, and then wipe it off after 24 hours. It may take several applications, but this homemade polish will fill and cover most scratches.

Clever decor: It’s not a long-term solution, but sometimes the most painless way to fix scratches in your floors is to cover them with a rug or furniture arrangement.

Spot sanding: For deeper scratches, you’ll need to spot sand with fine steel wool or sandpaper, use wood filler, and stain and seal the repaired area.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Welcoming November and Its Local Events!

Now that our “special” Halloween is behind us, it’s time to begin planning for our “special” Thanksgiving. But before we do that, let’s welcome in November with its autumn local events and enjoy the mild weather it’s bringing with it this weekend!

Don’t let your Halloween pumpkins rot in a landfill. Bring your jack-o-lanterns to the annual Pumpkin Smash this Saturday (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) to be composted (nature’s method of recycling). There are 20 SCARCE locations statewide to either smash your pumpkins yourself or just drop them off to be smashed by them. To find your nearest location, just click here. Also, any pumpkin decorations such as candles, stickers, yarn, or other decorations need to be removed prior to drop-off. However, those painted with acrylic paint are acceptable. I heard it’s going to be a smashing good time!!

Help support local businesses through these difficult times by attending Share Your Harvest: An Outdoor Fall Marketplace held Thursdays through Sundays from November 5 to November 22 at Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.) in the West Loop neighborhood. This is an open-air, walk-through market featuring local Chicago vendors, such as Uncooked, Sisterly Cakes, Sky Lyte Candles, and others, as well as fun fall activities, such as a s’mores station, turkey bowling, bobbing for apples using claws, and more! Attendees are required to purchase tickets in advance. Each ticket allows entrance to the market and activities for a 1-hour block of time. All guests are required to wear a face mask for the duration of their visit unless seated at a table, which also needs to be reserved and cannot have more than six people.

The Andersonville Farmers Market has been extended for four additional Sundays, November 1, 8, 15, and 22, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Catalpa Avenue between Clark Street and Ashland Avenue. This extension will have no onsite sales but rather be pre-orders only beginning Mondays at 12 p.m. and ending Fridays at 11 p.m. for Sunday pickup. There will be no curbside pickup, either. To place an order, shoppers just need to go to the WhatsGood app or online. And, in order to offer customers fresh, local food, everything sold is grown or produced within a 200-mile radius. Be sure to check out the website link above for participating November vendors!

Actors play dozens of characters in a 90-minute live virtual audio experience of a new adaptation of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds on Tuesdays through Saturdays (8 p.m.) and Sundays (7 p.m.) through November 21. While this adaptation follows Wells’ story of a Martian invasion, it moves the action to present-day Chicago and has been critically acclaimed for its elaborate, innovative, and viscerally compelling storytelling! And, all tickets are pay what you can!! Will you be finding out if life on Earth is doomed?

If you’re looking for something new to watch on TV, here are some great New Shows and Movies streaming this month for families: The Mighty Ones (Hulu, November 9), Trash Truck (Netflix, November 10), Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix, November 13), I Am Greta (Hulu, November 13), Lego Star Wars Holiday Special (Disney+, November 17), The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse (Disney+, November 18), Animaniacs (2020) (Hulu, November 20) and The Christmas Chronicles: Part 2 (Netflix, November 25).

Our Chicago Bears (5-3-0) will be heading to Tennessee to take on the Titans (5-2-0) at Nissan Stadium this Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Watch it on FOX. COME ON BEARS – LET’S GET A WIN!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Neighborhood News: Rogers Park, Logan Square, West Loop, Edgewater, Loop

Rogers Park: As we make our way into tighter COVID-19 restrictions yet again, reminders of what we don’t have access to at the moment is almost all-consuming. Take a break from the worry and head over to the Lifeline Theater website for amazing virtual shows and podcasts that bring the joys of live theater to life online. This month starting on the 12th, Lifeline presents Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice: A Virtual Play adapted by Christina Calvit and directed by Dorothy Milne. Twenty dollars is the suggested donation to watch this excellent performance taped by members located throughout the country. You can view this online version Thursdays through Sundays from the 12th to the 29th of November. Find more info here.

