Welcome Back! This is a phrase that will soon be heard as kids prepare to return back to school in the coming weeks. In our case, we’re back to blogging here at What’s Cookin, Chicago. After taking a few months off, we saw an opportunity to make some updates on the site to make it more user friendly and intuitive. So take a look around and navigate through!
Since we’re kicking things off with a brand new start, we’re switching up our approach to deliver relevant content on the site. Each month will be dedicated to a seasonal theme. For example, this month of August is the ‘Back to School’ edition where we will highlight back to school ideas – healthy lunches, kid friendly snacks, quick & easy family meals, and the like. You can expect a post the first of each month to announce the monthly theme. Subsequently, on the last day of each month you can expect a round-up post to summarize all the content we’ve covered for the month, in case you missed anything!
What’s Cookin, Chicago is also stepping up their social media game!
- Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @WCChicago! On Instagram, we’ve got some fun stuff happening. What’s Cookin, Chicago has a new team member, Melissa – coffee lover, hardcore Cubs fan, Goddess of ‘Gramming. Melissa will be Instagramming all the delicious adventures we’re experiencing while we’re out and about at restaurants, culinary events and just everyday foodstuff. You can also view our latest Instagram pics at the bottom of our site!
- Be sure to follow us on Pinterest at @WCChicago! On Pinterest, you can anticipate some great pins being shared on our board which will include some of our favorite recipes and ideas along with those from fellow food bloggers we love.
- Be sure to follow us on Facebook at @Whatscookinchicago! On Facebook, you can anticipate a more active Facebook page sharing more recipes to check out from both our site and fellow food bloggers we enjoy. We’ve also go some local events we’ll share on Facebook and would love to see you in person if you’re in the area!
To celebrate a new school year and the re-launch of What’s Cookin, Chicago, I’m hosting a special giveaway! I want to equip a special reader with something they can use and these goodies came to mind….
To participate in the giveaway, simply comment on this post with something you like about the new site or something you’d like to see implemented. This site will always be a work in progress and your input is valued! Comments will be enabled Wednesday, August 1st through Wednesday, August 15th and will close at 10pm CST. Visit often during the 2 week period to increase your chances! One comment will be randomly chosen via Random.org based on your comment number. The winner will have their choice of ONE of the four items, which will be shipped directly from Amazon:
UPDATE – a winner has been randomly chosen!
The comments closed at 10pm CST and randomly chosen at 10:30pm CST using Random.Org below:
The comments closed at 10pm CST and randomly chosen at 10:30pm CST using Random.Org below:
Congratulations Blew!
I’ve sent you a message to gather your chosen prize so it can be mailed directly from Amazon. 🙂
So leave a comment on what you like/want to see and let’s celebrate the new site!
Not sure what to comment? Here are some things that have been updated and/or added:
- Menu Bar – Easily find all the essential sections of the site
- About Menu – Learn about how What’s Cookin Chicago started out, my focus and our culinary footprint in the media/press
- Recipe Menu – View recipes by cuisine, holiday, round ups and a few other categories in a more organized way
- Entertaining Menu – View posts by various themes for inspiration on your next shindig
- Event Calendar & Reviews – View what’s happening in our kitchen, from events we’re hosting to local food activities, along with reviews from those that have joined us in the kitchen. Sprinkled throughout the month will be a few random posts on Chicago-area food events for our local readers as well
- Out & About Menu – View restaurant reviews and culinary travel notes from our time away from the kitchen
- Contact Pages – Reach out based on your need to either work with What’s Cookin Chicago or to attend/host a culinary event with What’s Cookin Chicago
- Search Bar – Look for something specific using a clearly marked search bar
- Monthly Featured Pinterest Board – Access or be inspired by seasonal recipes each month through a featured Pinterest Board in the sidebar
- Gallery Style Format – The most recent post will be highlighted on the main page of the site with older posts displayed as pictures to click on for easy viewing
- Slider Pictures – In line with the monthly theme, we’ll feature some of our favorite recipes in the slider pictures beneath our header.
- Printable Recipes – Print recipes with or without an image quickly with one click for new recipes. We’ll have this feature for new recipes shared going forward and we’re working on applying this to our most popular recipes as well. Please be patient as we work on getting this done over time.
