DailyCandy Chicago

Two (I Don't Have a) Date Recipes from Chicago Chefs

2012-02-10T10:00:00Z

Date Sugarplums and Date Pudding Recipes

If Hallmark holidays aren’t your thing, celebrate Valentine’s Day with a smirk. Desserts from local pastry chefs Stephanie Samuels of Angel Food Bakery and Melissa Trimmer of C-House Restaurant fulfill your sweet tooth (and your sense of irony).

Stephanie Samuels’s (I Don’t Have a) Date Sugarplums
Yields two dozen “two-biters”

Ingredients
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
½ c. flour
½ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
1 c. dates, chopped
1 c. walnuts, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Butter an eight-by-eight glass baking dish.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat sugar and eggs until fluffy. Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt. Blend well.

3. Fold in dates and nuts and pour into prepared pan.

4. Bake exactly 30 minutes. Remove dish and stir the batter well with a spatula (it will be sticky).

5. Let it cool. Form into balls and roll in a cinnamon sugar mixture if you fancy.

Melissa Trimmer’s (I Don’t Have a) Date Pudding
Serves eight

Ingredients
1½ c., plus 1 tbsp., all-purpose flour
1 2/3 c. almond flour
½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. corn syrup
1½ 6-oz. cans chestnut puree (available at high-end grocery stores)*
1 tsp. vanilla extract
¼ c. whole milk
2 sticks butter, room temperature
1 c., plus 1½ tbsp., light brown sugar
3 eggs
2 yolks
1 c. dates, pitted and chopped

1. Preheat oven to 325°. Spray eight crème brulee ramekins with nonstick spray and place them on a cookie sheet.

2. In a bowl, mix flours, salt, and baking powder.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together corn syrup, chestnut puree, vanilla, and milk.

4. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs and yolks one at a time, scraping bowl well after each addition.

5. Add the chestnut mixture and mix well. Gradually add flour mixture and beat until smooth. Fold in dates and pour evenly into prepared ramekins.

6. Bake until a cake tester inserted into the middle comes out clean. While still warm, drizzle with caramel sauce or your favorite liqueur.

7. Serve immediately with whipped cream.

*You can substitute almond butter for the chestnut puree.

Photo: Courtesy of Angel Food Bakery


	Keep reading for more anti-Valentine’s Day essentials that put flowers to shame.

(Not So) Bitter, Party of One

2012-02-10T08:00:00Z

Spring 2012 Trends: Stripes

2012-02-10T07:00:00Z

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-09T10:00:00Z

Chicago Events and Diversions

That’s a wrap.

EAT
Justin Large’s Falafel Sandwich
What: The Big Star chef teams up with Falafill cafe to create his own take on the Middle Eastern treat, tossing falafel in homemade arbol sauce and wrapping it in black bean hummus, lettuce, pickled onion, and queso fresco.
Why: One dollar from the sale of each sandwich goes to the American Cancer Society.
When: Thru Feb. 29.
Where: 3202 N. Broadway, at Belmont Ave. (773-525-0052).

SHOP
Dose Market
What: The indie flea is back. We’re smitten with the additions, including a traveling newsstand; desserts from Bang Bang Pie Shop; and Mark Steuer’s new biz, Pickled.
Why: Complimentary cocktails from Femme du Coup, Valentine’s Day gifts, and more.
When: Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St., b/t Lake Shore Dr. & McClurg Ct. Tickets online ($8) at dosemarket.com or at the door ($10).

INDULGE
Strawberry Facial
What: The fresh new treatment ($155) begins with a decolletage massage and ends with a vitamin-packed mask that improves circulation and brightens skin.
Why: Put your best cheeks forward.
When: Thru Feb. 29.
Where: The Spa at Equinox, 1750 N. Clark St., at LaSalle Dr. (312-254-4000); 900 N. Michigan Ave., at Walton St. (312-254-2500); 799 Central Ave., b/t Hickory & McGovern Sts., Highland Park (847-681-7777).