Logan Square: Tight restaurant restrictions are an unfortunate reality these days. However, you can still grab a drink with friends in a heated cabana at Pilot Project Brewing in Logan Square. Located at 2140 North Milwaukee Avenue, the brewery has installed four heated cabanas that can seat 80 people in a socially distanced environment. Each cabana features socially distanced tables, electric heating, and open exposure on 50% of the walls to ensure increased ventilation. Reservation for two tables seating up to eight people for two hours costs $10. Find more info here.

West Loop: Starting Thursday, the 5th of November, and running each week indefinitely from Thursday to Saturday from 1 pm to 9 pm, head over to the Cobra Lounge in the West Loop for Chicago Craft: A Collective Grip Pop Up Shop. This partnership between Cobra Lounge and Jeppson’s Malört features local vendors selling their goods and a wide array of beer, including selections from All Rise Brewing, On Tour, and Half Acre. You can also grab cocktails to go created by local guest bartenders. Cobra Lounge is located at 235 North Ashland Avenue. Be sure to check ahead of time for any changes due to COVID-19 restrictions. Find more info here.

Edgewater: When’s the last time you were able to attend a literary event? This Veteran’s Day, November 11th, join author Cyndee Schaffer for a virtual discussion of her book Mollie’s War, which details her mother’s time serving as a member of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) during WWII. Presented by Edgewater Village Chicago, Friends of the Edgewater Library, and the Edgewater Branch Library, this free Zoom event starts at 1 pm on the 11th. Find more info here.

Loop: The inaugural edition of Intersect Chicago, the 2020 virtual version of SOFA (sculpture, objects, and functional art), kicks off Friday, November 6th, and runs until Thursday, November 12th. The online fair presents over 100 exhibitors’ works, with each day representing a different art form ranging from glass arts and design to contemporary arts and sculpture. Institutions from all over the world will be featured as well as discussions relating to these unique art forms. Find more info here.

Given the current COVID-19 restrictions in Chicago, be sure to check ahead of time to ensure that all events are still happening.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Restaurant Review: Ever

Chicago is home to some of the best food in the world. That isn’t news. However, the cost of a memorable meal is often a deal breaker when it comes to some of the city’s upscale dining experiences. Starting today, you can order takeout from one of the critically acclaimed and expensive restaurants in the West Loop at prices that will make your jaw drop.

Ever, located at 1340 West Fulton Street, offers a to-go menu priced at $55 per person. While not as inexpensive as your local pizza delivery, this is a chance to taste the cuisine of award-winning chef Curtis Duffy. Given that a regular meal at Ever runs about $285 per person, this takeout deal is a steal, letting you enjoy a world-class menu that provides a much-needed break from the standard delivery options many of us Chicagoans have been living off of for months due to the pandemic. 

So what is on the to-go menu at Ever? Chef Duffy created a splendid plate highlighted by his delicious braised beef short ribs. Accompaniment comes in the form of chilled barley salad with dried cherries and fennel, caramelized maitake mushrooms, roasted baby potatoes with smoked paprika, pretzel baguette with house-made butter, and triple chocolate trifle. This excellently curated meal will give your taste buds a much-needed wake-up call thanks to the fantastic blend of flavors from one of the city’s top chefs. 

According to the description, the meal also comes with a surprise or two, which will undoubtedly be an irresistible addition to an already stellar spread. At a price tag of $55, you would be hard pressed to find a more decadent plate to enjoy in the comfort of your home. Each order does require reheating at home, so you can always say that you just whipped it up if you’re looking to impress (be careful, though, as your dinner guests will line up at your door for weeks demanding more.)

You can further enhance this to-go meal with a bottle of red or white wine personally selected by Wine Director and Ever owner Michael Muser. A bottle of red runs $65, and white will cost $45. And if you feel so inclined, there is Ever merchandise you can add to your order in the form of t-shirts, hoodies, and baseball caps. 

With indoor dining temporarily closed across the state due to COVID-19, finding great food gets a bit tricky. Even before the shutdown, price point was often an issue for many to experience some of Chicago’s finest dining. With Ever To Go, this is an ideal time to partake in top-notch cuisine at an affordable cost compared to what one would usually spend for such a feast.

Ever hopes to continue their to-go service for the next few months as we all try to navigate this new normal we currently are experiencing. In the meantime, head over to Tock to reserve your to-go order. You can pick up your order daily from 4 pm to 8 pm. 

