What it is: Polenta is cornmeal porridge, a very simple dish made by stirring cornmeal and salt into simmering water. It’s also often made into fried cakes. Historically, polenta was peasant food — cheap and filling. Where it comes from: Today, polenta is commonly served throughout Northern Italy in lieu of pasta. Before the arrival [...]
Got Easter lamb? For every table in Chicago that will be serving the meat of young sheep this Easter, at least two will be serving Easter lamb … cake. An ancient symbol of Christ and the Easter sacrifice, the lamb is key in Roman Catholic holiday celebrations. In cities through out the Midwest where Polish, [...]
In New Orleans, the Tuesday before Lent, this year Feb. 16, culminates a riotous season known as Mardi Gras. Here in Chicago, some celebrate Louisiana-style, but to a million or so Chicagoans, Fat Tuesday is Paczki Day (say “POONCH-key”). They’ll be lining up at bakeries to buy dozens of rich, plump Polish-style jelly doughnuts, and [...]