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:
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!
- 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.
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
Love the ideas of themes! Love so many of the recipes that you have, cantc wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteThe new menu bar is great!! So easy to find things! My favorites are the freezer meals! Have loved them since you first posted them!
ReplyDeleteHi! The site looks awesome! I really like the entertaining section. Also the link to Instagram.
ReplyDeleteI 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 :)
ReplyDeleteI definitely like the recipe menu – it’ll make it easier for me to find Filipino recipes.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS Blew! You are the winner of the August Giveaway! Please email me with your contact info so I can ship your chosen prize!
DeleteLooking forward to the printable recipes!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of sesonal themes!
ReplyDeleteI really like your menu bar choices.
ReplyDeleteI love the recipe menu. It makes it easy to find just the right recipe
ReplyDeletePrintable recipes for sure. I fill up my phone with screen shots!
ReplyDeleteI really like the Pinterest board, I will be able to easily see everything from month to month! Awesome idea!!
ReplyDeleteI love the printable recipes! Making it so much easier to print thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteA search bar would be great. I can’t always remember the exact name of the recipes.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer! We have a search bar on the right sudebar, highlighted in light blue for easy & quick access!
DeleteI really like your Instant Pot recipes! I’m looking forward to trying each recipe!
ReplyDeleteI love the menu icon stays with my on the mobile site! It’s so convenient! Also, printable recipes are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteLove the seasonal theme. There are not a lot of sites with that. Looking forward to new updates
ReplyDeleteNew 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.
ReplyDeleteLove the event calendar especially for those of us who are not close and will be visiting!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping you continue to do the recipe round ups, those are favorites of mine. I also like the printable recipes, those are handy!
ReplyDeleteI love the recipe menu and that SWISS Chocolate Cherry Chip ice cream recipe!
ReplyDeleteLove the recipe menu and the printable recipes!
ReplyDeleteWhat 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!
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of the menu bar! The more recipes the better! I have been eyeing an air fryer for awhile too!!
ReplyDeleteAlways 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
ReplyDeleteIs there a way to email recipes to yourself? If not, that would be great. Hate having to waste paper printing things!
ReplyDeletePrintable recipes with an image! I just love that!
ReplyDeleteGreat site!!!! Love the entertaining section!
ReplyDeleteLove the new site!!! Looking forward to using the entertaining section!
ReplyDeleteLove this site! How about some low carb designated ideas!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!!! Can't wait to see what you are up to and get instapot ideas.
ReplyDeleteI love the recipe menu. So easy to search as well!
ReplyDeleteLove having recipes sorted by holiday as y, would also like to see some tested recipes specifically for an Instant Pot!
ReplyDeleteMonthly 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
ReplyDeleteLike your site and your ideas and recipes. The instapot would be great for one or two people
ReplyDeleteI love the recipe menu and how easy it is to navigate the site!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI love the recipe menu, nice to be able to find recipes that you've posted or search for something new to try!
ReplyDeleteI love the recipe menu, it will be so eady to find a recipe that you've posted or even find something new to try!
ReplyDeleteRecipe menu & printable recipe without the image! Both are great!
ReplyDeleteI love having printable recipes! I hate having to haul the laptop to the kitchen when I'm cooking!
ReplyDeleteI love to see easy and practical lunch ideas. I also enjoy instapot and entertaining info.
ReplyDeleteLove the printable recipes. Made 2 today. Great recipes!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a site I will enjoy!! <3 <3
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteRecipes made from "real food" for the InstantPot. You know, ingredients, not processed foods thrown together.
ReplyDeleteA search bar is always a useful tool! I love the option of looking for something specific when looking for a recipe.
ReplyDeleteI like your entertaining menus. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteLove the printable recipes and how comprehensive the site is.
ReplyDeleteI love the seasonal theme and am looking forward to more of that. I also love all of your IP recipes!
ReplyDeleteI really love the idea of being able to search up theme-based menus! Would also love to win and try out that air-fryer!!!
ReplyDeleteThis site is GREAT! I love the recipes and the search bar! Would like to maybe see meal prep ideas?
ReplyDeletePrintable recipes with pictures and, of course, the content!
ReplyDeleteAwesome website! Love the recipe menu bars! Can't wait to try some recipes!