SCORE
Frozen Soup at Southport Grocery & Cafe
What: When you eat at the restaurant, its warmhearted chefs send you home with a free block of frozen soup.
Why: Curry lentil, roasted cauliflower, butternut squash, and ginger carrot are in delicious rotation.
When: Thurs. & Fri., 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 8-10 a.m.
Where: 3552 N. Southport Ave., b/t Addison & Eddy Sts. (773-665-0100).

GIVE
Krista K Denim Swap
What: Hand over a gently worn pair of jeans and get 20 percent off a new pair. Donated jeans are given to Cotter Boys & Girls Club.
Why: J Brand, Hudson, and Citizens of Humanity are blues worth chasing.
When: Thru Feb. 29.
Where: 3458 N. Southport Ave., at Cornelia Ave. (773-248-1967).

Photo: Courtesy of Jamco Creative

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-09T09:00:00Z

Online Finds, Fashions, and Fodder

V-Day isn’t just for lovers.

EAT
Cakeslider Creations
What: Redefined push-up pops ($22 for a basket of four) layered with cake and frosting. Treat yourself to inspired flavors (French toast, latte, Double Fudge Diamond) that arrive in festive packaging and allow you to (finally) eat cake hands free.
Why: They’re utterly moist. Yeah, we said it.
Where: Online at cakeslidercreations.com.

WEAR
Milly for Sperry
What: All aboard. The NY-based designer brings her colorful, playful prints to the famous Top-Sider brand ($90-$225).
Why: Vibrant patent leather yellow flats or navy wedges, as well as rose-print, laceless canvas sneakers.
Where: Online at sperrytopsider.com.

COLLECT
The Good Machinery Animal Figurines
What: We’re wild about the collectibles ($59-$69) painted by an Italian artist. Gift them to others or stash them in nooks and crannies for a splash of color.
Why: A howling silver wolf, hippo with fuchsia polka dots, and lion in magenta and gold are just part of the herd.
Where: Online at etsy.com.

SUPPORT
Spanx Lace Bra-llelujah
What: The best boulder holder ($68) in the world just got sexy. It smooths your back and lifts the ladies the same as before, but now with lace cups (in nude or black).
Why: The bra may have had a little work done; you’ll just look like you did.
Where: Online at spanx.com.

SWEAT
Electric Yoga Sportswear
What: French-born tanks, stretch pants, and zip-ups ($24-$198) from Bisou Bisou designer-turned-master yogi Michele Bohbot.
Why: Neon colors activate specified chakras. Light-as-air bubble coats pack down into mini carrying cases and use your own body heat to keep you toasty.
Where: Online at electric-yoga.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cakeslider Creations

Chew Your Way Through House of Caramel

2012-02-08T10:00:00Z

Get into a Sticky Situation

Monthly arrivals are, ahem, not something you usually look forward to.

Reverse the flow with a monthly delivery from new candy company House of Caramel.

Candymaker Michael Altshuler’s small-batch sweets started off as an experiment. Friends loved his creations so much he decided to go whole hog.

Chewy, buttery caramels are spiked with applewood-smoked bacon, orange zest, and secret spices. English butter toffee studded with hazelnuts, cashews, or almonds has a well-balanced crunchy-creamy ratio. Old-fashioned Southern brittle is packed with freshly toasted cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, or sesame seeds.

Getting your fix is simple: Pick your candy, duration (three, six, or twelve months), and size, then get the equivalent of a birthday present delivered to your door every 30 days.

Upcoming flavor combos include lavender Earl Grey and vanilla sea salt caramels, as well as Asian-inspired brittle.

Let the cravings commence.

Available online at houseofcaramel.com, $42 and up.

Photo: @HeatherMScholl / Courtesy of House of Caramel

New and Noteworthy: Reading Notes Book Inserts

2012-02-08T09:00:00Z

A Cure for Digital Fatigue

Patient Name: E. Post

Symptoms: Digital fatigue. Indecipherable shorthand. Attempts to touch-screen activate all shiny surfaces within reach.

Diagnosis: Pen-to-paper withdrawal.

Treatment: Reading Notes palm-size notebooks.