Author: Joelen Kenny
Swiss Chocolate Cherry Chip Ice Cream
ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 2 cups heavy cream or whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup pitted fresh cherries, halved
- 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until light and fluffy.
- Whisk in the sugar, a tablespoon at a time – continue whisking until completely blended.
- Add the heavy cream and milk, continuing to whisk until blended.
- Add the espresso powder and cocoa powder, continuing to whisk until blended.
- Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze following the manufacturer’s directions.
- After the ice cream stiffens (about 2 minutes before it is done), add the cherries and chocolate chips to incorporate.
- Transfer ice cream mixer into a freezer safe container and cover, freezing for at least 3 hours or better yet, overnight.
- Makes 1 quart.
Created using The Recipes Generator
Looking forward to the printable recipes!
I definitely like the recipe menu – it’ll make it easier for me to find Filipino recipes.
I love all your instant pot recipes. I'd love to see some recipes that harken back to What's cooking mama days and explicitly have tasks for kids to do in the kitchen! I hope your big guy is doing well. I'd love the fire 🙂
The new menu bar is great!! So easy to find things! My favorites are the freezer meals! Have loved them since you first posted them!
Hi! The site looks awesome! I really like the entertaining section. Also the link to Instagram.
Love the ideas of themes! Love so many of the recipes that you have, cantc wait to see more!
I love the idea of sesonal themes!
I'd love to see step by step photos in recipes, especially if a detailed recipe or extra steps. Maybe even YouTube videos on some popular recipes.
I love the printable recipes! Making it so much easier to print thanks!
I really like the Pinterest board, I will be able to easily see everything from month to month! Awesome idea!!
Printable recipes for sure. I fill up my phone with screen shots!
I love the recipe menu. It makes it easy to find just the right recipe
I really like your menu bar choices.
I love the recipe menu and that SWISS Chocolate Cherry Chip ice cream recipe!
I'm hoping you continue to do the recipe round ups, those are favorites of mine. I also like the printable recipes, those are handy!
Love the event calendar especially for those of us who are not close and will be visiting!
New format looks great! I really like the easy way to find your restaurant reviews and the way you have IP recipes broken out. That will make a search so much easier. You are one of my top 3 go-to sites for dinner ideas.
Love the seasonal theme. There are not a lot of sites with that. Looking forward to new updates
I love the menu icon stays with my on the mobile site! It’s so convenient! Also, printable recipes are fantastic!
I really like your Instant Pot recipes! I’m looking forward to trying each recipe!
A search bar would be great. I can’t always remember the exact name of the recipes.
Hi Jennifer! We have a search bar on the right sudebar, highlighted in light blue for easy & quick access!
What an interesting and very easy to use site you have. Definitely bookmarking this page! I love the instant pot recipes you have listed. So many I want to try!
Love the recipe menu and the printable recipes!
Welcome back!!! Can't wait to see what you are up to and get instapot ideas.
Love this site! How about some low carb designated ideas!
Love the new site!!! Looking forward to using the entertaining section!
Great site!!!! Love the entertaining section!
Printable recipes with an image! I just love that!
Is there a way to email recipes to yourself? If not, that would be great. Hate having to waste paper printing things!
Always looking for new ideas to get my son to try new things.(he's six and says my cooking makes his heart Happy) I am excited to check the rest of the site
Love the idea of the menu bar! The more recipes the better! I have been eyeing an air fryer for awhile too!!
Printable recipes with pictures and, of course, the content!
This site is GREAT! I love the recipes and the search bar! Would like to maybe see meal prep ideas?
I really love the idea of being able to search up theme-based menus! Would also love to win and try out that air-fryer!!!
I love the seasonal theme and am looking forward to more of that. I also love all of your IP recipes!
Love the printable recipes and how comprehensive the site is.
I like the printable recipes and how easy it is to find Instant Pot recipes. I cannot see the light blue search bar on the right though. I am using the Google Chrome browser.
I like your entertaining menus. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
A search bar is always a useful tool! I love the option of looking for something specific when looking for a recipe.
Recipes made from "real food" for the InstantPot. You know, ingredients, not processed foods thrown together.