ReplyDeleteAwesome website! Love the recipe menu bar! Can't wait to try some of the recipes!
ReplyDeleteLove the new menu bar. So easy to find everything.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see more low fat/low sugar IP options.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I found this website. I love the variety of recipes
ReplyDeleteLove the printables!! Maybe you could throw in a few videos too. Anyway, I love it all.
ReplyDeleteRECIPES!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the printable recipes!
ReplyDeleteLost my comment.
ReplyDeleteThis 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.
The menu search feature is nice
ReplyDeleteWelcome 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.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this new site! So many new and interesting recipes I can't wait to try!
ReplyDeleteLove the site. Would love to see more meal prep style "meals" or ideas.
ReplyDeleteMenu bar is clean and easy to know where to go. Plus the recipes!
ReplyDeleteLove your menu bar. I am always looking for more IP recipes. The ice cream looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteI love the monthly topic change!
ReplyDeleteI like the holiday groupings on the recipe section.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of themes. I like the thought of sorting through seasonal recipes.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI'm digging the concept of a monthly theme. It's a great idea.
ReplyDeleteMy 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.
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
ReplyDeleteThe menu bar is great!
ReplyDeleteSite is easy to navigate. I enjoy keto recipes instant pot the most. Your website is looking great.
ReplyDeleteI really like the recipe menu.
ReplyDeleteWow! Your Recipe menu is extensive. I love all the Instant Pot recipes you have on your site!
ReplyDeleteLove all the recipes & would love to see more round ups!
ReplyDeleteLove 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.
ReplyDeleteYay for printable recipes! I'm always thankful for that feature as it saves on ink and paper!
ReplyDeleteI wish the air fry came in different colours! It would be nice if you included video links
ReplyDeleteEasy ti find Links to the manufacturers of these products would be great!
ReplyDeleteThe 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
ReplyDeleteHey 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.
ReplyDeleteI love the out and about tab too. Nice to have reviews on places
ReplyDeleteThe recipe section is great and the tabs at the top for easy navigation, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI really like that the Instant Pot recipes are all listed on one page. Much more organized & easier to find recipes now...Good job!
ReplyDeleteAirfryer to make things healthier and quicker. Great job with the website and all!!! Cheers!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the printable recipes feature! Thanks for the giveaway...I want that air fryer!
ReplyDeleteLIke all discussions. Would prefer the INstant Pot Mini 3 Qt
ReplyDeleteSite looks great, I would choose the air fryer, I didnt see the site before your changes so cant say what to change if anything.
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda! The list of updates and changes to the site are reflected in the post above - see the long list of bulleted points! :)
DeleteI'm new, but I love your idea of having seasonal themes!
ReplyDeleteI 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!!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThe entertaining section is perfect for me!! Thanks so much
ReplyDeleteAnd the amount of recipes is amazing
ReplyDeleteLove the printable recipes
ReplyDeleteWould love to see kid friendly and group dinner recipes
First time here looks like a great site, I will be looking foreward to the printable recipes
ReplyDeleteI love the site and would like to see easy low carb selections!! Thanks!! I would love a dutch oven!!
ReplyDeleteI think I love everything but I really like the entertaining menu how I can search for a theme.
ReplyDeleteAlways looking new things to make in my Instant Pot. I would love a mini to go with my 6qt.
ReplyDeleteI love both the Recipe menu and the Entertaining menu...always looking for inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI’m new to Instant Pot and would love some Keto recipes! And would love to have that Air fryer too!
ReplyDeleteReally like the big bold search bar.
ReplyDeleteLove the new menu bar.
ReplyDeleteWould like to see a recipe section where you search by what ingredients you have on hand!!!
I love the recipes that are always easy to follow and always look so good!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the printable recipes. I would love the airfryer
ReplyDeleteLove the recipe menu.
ReplyDeleteThe search engine is the best thing! I can find exactly what I need!
ReplyDeleteThe search engine is the best thing! I can find exactly what I need!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteThanks 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!
DeleteI like the easy to search functions of the site.The menu bar is great.I would love to see really inexpensive meal ideas.
ReplyDeleteLoving the recipes. Themes for recipes are great. Is it possible to add instant Pot and Slow Cooker Keto recipes as another “theme”
ReplyDeleteThanks 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 :)
DeleteI like the search engine and would like to see cheap dinner ideas.