Modeled after old-fashioned library cards, the self-adhering pamphlets stick to the insides of book covers, ensuring they’ll never be lost, forgotten, or deleted in the wake of a Words with Friends bender. The mini journals can lend clarity to random margin scrawlings, gravity to tawdry beach reads, and relief to texting thumbs.

Front and back flaps cover the basics (where the book was read, a one-to-five-star rating system). Thirty-two tiny pages can be filled with any other ramblings, rants, or rave reviews that are too private to share on a Twitter feed, Tumblr post, or Facebook page.

Dosage: Whenever it feels novel.

Available online at pleasetakenotes.com, $16 for three.

Photo: Matthew Latkiewicz / Courtesy of Reading Notes

Spring 2012 Trends: Into the Ocean

2012-02-08T07:00:00Z

Spring 2012 Trends: Metallics

2012-02-08T07:00:00Z

2012 Valentine's Day Gift Guide

2012-02-07T10:00:00Z

We're Lovin' It

No matter your thoughts on Valentine’s Day, the calendar’s marked, and it’s here to stay. So live it up (and love it, too) by copping a sweet gift for your boo.

Flower Power
Blooms are nice, but roses? A bore. See what Jayson Home & Garden has in store. He may be prone to killing plants, but a sculptural wooden tree he surely can’t.

Arm Charm
If you like her, then you better seal the deal with engraved letters. Arriving early? How truly sublime. La Mer’s Miami-cool wristwatch helps her keep time.

Rad Pad
Her magnetic personality is her main attraction. To show your appreciation, give her fridge some action. Speaking of gems, your lady’s well read. Her fiction won’t budge with bookends in their stead.

The Single May Mingle
For those in need of a love connection, a charmer from Suitor doth have our affection. She yearns to remain solo for the rest of her days; The Man Repeller’s wardrobe keeps boys at bay.

Said She, Said He
She’ll sleep in style, and so will he, in pj’s that are cute as they are cozy. Along the lines of his and hers, if he really loves her, he’ll rock a murse.

Snack Attack
If chocolate’s a must, then do it right: Make Veruca Chocolates her very first bite. Custom sweets put her in a tizzy. Clearly Cookies make her dizzy.

Read on for more Valentine’s Day ideas that make us weak in the knees.

Photo: Fuse / Getty Images

Valentine's Day Heart Stealers

2012-02-07T06:30:00Z

Cooking Classes from Beauty and Her Feast

2012-02-06T10:00:00Z

Cooking the Books

When you grow up with an Italian mom who was raised in New Orleans, chances are you’re not boring.

Kiki Luthringshausen is living proof.

Raised on a steady diet of red beans and rice and Bolognese, the self-taught cook didn’t fully realize her affinity for food until studying abroad in Italy during college.

Many years later, Luthringshausen gave up her interior design business to commit full time to her food blog, Beauty and Her Feast.

This year she’s adding home cooking classes to her repertoire. Lessons cover everything from Asian pantry staples to pasta sauces to paella; during the two-hour sessions, you’ll learn three recipes of Luthringshausen’s creation. She happily accommodates requests and comes bearing groceries (and tools, if need be).

You’ll eat — and drink — as you learn.

It keeps things interesting.

For more information, go to beautyandherfeast.com. Classes cost $60 per hour.

Photo: SSC / Getty Images

Painted Shoes with Sole

2012-02-06T09:00:00Z

The Office of Angela Scott Footwear

From the OkCupider who stood you up for bocce (classic body snatch) to your go-to brow lady (who’s also “kinda psychic”), everybody’s got a story.

A tale actually worth spreading? That of The Office of Angela Scott.

This week the designer launches an online boutique full of Italian-crafted shoes with personae as colorful as their painted uppers and soles.

Mrs. and Mr. Smith (her, a proper heel; him, a flat oxford) are a traditional-looking pair — until you read into their flaming pink stripes.

Prim Miss Wright lace-ups and Mrs. Seymour saddle shoes tell a saucier saga than their traditional counterparts, and Mr. Oliver equestrian boots are finished in quirky canvas. (Here’s hoping the red, white, and blue Americana edition becomes a permanent fixture.)