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Change Your Evenings for a Better Tomorrow

When you structure your day, you will get your best work done. With morning and evening routines, your brain is better able to handle the various challenges each day brings. Many people have good morning rituals, but adding evening ones will really lead to a productive, happy, and successful life. Many of us get home, eat dinner, and veg out on the couch, often ending up falling asleep there. You then head to bed, staring at your email on your phone till you fall asleep and usually get inadequate sleep and wake tired. 

Plan in the evening for the next day. Many of us set out our clothes for the morning, along with workout gear and tomorrow’s paperwork. But go further. Write down what you want to accomplish the next day. Thinking about it is good but writing it down really cements a plan for the next day. 

Reflect on your day. Write down two or three things you were grateful for today. Celebrate your successes even if they are few. For the things not accomplished, think about how you can do better tomorrow. Be more efficient, spending less time on unimportant issues. 

Create your ritual of work to home transition. We are so super-connected now that we are working 24/7. Walking through the door should start the transformation. What you do next is not important, only that you do it every day to move into relaxing, home mode. You can exercise or watch your favorite show. Spend time with the family or work on a project. Do it every day to tell your brain work is over. 

Our busy lives can also leave little time for your passions. Taking even 30 minutes a day out for a hobby, self- improvement, or anything else you have a genuine interest in can boost your sanity. It will even make you more productive. 

Get ready for sleep. Do it the same way every day. Wash up and brush your teeth. Make your bedroom a calm sanctuary. Keep it cool; better sleep happens around 65-68 degrees. Turn off the TV or other devices one hour before bedtime. The blue light keeps your brain in wake mode. If you must check your devices before bed, reduce the brightness by 50% and use night mode if you have it. Reading before bed for half an hour is excellent for winding down for sleep. But stay away from the Kindle and its blue light and read a paper book instead. It can be any subject, does not have to be self-improvement- anything that entertains you. 

Keep the same sleep schedule. Waking and sleeping at the same time keeps you regulated. You cannot catch up on sleep on the weekend. It just makes you groggy all day. Feel yourself getting sleepy and wake up to your best day ever. 

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Reconsider These Choices When You’re Designing Your Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the areas of a home that sees the most wear and tear. All the water, heat, and food spills add up quickly, so it’s important to focus on quality and lasting appeal if you’re choosing materials for a kitchen remodel. Here are a few things you should avoid:

Cheap laminate counters: The bottom rung of laminate is extremely susceptible to wear and tear. It can melt if you forget to place a hot pad under a pan that’s fresh off the stove, and the edges can chip off from repeated exposure to moisture and heat.

Flat paint: A flat or matte finish is great in rooms with lower traffic, but it’s a bad idea in the kitchen, where the walls are regularly exposed to splatters and spills. You need paint that can withstand an occasional heavy scrubbing, so opt for gloss or semi-gloss finishes.

Trendy backsplash: If you watch any home remodeling shows, you’ve certainly seen kitchens with expensive, elaborate backsplash designs and materials. Those trends can be pricey to pursue, yet can look dated in a hurry. Subway tile is a cheaper, classic option that you’ll never regret—and you’ll have more room in your budget for quality materials elsewhere.

Cheap flooring: Just like the countertops, your kitchen floor needs to be strong enough to take some abuse. Cheap flooring easily scuffs and peels (especially from moisture). Quality flooring is worth the investment.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Beware This Special Halloween!

The most terrifying day of the month is finally upon us! But beware this special Halloween as it falls on Saturday, there’s a full moon (first one in 19 years on Halloween), we set the clocks back an hour, and we’re in the middle of a pandemic! So join us as we make the best of it!!

The grand finale of a special Halloweek here in Chicago takes place in Washington Park (5531 S. Martin Luther King Dr.) this Saturday (12 p.m.-3 p.m.) with Arts in the Dark: Halloween Parade. Of course, it won’t be the usual procession of floats and group spectacles making their way down a crowded street. Rather, dozens of delightful parade contingents will be stationed along a beautiful tree-lined drive in the park, and spectators will drive through the route enjoying the spectacles from the safety of their vehicles. This is a free event; however, you must make a reservation for a 12 p.m., 1 p.m., or 2 p.m. slot. To reserve tickets, click on the link above.

