Slice of Life | Journal Gazette

Soy replaces dairy in cheesecake

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 19 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Cream cheese and sour cream are great foods that let you indulge, or dare I say overindulge, in all recipes dairy.

Raisins make sweet, savory dishes

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 12 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

I am one of the lucky ones. I have an absolutely terrific mother-in-law who treats me like a daughter, not like a daughter-in-law.

Grab fruits, veggies for cleanse

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 05 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

My usually level-headed 29-year-old son called and excitedly told me he'd lost 5 pounds on a juice cleanse. I was a bit skeptical of the whole process. Nothing but juice.

1-bowl recipes simplify homemade

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Sometimes you're on a culinary deadline and you feel like you just got to cut a few corners. You try to justify why buying a - gasp - store-bought cake is OK when really what you should be doing is using these one-bowl recipes that make homemade even easier than running to the store.

Macaroons so good you'll swoon

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Let's talk macaroons. They are after all the hot cookie of the day. Seen in magazines, upscale bakeries and as a sweet treat at the end of an elegant meal, they are actually a simple cookie.

No sweat to fill meal emergencies

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Every now and then I get a call from a friend with a time-sensitive food emergency.

Peanut butter, jelly dishes sweet

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

I am an avowed peanut butter and jelly fan.

Bottom-of-cereal-box solutions

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

When it comes to clearing out my pantry during spring cleaning, one of the first items on my list are those almost empty boxes of cereal.

Wines spice up dishes for Easter

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

The choice of which wines you serve at Easter or Passover sometimes succumb to the dilemma of "I don't have enough wine for 25 people and your Uncle Ernie," who you know will drink a bottle or three on his own, as well as the need to keep the cost of the event under the price of a new car.

Recipes for the Irish in everyone

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

Having grown up in the Chicago area, I was exposed to all things Irish when it came to St. Patrick's Day: Green rivers (the Chicago River is actually dyed green), parades and lots and lots of restaurants serving corned beef and cabbage and green beer.

Feed your onion ring hankering

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

There are times when I really want (dare I say need) a specific "fried" food, but I have to say to myself, "I just don't have the time (or desire) to do it myself."

Stacking pleasing to eye, palate

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

Readers with health or food issues bring me to new levels of creative "crazy."

Concoctions to ease what ails you

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST

I was so proud of myself for finally getting the flu shot this year. Little did I know that while the shot protects you against the most prevalent strain in any given year, it doesn't protect you against every strain.

Nothing evokes nostalgia like pie'

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST

Whenever there's a full moon, a mom-to-be has a craving or a baby boomer feels nostalgic, I get requests for "pies."

Variations on rice pudding theme

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST

When I need comfort food, I think back to my childhood. While chicken soup played a big part in curing colds and the flu, at the age of 8, when I needed my mommy to help me get over my best bud's defection to another best friend, she made me rice pudding.

Add a little zest to side dishes

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST

I'm all for tradition, but when it comes to family dinners, sometimes I just gotta tweak the meal.

It's the time of year for party dips

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST

Serving a multitude of friends and family typically includes an appetizer of some sort. While the ubiquitous cheese platter, a mess of hot wings and mini egg rolls come immediately to mind, I'm a big proponent of the hot dip.

Start slimming down with fish

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST

December was that time of year when food prep is at the forefront of everyone's to do list and the concerns about cholesterol were nowhere in sight: meatballs, brisket and roasts, chips and dip and soooo many desserts that it makes my arteries start to harden just writing about it.

Food, memories comfort grieving

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST

I had the sad experience of having to make a condolence call recently to a close friend whose father had just passed away.

A new twist on chocolate desserts

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST

In the world of culinary pairings there are combinations of ingredients that, if they were humans, we'd call them "best friends": Peanut butter and jelly, bacon and eggs, oil and vinegar, fruits and cheeses, gin and tonic (oops that's another column) and chocolate and well, just about anything.

Keep New Year's food fun, simple

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST

I'm not a huge fan of big blowout New Year's Eve parties or even going out, which is guaranteed to cost you twice as much for a meal, a drink and entertainment.

Popcorn varies Christmas sweets

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST

There are times when only the best of the best cookies or treats will do because there is a special guest to be served. At no other time is this tradition of cookies more important than on Christmas Eve when kids of all ages await the magic that is Santa's visit.

Try vegetables fried this holiday

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST

With Hanukah and Christmas it is to be assumed that there will be a boatload of recipes offering side dishes like creamed vegetables, potato pancakes and ooey-gooey desserts.

Don't panic: Make own Twinkies

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST

I believe that reports of the demise of the Twinkie is being blown slightly out of proportion.

Cobbler, crisp in winner taste all

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST

Although many feel that the only rivalries that count at this time of year are the ones between the behemoths of the gridiron like Indiana University and Purdue University (go Hoosiers), New York Jets and New England Patriots, Army and Navy, or even the yearly ancient Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers matchup, I say nah, that's child's play compared with what goes on in my kitchen when the

Get punch drunk' this holiday

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 03:00:00 EST

Every day we take nouns and phrases and turn them into verbs or entirely new words that mean something different than you think they might.