Whatever she’s selling, we’re buying.

Available online at theofficeofangelascott.com, $350-$825.

Photo: Jessica Watts / Courtesy of The Office of Angela Scott

"The Rules of Inheritance," by Claire Bidwell Smith

2012-02-03T10:00:00Z

How to Live with Loss

Parents are our anchors. They raise us, imbue us with values and traits, ready us for adulthood.

So what happens if a person loses those anchors and is left afloat?

Such is the story behind Claire Bidwell Smith’s heart-wrenching, honest book, The Rules of Inheritance, which debuted yesterday.

At 14, she learns both of her parents have cancer. At 18, she loses her mother; her father follows when she is 25. Left alone in the world, Smith battles demons (alcohol, depression) that take her on a search for who she is, what she wants, and what it means to be loved. You’ll cry your eyes out, but Smith’s intelligence and strength keep you from giving up hope.

If you’ve lost someone close, you’ll feel a kinship with the author.

If not, it’ll give insight into not just the despair that comes with loss, but the possibilities as well.

Available online at amazon.com, $16.

Photo: Courtesy of Hudson Street Press

Screen Play: February's Must-See Movies

2012-02-03T08:30:00Z

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-02T10:00:00Z

Chicago Events and Diversions

Stay sweet, February.

WEAR
Elmidae Resort Collection
What: Local designer Abigail Glaum-Lathbury expands her jewelry line with striking braided silk necklaces and bead earrings.
Why: Colorful accents for bright vacations.
When: Your spring fling.
Where: Online at elmidae.com.

EAT
Acadia Bar Menu
What: Kick back with a Deer Isle lobster roll, Bagaduce River oysters, Allagash steamed Blue Hill mussels, and other gourmet bites.
Why: You want to do a lounge act.
When: Wed. & Thurs., 5-10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 5-11 p.m.; Sun., 5-9 p.m.
Where: 1639 S. Wabash Ave., b/t 16th & 18th Sts. (312-360-9500).

MOVE
Caponyasa
What: Stretch muscles you never thought you had at an exercise class ($35) combining Brazilian capoeira and vinyasa yoga.
Why: Up your om.
When: Sat., 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: Tula Yoga Studio, 2827 W. Belden Ave., at Milwaukee Ave. (773-620-9945). Register online at tulayoga.net.

SEE
Zastrozzi the Master of Discipline
What: New theater company The Division gets off the ground with a darkly comedic play about a 19th-century criminal out to avenge his mother’s murder.
Why: You love a juicy battle between good and evil.
When: Thru Feb. 25. Wed.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western Ave., at Belmont Ave. Tickets ($20) at 773-296-6024 or online at ticketweb.com.

GRUB
Tuman’s Tap & Grill
What: The neighborhood spot reopens with a new name and menu, 28 beers on tap, and executive chef Monica Riley (of Hopleaf and Marigold).
Why: Pair a Great Lakes microbrew with half a roasted garlic Amish chicken.
When: Mon.-Fri., 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat., noon-3 a.m.; Sun., noon-2 a.m.
Where: 2159 W. Chicago Ave., at Leavitt St. (773-782-1400).

Photo: Courtesy of Elmidae

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-02T09:00:00Z

Online Finds, Fashions, and Fodder

Low-impact weekending.

PLAN
Low-Commitment Projects
What: There’s no need to DTR here. Two cute, bicoastal BFFs post lazy-day projects each Monday to please even the most flighty DIYers.
Why: Serve Mondrian-inspired sandwiches, fashion fake self-help book covers (Eat Your Way Thin), and more.
Where: Online at lowcommitmentprojects.com.

SHOP
Eaton Trading Company
What: Men’s and women’s fashions, bags, jewelry and accessories from the likes of A.P.C., Band of Outsiders, Steven Alan, Rag & Bone, and Rachel Comey.
Why: DC readers get 30 percent off site-wide (and an additional 30 percent off sale items) with code VALENTINE thru Sun.
Where: Online at stores.eatontradingcompany.com.

