Foodie Forum

Thank you, Eau Claire, for 20 amazing years living and working in the Chippewa Valley. In June 1996, our little family of three set up shop here looking for a Midwest college town to call home. Fast-forward 20 years and here we are with three kids loving all that is local. We have established so many great relationships and are thrilled to call this home. Summer is the time to hit the farmers market and head to our own gardens for Chippewa Valley fresh harvest; then open a bottle of local wine and enjoy some time with friends. Bon Appétit, …

As I write this, the men in my life (my husband and son) are organizing their opening day of fishing plans. Their banter gets me dreaming of warm weather—hence this recipe for fish tacos. Personally, I am hoping to see fresh walleye on my grill for this recipe, but I do have a backup plan of store-bought halibut. For dessert, enjoy these buttermilk brownies from my grandmother’s cookbook from 40 years ago. I have brought these to picnics on paper plates, and I have served them on my china at dinner parties. They are always a favorite. Bon Appetit, Lanette …

Happy 2016 to all. I hope the New Year greeted you enjoying this Wisconsin winter and starting your New Year’s resolutions. This issue’s theme seems especially appropriate to me as I celebrated my 50th birthday. Wow, that sounds old. But with those years have come a lot of learning, wisdom, and smile lines (yeah, wrinkles). I am excited to share these superfood recipes just in time for the Super Bowl. Bon Appetit, Lanette Click the magazine below for Lanette Hesse’s recipes along with Mega Co-op’s Tips & Tricks on PAGE 40:

My Joy in the Journey of cooking began at a young age. I was less than 10 years old when a friend gave me a cookbook; I loved it! In 1983, I published my first recipe—in the Paullina Centennial Cookbook. Before I could drive, I would walk to the farmers market in my small town to buy tomatoes and other fresh produce. In my first year of marriage, out of necessity, I made mayonnaise from scratch. The year we lived in Seattle, I made my first homemade syrup, since giant blackberry bushes greeted me just outside our apartment. I laugh …

Autumn is a time for harvest, for football watching, and for us Wisconsinites to start thinking about nesting for the months to come. Save time by making these enchiladas in advance. I recommend doubling the batch and freezing one pan for later. Doggies love make-ahead treats, too. Our two labs, Marley and Nova, love these dog biscuits. Make them for your dogs or give them as gifts. I hope you (and your canine friends) enjoy. Bon Appetit, Lanette Click the magazine below for Lanette Hesse’s recipes along with Mega Co-op’s Tips & Tricks on PAGE 40:

I hope you are enjoying the best time of the year in Wisconsin. I was filled with emotion when I learned the theme for this issue is Sisterhood Community. September is my older sister’s birth month. What a blessing it was to have her in my life—I find it unfathomable to think it has been 10 years since she passed away. I have many memories of us in the kitchen together, and one of my prized possessions is one of her handwritten recipes. Making paella has been on my bucket list since visiting Spain this year. May each of these …

Summer is a great time to grill. This Father’s Day, we are having Korean short ribs. Two years ago, my coworker Maggie invited me out to a Korean restaurant in Madison. Despite not being able to pronounce most of the items on the menu, I loved the food and left there with hopes of trying some new things at home. I have much to master, but for now, I enjoy making and eating Kalbi—Korean short ribs. For another adventure in summer cooking, try this chilled celery soup as a light, refreshing meal or side. And be sure to check out all …

Spring is a time of rejuvenation. The grass, tree leaves, and plants (along with my attitude) all stretch toward that warm yellow orb in the sky. This time of year is exciting for a foodie as fresh local ingredients always provide the means for the best food creations. You’ll find that especially true with this tasty fish and risotto dish—fresh mushrooms, herbs, and asparagus bring it to life! Please share your favorite spring eats on our Facebook page. Bon Appetite! Lanette How to make Peppercorn Butter Wahoo over Mushroom Risotto and Asparagus  

Happy New Year! For a self-proclaimed foodie like me, part of the Love (of this issue’s Love Your Life theme) is definitely shared in the kitchen. Over the Christmas break, our family got to enjoy some of our favorite things, which included our long-held tradition of family pizza/game night. Our evening was inspired by the movie The Hundred Foot Journey. I follow the same pizza recipe that my husband grew up with; it was passed down to me from my mother-in-law. Try this or a similar family tradition with your own loved ones. And then find us on Facebook to …

A merry Christmas season and happy New Year to all, I hope this installment finds you enjoying time with loved ones. Although this time of year can be very stressful, for me, I can’t think of a better place to be than in the kitchen baking cookies with my family or preparing appetizers or meals to share with family and friends. I like to serve this frittata at our annual Bible study Christmas celebration, and I acquired the coffee cake recipe from my friend Sue. (Thanks, Sue!) I hope you enjoy! Please share your favorite holiday and winter recipes on …