5 Savvy Things: Hi there! I just launched something new!
Every week, I share recipes, tips and stories to inspire your time in the kitchen and beyond. I also include links to my WGN Radio segments with Bob Sirott, where we discuss savvy tips on food, lifestyle, and more.
I’m so grateful for you and for this growing community of savvy cooks and explorers!
This week, I’m thrilled to introduce something new: 5 Savvy Things—a short and thoughtful roundup of things I’ve been loving, pondering, or trying out. These are things (or experiences) that I genuinely use, enjoy, or think you’ll find valuable. I’ll send you recipes, tools, cultural experiences, entertainment recommendations, and other inspiring ways to enhance your day. So whether it’s discovering the perfect kitchen gadget, a must-watch show, or a tip that saves you time, you’ll love what’s inside. In other words, a backstage pass to all things SAVVY! It’s my way of bringing you even more of what you love while staying true to my promise of offering fresh, exciting content.
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Here’s my first round of 5 Savvy Things—let me know what you think!
All Clad Cookware – Worth Every Penny!
I’ve owned my All Clad cookware set for 35 years, I kid you not. And I love adding pieces to it. Well, I’ve just discovered an amazing deal! It’s the All-Clad VIP Factory Seconds Sale! These items are the real deal and they work flawlessly despite some minor cosmetic imperfections, (mostly, just damaged packaging,) at HUGE discounts– they’re called “factory seconds.” It’s a way to save hundreds of dollars on pots, pans, bakeware and kitchen tools. Most items are backed by All-Clad’s limited lifetime warranty. Inventory is limited, all sales are final and this sale ends soon. Let me know if you find some good deals!
My Favorite Cooking Ingredient
I love this kosher, natural, sea salt and use it on just about everything. It’s a finishing salt that I use it to make last minute tweaks after my dish is ready.
This Episode Made Me Hungry!
The entire Food Issue of CBS Sunday Morning (11/24). Interesting, entertaining and informative. But let’s get real. After watching this 4 minute segment of the Food Issue, An Italian Masterpiece: Cacio e Pepe, about how they make this dish in Rome, I put it on my meal rotation for the week.
My Favorite Fall Gadget
A potato ricer. This time of year, it’s a kitchen essential! Not only does it take your mashed potatoes to a whole new level, you can also use it for sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. Super easy to clean, and it just feels satisfying to squeeze the potato right through the grates. This one is easy to take apart and clean.
The Book I’m Listening To
From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir
If there’s a book I can recommend that’s going to leave you with a profound feeling inside, this one is it! Of course you can read this book but to listen to it is AMAZING! (I use and love Audiobooks!) Lisa Marie Presley’s posthumously completed memoir is a raw and emotional glimpse into her life. Shortly before her death, she asked her daughter, Riley Keogh, to help her write it. It’s narrated by Riley and Julia Roberts, and includes Lisa Marie's own recorded voice. The audiobook uniquely captures her soul-baring stories and tackles themes of love, addiction and loss - a heartfelt tribute to the bond between mother and daughter.