I didn't look around a whole lot as I need to get ready for work, but would love "real food" recipes for the InstantPot. Simple unprocessed ingredients.
Looks like a site I will enjoy!! <3 <3
Love the printable recipes. Made 2 today. Great recipes!
I love to see easy and practical lunch ideas. I also enjoy instapot and entertaining info.
I love having printable recipes! I hate having to haul the laptop to the kitchen when I'm cooking!
Recipe menu & printable recipe without the image! Both are great!
I love the recipe menu, it will be so eady to find a recipe that you've posted or even find something new to try!
I love the recipe menu, nice to be able to find recipes that you've posted or search for something new to try!
I really like the idea of each month having a theme, and I’m ridiculously excited about a back to school theme. I’m not sure where summer went but I’m ready to get back into a routine.
I love the recipe menu and how easy it is to navigate the site!
Like your site and your ideas and recipes. The instapot would be great for one or two people
Monthly themes with a roundup at the end of the month onto sound really great! Also, very interesting with the menu button floating on mobile. I’ve not seen a site like that before. Usually the menu button (with three lines) is at the top
Love having recipes sorted by holiday as y, would also like to see some tested recipes specifically for an Instant Pot!
I love the recipe menu. So easy to search as well!
Menu bar is clean and easy to know where to go. Plus the recipes!
Love the site. Would love to see more meal prep style "meals" or ideas.
I LOVE this new site! So many new and interesting recipes I can't wait to try!
Welcome back! It looks like ad revenue is important, but I wonder if the pop-up ad at the bottom of the screen could be made smaller or eliminated? It takes up too much room and detracts from your content. Also, it would be nice if the column on the far right of the screen could be made narrower, again to make more of your content visible with less scrolling.
The menu search feature is nice
Lost my comment.
This site is wonderful , easy to navigate and the printable recipes and search bar is helpful. I would love to win Instant Pot , it would a great addition to my kitchen.
I love the printable recipes!
RECIPES!!!!
Love the printables!! Maybe you could throw in a few videos too. Anyway, I love it all.
So glad I found this website. I love the variety of recipes
I would like to see more low fat/low sugar IP options.
Love the new menu bar. So easy to find everything.
Awesome website! Love the recipe menu bar! Can't wait to try some of the recipes!
Awesome website! Love the recipe menu bars! Can't wait to try some recipes!
I love the idea of themes. I like the thought of sorting through seasonal recipes.
I like the holiday groupings on the recipe section.
I love the monthly topic change!
I like the recipe section. I like the way it is categorized with so many recipes in each category. I like the restaurant reviews and entertaining part also. Wish the blue search bar was in a better place though as it is hard to find.
Love your menu bar. I am always looking for more IP recipes. The ice cream looks awesome!
I would add more pictures to recipes. Main pic along with title seems very necessary. Maybe have readers send in their pics so you can use them of recipes for a contest or some things similar? That way you can update your pics quickly
I'm digging the concept of a monthly theme. It's a great idea.
My favorite feature of this blog is how easy it is to find meals from a specific category, namely "Freezer Friendly"! I use that one all of the time.
Site is easy to navigate. I enjoy keto recipes instant pot the most. Your website is looking great.
The menu bar is great!
I really like the recipe menu.
Wow! Your Recipe menu is extensive. I love all the Instant Pot recipes you have on your site!
Love your site and the availability for me try different menus. I love, love my Instant Pot, cooking has become so much easier for me even if I love to cook.
Yay for printable recipes! I'm always thankful for that feature as it saves on ink and paper!
I wish the air fry came in different colours! It would be nice if you included video links
Easy ti find Links to the manufacturers of these products would be great!
The site looks great. The changes are much appreciated. I loved the idea of a theme. The back to school section is something I am looking forward to. Thanks
Hey Joelen! Would definitely like to see the recipe bar also I it will be easier to find recipes I have a craving for. By the way, how about inviting other bloggers or other readers to contribute stories in your blog? That will give you more breath in the context. Love the Dutch oven or air fryer.
Love all the recipes & would love to see more round ups!
I love the out and about tab too. Nice to have reviews on places
The recipe section is great and the tabs at the top for easy navigation, thank you!
I really like that the Instant Pot recipes are all listed on one page. Much more organized & easier to find recipes now…Good job!