ReplyDeleteThe menu bar is great!Love your site! I've been a fan for years!
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic! I love freezer meals.
ReplyDeleteLike the instant pot recipes and the printables.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your upgrades. I would like to see your travel section indexed by destination. Looking at the Pinterest board is somewhat overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteThe menu bar is pretty great!
ReplyDeleteI just found this and I LOVE it! The instant pot recipes are so helpful and I can’t wait to try them out.
ReplyDeleteLove how we can search recipes by holidays, instant pot (my main interest) cuisines, or all.
ReplyDeleteLove the search function!
ReplyDeleteI like the instant pot recipes.
ReplyDeleteI like the themes and anything instant pot related. I also love that the recipes have an easy print option!
ReplyDeleteThe Menu Bar makes things easy to find! Like the new site!
ReplyDeleteI like the recipes organized by category! Makes it easier to search.
ReplyDeleteLove the updated Recipes and Instant Pot recipes.
ReplyDeleteHi 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!
ReplyDeleteWould love the kindle fire!
ReplyDeleteFor recipes to have the average come to pressure time before it starts to actually cook
Hi there. Love the instant pot recipes and the way the new recipe section is organized. Thanks for making it all even better!
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteI think the new site looks awesome! It looks very modern and easy to nsvinavi.
ReplyDeleteI love the recipe menu. It makes searching for recipes easier!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of aseasonal theme!
ReplyDeleteAldo, more low carb recipes and keto, please!
DeleteI live for your Instant Pot recipes. They have saved me so many times when I had NO idea what to make!
ReplyDeleteLove the new menu bar and easy to print recipes..Love this new site!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteThe out and about tab is great too!
ReplyDeleteLove the menu bar and all the ways to search recipes!
ReplyDeleteI keep a binder of recipes in the kitchen, so printable recipes are great!
ReplyDeleteLove the recipes and they print nicely too
ReplyDeleteI love the search bar. So nice to find things much faster and easier.
ReplyDeleteI love so many things! Absolutely the menu bar, instant pot recipes & the site just looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteLove 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.
ReplyDeletePrintable recipes! Also like the menu bar that stays on screen. Giveaways are great too!
ReplyDeleteYour 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.
ReplyDeleteThe Instant Pot recipes are extensive and a great help! Maybe add keto recipes? Great work!
ReplyDeleteLove the new menu bar, all of the great recipes with easy printing. Can't wait to try some. I like the reviews also.
ReplyDeleteI love the new menu bar, easy to navigate and look for recipes
ReplyDeleteI love the look of the site and the fabulous recipes!
ReplyDeleteOh my - there’s so much to like! I love the idea of seasonal recipes as I’ve started to approach meals that way.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! Like having printable recipes! And all the pressure cooker recipes!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the printable recipes. I am interested in the pressure cooker recipes as well. Always pressed for time when dinner time comes.
ReplyDeleteAlways love more Instant Pot recipes
ReplyDeleteI love the search bar. Sometimes I dont know specifically what I'm looking for.
ReplyDeleteI love the search option.
ReplyDeleteI love having a section dedicated to the Instant Pot. It is my favorite appliance to cook with!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteLove the organization of your site! So easy to find IP recipes
ReplyDeleteLove the layout of the page, very user friendly! I really like the menu bar and printable.
ReplyDeleteLow carb/keto recipes
ReplyDeleteI like the clean look of the site & appreciate the organization of the links. Thank you for the effort to make the site better.
ReplyDeleteI am new to the site, and like the idea of seasonal themes. I also have an IP and like the number of receipes!
ReplyDeleteI am new to the website but I like the seasonal themes. I also have an IP so the recipes are very helpful!
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting InstantPot recipes. Love the site!
ReplyDeleteI can't live without either an Instant Pot or Air fryer! Thanks for all you do.
ReplyDeleteThank you for instant pot recipes. They are great to make. Would love another instant pot. Thank you
ReplyDeleteInstant pot
ReplyDeleteAirfryer
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteI agree with the themes. I like to be able to search easily that way,
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteLove new new recipe search options and the instant pot recipes.
ReplyDeleteI would like to be able to look for recipes by doing a search by key ingredients.
ReplyDeleteI 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.