Join the Oriental Institute for their Virtual Mummies Night this Saturday (4 p.m.-7 p.m.). Dress up in your costume, spend the evening taking a mummy tour, or hear a mummy tale, make mummy crafts, compete in mummy trivia, and play a mummy favorite game: Senet. Guests can also dance to a spooky playlist and/or search for mummies in a scavenger hunt! This event is recommended for children ages 4 and up, accompanied by an adult.

Take in a dinner and a movie at Moonlit Movie & A Meal – A Halloween Spooktacular this Saturday (6 p.m.-9 p.m.) at Morgan’s on Fulton’s Rooftop (950 W. Fulton Market) in the West Loop. Marvin’s Food & Fuel will be providing a special dinner and cocktail menu (not included in ticket price) for guests who will be seated in groups of 6 or less with proper social distancing, and The Davis Theater will be featuring “Get Out.” The rooftop space will be covered and heated with fresh air flowing, so be sure to come dressed for the weather!

AstonRep Theatre Company launches its 2020-21 season with a free streaming radio broadcast of Twisted Tales of Poe. Based on Tales of Edgar Allen Poe, actors will be presenting “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Black Cat,” and “The Raven,” each created by the master of the mysterious and macabre. The victim’s vulture eye, Italy’s catacombs, and the mysterious presence of the raven all come to life in this radio broadcast! There are no set performance times. You may access the link at any time of day; however, the link will only be available this Saturday. The run time is 75 minutes, and the performance will begin when you click the play button in the SoundCloud link.

Those of us whose kids have four paws and love Halloween, a Halloween Pup Parade takes place Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join in for some Halloween treats, a fun Pet Parade and Costume Contest for the best-dressed, funniest, and pairs human/pet costume event. Winners receive a free Pawsilates class and pet treats. First, you’ll meet at Studios FUSE (2215 N. Halsted St.) for hot cocoa and treats. The contestants will then line up outside the studio and parade down the block for a quick doggie walk. Woof!

If you are still wondering where to take your kids trick-or-treating, check out your closest location with this list.

Our Chicago Bears (5-2-0) will be hosting the New Orleans Saints (4-2-0) at Soldier Field this Sunday at 3:25 p.m. on FOX. GO BEARS!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Neighborhood News: Wicker Park, Loop, Ravenswood, Lincoln Park, West Loop

Wicker Park: Halloween is just a few days away, and while this year brings about a much different feel due to COVID-19, there are still ways to get outside and enjoy the spooky day. Head over to Wicker Park every day until the 31st to check out 50 scarecrows created by residents spread throughout the neighborhood. You can use Google maps in the link below to see where to take in the sights for this free event. Find more info here.

Loop: Chicago will be home to a new museum opening in November. The Museum of Illusions is set to debut next month at 25 East Washington Street in the Loop. Featuring over 80 mind-bending and extraordinary exhibits, including the anti-gravity room, the vortex tunnel, and the clone table, this museum will definitely be more than meets the eye. The typical social distancing protocols will be adhered to, but other than that, nothing about the Museum of Illusions will be typical. Keep an eye out for the announcement of the museum’s official opening this November. Find more info here.

Ravenswood: The Candlelight Series returns to Chicago in November, bringing a mesmerizing mix of classical, jazz, and contemporary music amidst flickering candles that ensures a unique night out. This concert series occurs at two locations: Artifact Events, located at 4325 North Ravenswood Avenue, and Salvage One, located at 1840 West Hubbard Street in West Town. The intimate setting features world-renowned musicians recreating the works of artists ranging from Mozart and Bach to The Beatles and Aretha Franklin. Each concert is one hour long, and seating is capped at 50 people to ensure an intimate evening of music. As usual, masks are required at all times when not dining, and socially distanced seating arrangements will be set up to ensure safety. Tickets are $55 per person. Find more info here.