Airfryer to make things healthier and quicker. Great job with the website and all!!! Cheers!!!
Love the printable recipes feature! Thanks for the giveaway…I want that air fryer!
LIke all discussions. Would prefer the INstant Pot Mini 3 Qt
I'm new, but I love your idea of having seasonal themes!
I love the "seasonal" category. Will come in handy for ideas for different seasons. Being a 70 year YOUNG lady sometimes I get 'stuck in the past' …. love new ideas and your site. Keep up the good work!! Would LOVE the air fryer. I have an IP Mini and use it daily! Thanks!!
I like that there is an awesome level variety of recipes. I’m a newby so simplicity is my friend right now. I would love to see more one dish type recipes that make the whole meal in the pressure cooker.
The entertaining section is perfect for me!! Thanks so much
Site looks great, I would choose the air fryer, I didnt see the site before your changes so cant say what to change if anything.
Hi Amanda! The list of updates and changes to the site are reflected in the post above – see the long list of bulleted points! 🙂
And the amount of recipes is amazing
Love the printable recipes
Would love to see kid friendly and group dinner recipes
Always looking new things to make in my Instant Pot. I would love a mini to go with my 6qt.
I’m new to Instant Pot and would love some Keto recipes! And would love to have that Air fryer too!
Really like the big bold search bar.
The search engine is the best thing! I can find exactly what I need!
The search engine is the best thing! I can find exactly what I need!
Love the recipe menu.
Looking forward to the printable recipes. I would love the airfryer
I love the recipes that are always easy to follow and always look so good!
Love the new menu bar.
Would like to see a recipe section where you search by what ingredients you have on hand!!!
I love both the Recipe menu and the Entertaining menu…always looking for inspiration!
I think I love everything but I really like the entertaining menu how I can search for a theme.
I love the site and would like to see easy low carb selections!! Thanks!! I would love a dutch oven!!
First time here looks like a great site, I will be looking foreward to the printable recipes
I like the easy to search functions of the site.The menu bar is great.I would love to see really inexpensive meal ideas.
I love that I can search Instant Pot-specific recipes. I would really love if, in addition to the food types (chicken, etc.) within the IP recipes, I could search by menu, theme, holiday (like the Entertaining tab). Thanks for a great site!
Thanks for your comment! Check out the 'Recipe Collections' link under 'RECIPES'…. it breaks out recipe collections by season (winter/spring/summer/fall), major proteins (chicken/beef/pork/seafood), IP, Crockpot/Slow Cooker, Freezer Friendly, Grilled, Vegetarian, Weight Watchers, Gluten Free…. and there is a separate 'Holiday' link under RECIPES too that links to recipes by 20 different holidays!
Like the instant pot recipes and the printables.
Looks fantastic! I love freezer meals.
The menu bar is great!Love your site! I've been a fan for years!
I like the search engine and would like to see cheap dinner ideas.
Loving the recipes. Themes for recipes are great. Is it possible to add instant Pot and Slow Cooker Keto recipes as another “theme”
Thanks for your comment! Check out the 'Recipe Collections' link under 'RECIPES'…. it breaks out recipe collections by season (winter/spring/summer/fall), major proteins (chicken/beef/pork/seafood), IP, Crockpot/Slow Cooker, Freezer Friendly, Grilled, Vegetarian, Weight Watchers, Gluten Free…. and there is a separate 'Holiday' link under RECIPES too that links to recipes by 20 different holidays! I'll be working on some Keto recipes soon 🙂
Love the updated Recipes and Instant Pot recipes.
I like the recipes organized by category! Makes it easier to search.
The Menu Bar makes things easy to find! Like the new site!
I like the themes and anything instant pot related. I also love that the recipes have an easy print option!
I like the instant pot recipes.
Love the search function!
Love how we can search recipes by holidays, instant pot (my main interest) cuisines, or all.
I just found this and I LOVE it! The instant pot recipes are so helpful and I can’t wait to try them out.
The menu bar is pretty great!
Congrats on your upgrades. I would like to see your travel section indexed by destination. Looking at the Pinterest board is somewhat overwhelming.
I like the idea of a round up post so in case I miss things I will be able to catch up and hit the high points
Hi there. Love the instant pot recipes and the way the new recipe section is organized. Thanks for making it all even better!
Would love the kindle fire!
For recipes to have the average come to pressure time before it starts to actually cook
Hi there, I love you’re sute, particularly the instant pot recipes Nd the way the recipe section is organized. Thanks for making it all even better!
I think the new site looks awesome! It looks very modern and easy to nsvinavi.
I love the recipe menu. It makes searching for recipes easier!
I love the idea of aseasonal theme!
Love the new menu bar and easy to print recipes..Love this new site!
I live for your Instant Pot recipes. They have saved me so many times when I had NO idea what to make!
Very nice! Like having printable recipes! And all the pressure cooker recipes!!!
Oh my – there’s so much to like! I love the idea of seasonal recipes as I’ve started to approach meals that way.
I love the look of the site and the fabulous recipes!
I love the new menu bar, easy to navigate and look for recipes
Love the new menu bar, all of the great recipes with easy printing. Can't wait to try some. I like the reviews also.
The Instant Pot recipes are extensive and a great help! Maybe add keto recipes? Great work!
Your site is beautiful and organized very well! It is colorful and interesting. I would love to see a category of recipes for Paleo / non-processed ingredients.
Printable recipes! Also like the menu bar that stays on screen. Giveaways are great too!
Love the ease of finding recipes. And the recipes are fantastic! Would like to see more one pot, quick and easy, and low carb recipes! Thank you for the opportunity.
I love so many things! Absolutely the menu bar, instant pot recipes & the site just looks awesome!
I love the search bar. So nice to find things much faster and easier.
Love the recipes and they print nicely too
I keep a binder of recipes in the kitchen, so printable recipes are great!
Love the menu bar and all the ways to search recipes!
The out and about tab is great too!
I love the menu bar! How it just floats no matter where I am on the page! I scooped around and see lots of recipes that I want to try! Especially, the IP ones! Making a menu each week is going to be so much more fun!
Love the printable recipes. I am interested in the pressure cooker recipes as well. Always pressed for time when dinner time comes.
Love the layout of the page, very user friendly! I really like the menu bar and printable.
Love the organization of your site! So easy to find IP recipes
I am new to the Instant Pot and and finding this very easy to navigate even from my phone. I love tuevoptthe to print recipes, there is nothing like just having it in hand or in sheet protectors in a binder of favorites.
I love having a section dedicated to the Instant Pot. It is my favorite appliance to cook with!
I love the search option.
I love the search bar. Sometimes I dont know specifically what I'm looking for.
Always love more Instant Pot recipes
I can't live without either an Instant Pot or Air fryer! Thanks for all you do.
Thank you for posting InstantPot recipes. Love the site!
I am new to the website but I like the seasonal themes. I also have an IP so the recipes are very helpful!
I am new to the site, and like the idea of seasonal themes. I also have an IP and like the number of receipes!
I like the clean look of the site & appreciate the organization of the links. Thank you for the effort to make the site better.
Low carb/keto recipes
Aldo, more low carb recipes and keto, please!
Airfryer
Instant pot
Thank you for instant pot recipes. They are great to make. Would love another instant pot. Thank you
I love the instant pot recipes!! And the way you show them look easy! It makes me love the kitchen! I would love the air fryer or othe instant pot mini
I love the instant pot recipes!! And the way you show them look easy! It makes me love the kitchen! I would love the air fryer or othe instant pot mini
I agree with the themes. I like to be able to search easily that way,
I would like the IP mini
I just found this site and I’m in love with it to. Learning to cook with Instapot and Aitfryer right now so love the recipes
I really love the tile layout of your Recipes by Cuisine. It is fresh, colorful and well done. If selected (fingers crossed), I'd love the Instant Pot Mini! Thanks!
Love new new recipe search options and the instant pot recipes.
I would like to be able to look for recipes by doing a search by key ingredients.
I have a Farberware pressure cooker any would appreciate an tips especially when it comes to translating keypad instructions.
My next kitchen toy, I mean, tool😃😏 is an airfryer.
CONGRATULATIONS Blew! You are the winner of the August Giveaway! Please email me with your contact info so I can ship your chosen prize!