SET
Palace Dinnerware
What: Unfortunately, Will and Kate can’t make it to supper. Save face by serving your meal with black and white plates, cups, bowls, and platters that, when assembled, transform into classic palaces ($75-$529).
Why: Seven-piece sets stack up like Russian dolls for eye-catching storage or display.
Where: Online at shop.thefutureperfect.com.

EAT
Typocolate
What: Milk and dark chocolate bars ($20 for two) engraved with irreverent typographic messages (Best Day Ever, Oui? Oui.) that spell out your feelings.
Why: Food should always be art.
Where: Available for preorder at shop.godynamo.com.

SUPPORT
Mulu
What: A new social sharing site with a charitable twist. Post what you like (clothing, toys, gadgets), and when people buy your picks, a percentage of the proceeds goes to your choice cause.
Why: Join the cerebral-ebrity ranks of Jonathan Franzen (for the American Bird Conservancy) and Toni Collette (Doctors Without Borders).
Where: Online at mulu.me.

Photo: Courtesy of Low-Commitment Projects

Let Bell Fine Foods Cater Your Dinner Party

2012-02-01T10:00:00Z

You Fake It, They Make It

You’ve screamed at appliances in the past (no judgment).

But after punching your oven in the “face,” you realized it was time to call in the pros.

Give Bell Fine Foods a ring. Run by foodie friends Whitney Fry and Ellen Gladish, the fledgling business will cater your small party (20 to 40 people) while you attend anger management classes (we kid).

The duo shares a love of canning, obscure ingredients, and, of course, cooking (Gladish had formal culinary training; Fry is self-taught). After discussing your requirements, they’ll either prep at a rented kitchen and finish the meal at your place, or drop off the mise en place for you to complete the meal yourself.

Expect twists on classics — potato pancakes with apple onion jam, lobster risotto fritters, cassoulet cups, duck confit atop maple biscuits — and desserts — rosemary-chocolate truffles, hibiscus citrus cookies.

They’re all the rage.

For more information, go to bellfinefoods.com.

Photo: Carley Mostar / Courtesy of Bell Fine Foods

How to Massage Your Dog

2012-02-01T09:00:00Z

Buddha Dog's Canine Masseuse Shows Us the Proper Technique

Dear Mom,

You think it’s easy dozing most of the day, begging for biscuits, nipping at your heels, and barking at squirrels?

Okay, it is. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want a massage, like the one certified animal masseuse Pam Holt gives to our L.A. editor’s best friend, Agnes, in today’s video.

All it takes is a little kneading and gentle stretching on your part to give me improved flexibility, energy, and overall happiness. Plus, it’ll help my anxiety. (I know I sometimes get a little cray cray when you leave.)

Also, can I have a treat? Please and thanks.

Love,

Spartacus Brownie Von Lickety Jones Jr.

P.S. I accidentally humped the cat yesterday.

For more information about Pam Holt and dog massage, go to buddhadog.com.

Get in Gear: Heritage Bicycles General Store

2012-01-31T10:00:00Z

Custom Cycles and Cups of Joe

Portlandia nails every cyclist stereotype.

Heritage Bicycles is doing its darndest to dismantle them.

The new Lakeview shop is the first of its kind in the city: a bike workshop and coffeehouse in one.

Fifth-generation Chicagoan and owner Michael Salvatore earned his chops at Bowery Lane Bicycles in New York. Back home, he aims to make cycling less intimidating for the nonenthusiasts among us. How? Coffee. Stumptown, to be exact.

In the front part of the light-filled space, friendly baristas whip up your drink of choice. Southport Grocery pastries, Mast Bros. Chocolate, and Winter Session gear are also available.

While you sip, ogle in-house mechanics assembling vintage Americana-inspired bikes in the back workspace. See something you like? Take one for a test-drive in the alley.

Custom work (paint jobs, frames) is also available.

Okay, twist our Armisen.

Heritage Bicycles General Store, 2959 North Lincoln Avenue, at Wellington Avenue (773-245-3005 or heritagebicycles.com).

Photo: Melissa O’Neal / Courtesy of Heritage Bicycles