Lincoln Park: Yes, the weather is getting colder faster than we’d like, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t outdoor activities still going on (if you can brave it). The Broken Barrel Bar, located at 2548 North Southport in Lincoln Park, hosts their Fall Movie Nights every Tuesday until November 17. On November 3, check out horror-comedy Scream at 7:30 pm. Reservations for two cost $24 and include guaranteed entry, preferred seating, and one Vizzy Hard Seltzer and bag of popcorn per guest. Edward Scissorhands follows on the 10th and The Nightmare Before Christmas on the 17th. Find more info here

West Loop: Fans of Stephen King’s The Shining and especially Stanley Kubrick’s film version can see for themselves why all work and no play make Jack a dull boy at the Room 237: Pop-Up Experience and Lounge. Running now through November 15 at Morgan Manufacturing, a 32,000 square-foot entertainment space located at 401 North Morgan Street, this interactive event brings the world of The Shining to life. Featuring a giant hedge maze to get lost in, classic props inspired by the film, and themed cocktails such as the Redrum, this pop-up is the perfect post-Halloween happening. Tickets start at $35 and include a beverage. Be sure to make reservations for this socially distanced event. The event runs Wednesday through Sunday from 6 pm to 11 pm. Find more info here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Restaurant Review: Wake ‘n Bacon

Wake ‘n Bacon is a brand new restaurant that opened last week in Lakeview. This brunch spot provides diners with a delicious menu to satisfy whatever case of the munchies they may be having. See, the thing that sets Wake ‘n Bacon apart from other spots is the fact that they infuse (upon request) each item on the menu with CBD. 

For those who may not know, CBD, aka Cannabidiol, is a compound derived from cannabis that is said to alleviate a multitude of issues ranging from sleep disorders and anxiety to pain and inflammation. Despite its connection to cannabis, CBD itself does not produce an intoxicating effect on the user. The compound has become a go-to remedy for many. CBD-infused food is rapidly becoming a selling point for restaurants to serve customers great food with a potential side of relief.

Located at 420 W. Belmont Avenue (no coincidence there, I’m sure), Wake ‘n Bacon features a blue sky ceiling with floral designs hanging from above. The restaurant’s fantasy garden theme also features a photo booth and dry erase boards for kids. As of this writing, you can sit in the socially distanced dining room or grab your food and take a seat on the outdoor patio.

Wake ‘n Bacon’s menu is a creative mix of classic American comfort food blended with inspiration from Asian and Latin cultures. I ordered their CocoRazz Stuffed French Toast featuring savory Brioche French toast stuffed with sweetened raspberry cream cheese and topped with toasted coconuts and pecans. Both decadent and delicious, I realized my days of ordering French toast at IHOP were long over after finishing this delectable dish. For $15 and a $3.50 addition of CBD, your stomach will thank you for your kindness in ordering such a scrumptious plate. 

A few friends accompanied me to Wake ‘n Bacon for the sole reason of letting me try more off the menu. I was not disappointed one bit. The chickpea stir fry ($12) hit on all cylinders with red peppers, carrots, mushrooms, peas, and soy over sesame brown rice, creating a dish that was as tasty as it was gorgeous. 

I couldn’t help but take a few huge bites out of my friend’s Wake ‘n Bacon burger ($12) that included pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions, and bacon chili jam topped on an all-beef patty and held together by a brioche bun. Great burgers aren’t hard to find in this neighborhood. Still, this one definitely made an impression and currently sits at the top of my list for anyone asking where to grab a burger in the Lakeview neighborhood.

If your munchie preference leans towards the sweet side, Wake ‘n Bacon has you covered with their turtle waffle topped with Mexican chocolate sauce, caramel, pecans, and whipped cream. Other desserts include the peach crumble crepe featuring vanilla lemon cream cheese topped with peaches and granola and the Halo Halo Chia Chia pudding with seasonal fresh fruits and green coconut jelly covered with the perfect choice of fruity pebbles.

The cocktail menu is stuffed with appeasing drinks such as the Borracha Horchata mixed with tequila and coffee liqueur and the Liquid Sunshine featuring Ketel One Peach and Orange Blossom, Citrus Springs OJ, Calamansi sour mix, and peach syrup. Each drink will run you around $10 and can be infused with CBD for an additional $3.50.

So the next time you’re looking for some, shall we say, potentially uplifting cuisine that delivers on both taste and execution, head over to Wake ‘n Bacon to see what all the buzz is about.

Wake ‘n Bacon is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 3 pm and on the weekend from 8 am to 4 pm. 

ERIC KAPAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO