back in chicago...

I arrived in Chicago 3 weeks ago, and Chicago has been all about snow and freezing temperatures! I definitely miss the sunny, perfect Sydney weather. So what have I been doing? Well, aside from planning on travel plans in the near future, I have been testing out some fun recipes!

Recently, a good friend and fabulous chef Beverly Kim and I made pizza dough from scratch. Yes, I am embarrassed to admit that I have never tempted to make pizza dough from scratch! Bev's favorite recipe is from Julia Child's baking book...and it did take some time. However, it was definitely worth it!

I made extra dough, and made some neopolitan pizza's for my brother Ray and and his wife Jiye...and Ray said it was the best! A very nice compliment...from a strong food critic.

chicken sausage, butternut squash, mushrooms in red sauce

i burned the crust a little, but it was still delicious!

making of pizza #2

voila! arugula, butternut squash, mozzarella in white sauce!

on christmas day-cod with german mustard, capers, and creme fraiche...

looks nicer on the platter!

risotto with asparagus, peas, lemon, and mascarpone-first time making risotto, and it was pretty darn good!