Cucumbers star in stir fry, soup

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 03:00:00 EST

Probably the most overlooked and underused produce in the fridge these days is the cucumber.

Braciole: Italian cooking at finest

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 03:00:00 EST

I grew up in an Italian neighborhood and to say I ate well was an understatement. My friend's parents were always cooking, including cannoli, linguine and, mama mia, braciole.

Pears will lend sweet fall accent

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 03:00:00 EST

One of my favorite childhood foodie memories was the plate of sliced pears and cheese that my mom had waiting for me after a long day at grade school.

Make pumpkin drinks at home

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 03:00:00 EST

Once upon a time, in a land before Starbucks, there existed this stuff we call coffee. Not half-fat mocha latte skinny with frappo organic raw sugar and a twist of Madagascar kumquat syrup.

Hearty fillings in dough for fall

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 03:00:00 EST

Every year I serve the same old same chopped salad with grilled chicken and meatballs in a bread bowl as quickie meals when the weather starts to get a bit chilly.

Winter, summer squash good year-round

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 03:00:00 EST

We've heard the terms "summer squash" and "winter squash." It's kind of weird because you can get summer squashes all winter, and winter squashes pretty much all summer.

Leeks an affordable veggie for fall dishes

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 03:00:00 EST

Every fall I start looking for a fresh vegetable to serve that isn't connected to the cauliflower, Brussels sprout, acorn squash or sweet potato.

Honey is perfect sweetener for fall treats

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST

Is September National Honey Month because bees seem to be everywhere this month, or is it just a happy coincidence? No matter what the answer, this is the perfect time to explore that wonderful liquid nectar that has been prized for decades as a perfect food.

Control portions with bite-size treats

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST

For some reason, portion control goes out the window on weekends.

Don't give up on the summer veggies yet

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST

I don't care that most people think summer is over the day after Labor Day. Summer is still here until Friday, and it's still hot outside.

Watermelon offers options on fruit's use

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST

Foodie friends and I are firm believers in the hostess/host gifts. Nothing huge, just a nice "something" that says "thanks for inviting me over."

Savory toppings for dogs, burgers, brats

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST

In the good ol' days, school didn't start until after Labor Day, and vacations and pool parties were planned right up until the day when we all trudged 10 miles (uphill both ways) to the UN-air conditioned halls of education.

Chilled coffee drinks will beat the heat

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EST

When is it too hot to drink hot coffee? My guess is that most people would say now. When doesn't it make sense to pay more than $5 for an iced coffee drink? Again, my answer would have to be now.

Nectarine recipes could be just peachy

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EST

Quick foodie question: What's the difference between a nectarine and a peach? The simple answer is, there really is no difference between the two fruit - it's just that one has fuzz and the other doesn't.

Lemongrass adds citrus flare to dishes

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EST

In a theater production or movie, the major character typically has a sidekick, a buddy, or antagonist that is in place to showcase the talent of the lead. Such is the case with lemongrass in the food world.

Ice box cakes, pies make dessert cool

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EST

Anyone who has ever read one of my columns knows I am a huge fan of dessert. In fact, if given the choice, I'll eat it first. As the temperatures reach meltdown, my feelings lean less toward baking and more toward how cold I can make the sweet for the end of my meal.

Pasta salad keeps summer meals cool

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

It's just way too hot to cook dinner. Or lunch, or even anything that resembles a hot meal.

Fruit soups perfect to beat the heat

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

Every year around this time I start getting calls for cold soups.

Olives an easily stored addition to dishes

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

Every parent who has ever sent a child to summer camp knows about color wars. The days-long, Olympics-like where what color/team you're a part of defines you, empowers you and generally consumes every waking moment. Our house color wars revolve around olives - team green and team black.

Corn a perfect summer veggie

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

Every year I write a column touting the joys of the uber fresh, just picked, roadside variety of sweet corn vs the older than dirt, sitting in the cooler variety of fresh corn at the grocery store.

Peaches a summer dish staple

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

Fresh peaches are starting to appear in the produce sections these days, and I thought having a guide to help you pick out the very best will set you on the road to delicious.

Add a new twist to usual grilled favorites

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST

Growing up, the only time my dad cooked was when it was barbecue time.

Beat summer heat with frozen fruit treats

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST

There is nothing quite like an ice pop to quench your thirst during the hot days of summer.

Edamame versatile, great protein source

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST

There was a time not so long ago that the soybean was an ingredient that was relegated to the soy sauce or tofu in our recipes.

Rhubarb sweetens dishes for summer

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST

Once upon a time there was a little girl who thought that the funny red-colored celery-looking stuff in the refrigerator would be a great addition to a salad.

Messy blueberries have many tasty uses

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:00:00 EST

There's only one bad thing that can be said about blueberries: They can be messy if you squish one. Other than that, they're really a wonderful fruit.