Gumbo filled pastry shells

Gumbo Filled Pastry Shells

Looking for a new twist on an old favorite? Then try this Gumbo Filled Pastry Shell recipe to kick off your Mardi Gras celebration!

Golden puff pastry shells are filled with a Louisiana-style gumbo made with chicken, shrimp, kielbasa, green and red peppers and cream of celery soup.  This recipe has great taste and comfort written all over it!

Click here for the recipe!

Mardi Gras sweet yeast bread

Sweet Yeast Bread

Delight your guests during your Mardi Gras celebration by serving this Mardi Gras Sweet Yeast Bread for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.

The King Cake is a New Orleans tradition that involves a pastry, a small plastic baby, and a party. The King Cake is baked with a small plastic baby hidden inside;  the person who gets the slice with baby in it has to host the next party.  It is traditionally decorated with sprinkles of purple, green and gold sugar, or decorate with whole pecans and candied cherries.

This is not your traditional Mardi Gras Kings cake, but instead a sweet bread with a rich almond pastry filling. 

Click here for the recipe!

Gumbo casserole

Gumbo Casserole

Short on time, but still want to make a Cajun favorite, then this Gumbo Casserole using Campbell’s soup is just the ticket.

Two comfort foods, gumbo and casserole, come together to make a tasty family favorite.  Plus, it takes just 15 minutes to put together before you pop it in the oven...you don't even have to cook the rice beforehand.

Click here for the recipe!

Greek pasta salad

Greek Pasta Salad

If you can't make it to the Greek isles this year, make the much shorter trip to the aisles of your supermarket to create this smart pasta salad studded with feta and vegetables.

The fresh herbs, vegetables, and olives that characterize Greek cuisine are tossed with pasta in this sprightly salad recipe. It is topped off with Feta cheese which gives it a tangy finish.

Click here for the recipe!

Berry topped cupcakes

Berry Topped Cupcakes

Has it been a while since you have had your girlfriends over for conversation and dessert? Pull out your phone and start calling now!

Your guests will be delighted when they are served several different varieties of coffee or tea and delicious Berry Topped Cupcakes.

The party conversation will get hopping as they enjoy the fruity taste of these pretty-in-pink cupcakes loaded with strawberries.

Are you planning a bridal or baby shower? These cupcakes would be the perfect treat for a bridal/baby shower luncheon or part of your dessert table at your reception.

Click here for the recipe!

Ela area library: Retro craft

Retro Craft

The Ela Area Public Library is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with special programs throughout the month of February.

Register to attend “Retro Craft”. Knot’s away in this interactive workshop celebrating handcrafts from the 1970s. Enjoy trying or relearning to make these beloved projects with teen librarian and author Amy Alessio.

Click here for more information!

Firehouse chili fest

Firehouse Chili Fest

In February the area Fire Departments, Police Departments, and Park District Foundations start heating up the town with the annual Chili Fest.

The Friends of West Chicago Parks Foundation is proudly hosting this special event. Come taste test and vote on your favorite chili from mild to 5 alarm with all the fixings (cheese, onions, crackers are provided). Hot dogs will also be served for non-chili enthusiasts. 

Area fire departments will compete for the honor of Best Chili in West Chicago. Taste and vote for your favorite.  All proceeds benefit the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance “Camp I am Me.”

Click here for more information!