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Melissa's Kitchen, Inc., Downers Grove, IL (2025)

02/18/2025

Hot Date! Sweet & Savory Recipes Celebrating the Date from Party Foo to Everyday Feasts by Rawaan Alkhatib. OMG this cookbook!!! I'm so excited to cook out of it. It might sound a little crazy to have a whole cookbook centered around dates, but it totally works. We're in the thick of winter where I live and it's colder than cold. Last night I scrolled through this cookbook and it’s getting me excited to get in the kitchen, warm up my house and cook. This is a cookbook with global flavors...if you're an adventurous home cook and/or aspiring chef this book is for you. Recipes I've tagged include curried sausage rolls with a surprise inside, date & cream scones with whipped lemon vanilla butter and mushrooms en papillote with much garlic. Everything in this book sounds amazing!!! One more thing to gush about...this book is beautiful to look at as the author's illustrations and notes are intermingled with the recipes filling this book with vibrant colors & energy.

02/18/2025

Friends, I'm going to have another sourdough basics class at Marcel's Culinary Experience in Glen Ellyn on 3/10 at 6 pm. I'll post when sign up is live...sign up for Marcel's emails to get class info right to your inbox 😀

02/13/2025

It's chocolate season and you need a new cookbook! I love this chocolate cookbook by pastry chef Michele Song. If you're a chocolate lover and a serious home baker, you'll appreciate this approachable but creative book. The book details the different types of chocolate used in baking and includes recipes for everything from morning treats to pies/tarts, cakes, and more! I'm looking forward to making the chocolate rye stout cake next month for St. Patty's Day!

01/31/2025

Dutch ovens are my preferred tool for baking bread at home. My go-to pot is the Lodge 5-quart cast iron Dutch oven—it’s the ideal size for the 1.5 to 2-pound loaves that most recipes produce. Steam is key to crusty bread and a Dutch oven creates the perfect environment for bakery-quality results. This Lodge pot is made entirely of seasoned cast iron, so there are no heat-sensitive k***s to worry about. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly pot priced around $50. Save your expensive enameled Dutch ovens for other uses and use this one for bread making!

01/27/2025

Dehydrated starter instructions update...I recently tested the effectiveness of my dehydrated sourdough discard and have an important update on my instructions. Many of you have either purchased this starter or received it as a takeaway from one of my classes. Since temperature plays such a key role in the sourdough process, and with winter now here, I want to update you on one of the steps in my instructions.

In my new instructions, I’ve also included pictures showing what my starter looks like after each step, so you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect. Please message me with your email if you’d like an updated copy of my instructions on rehydrating a dry sourdough starter, and I’ll email you a copy. As always, if you’ve purchased a product from me or taken a class, please feel free to email me if you have questions.

01/22/2025

Sourdough starter for sale on Hotplate. Pickup in Downers Grove Thurs, Fri or Monday. LMK if you have any questions.

https://www.hotplate.com/melissaskitchen/700da082-02f7-4005-814c-86dff211a941

01/21/2025

New sourdough bread-making class in Glen Ellyn! The sign-up is now live for a hands-on sourdough bread-making class at Marcel's in Glen Ellyn, IL. Marcel's classes sell out quickly, so if you're interested, please sign up today! Here are the details:

- 2/16/25, 1:30-4 pm
- Sign up on Marcel's website https://marcelsculinaryexperience.com
- Post questions below or reach out to Marcel's directly

01/18/2025

Birthday celebration! What a great way to celebrate a special birthday…learning to make sourdough bread with long time friends ❤️🎂🍾

01/16/2025

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Here’s a great example: This week, time got away from me, and I didn’t have a chance to mix the levain I had prepared the night before. So, in the morning, I put the levain in the fridge and mixed the dough later in the afternoon. To help things along, I added a pinch of instant yeast as a safety net. Why? Because while my levain was mature, it was probably a bit past its peak. I wasn’t sure it would rise as I wanted on its own, and I didn’t want the dough to end up dense. Adding just a small amount of instant yeast gives the dough a little extra boost, ensuring it rises properly.

01/15/2025

Please join me at this event for a great cause and, of course, bid on a sourdough bread class :)

01/15/2025

Family class! I love that high school and college students are interested in learning how to make bread. What makes it even more special is that they’re my family! Last night, I enjoyed teaching a class with my nephews and middle son. We had a fantastic time making bread and enjoying some quality time together. ❤️❤️❤️

Next family class…a virtual one so I can teach the Razorbacks!!!

01/14/2025

Great new bread book for bread curious and new bread makers!!! King Arthur Baking Company is a go-to source for recipes, techniques, and great-quality flour. I just checked this book out from the library and think it would be a great purchase for anyone who wants to learn more about bread making. This book walks you through the techniques you need to know to make any type of bread. Instructions are straightforward and are supported by pictures. There's a section on all things sourdough starter and breadmaking.

Bread making isn't easy and it takes time and practice to really learn how to make good bread consistently. I'm a big fan of cookbooks as a source of quality information...don't get me wrong there are a lot of good bloggers out there but there's a ton of misinformation (yes, even in baking!) that is confusing. I always provide a list of quality sources (books and online) for my students and King Arthur Baking is one of my favs!

01/13/2025

Cookie "cake"! My youngest turned 18 yesterday, and as we cross into a new chapter, I find myself reflecting on all the "lasts" we're experiencing. To properly celebrate his birthday, I made one of his favorite cookie "cakes". It’s my version of a sheet pan cookie, jazzed up for a birthday celebration. Over time, this simple dessert has become our go-to "cake" for family celebrations and birthdays.

I’m no pastry chef, but I’ve always enjoyed, making comforting baked goods (plus I have a sweet tooth!). Years ago, I started making birthday cakes out of necessity. For allergy reasons, there were many years when we had to avoid many of the ingredients that went into typical cakes...gluten, eggs, dairy, soy. The results were interesting, to say the least! There were rice crispy treat "cakes," lots of crumbly experiments with gluten-, egg-, and dairy-free cakes, and many too bright buttercreams - all created long before the world of allergy-friendly baking was a thing. Looking back, those early attempts are a funny reminder of how far I've come as a cook and baker and how little has changed at the same time. My cookie cakes still look like they did 15 years ago, and I still have many experiments and failures in the kitchen, especially in baking as I try to swap ingredients to make my baked goods "healthier".

01/12/2025

Want to learn to make sourdough bread??? My classes at the Downers Grove Park District in January sold out and have a waitlist so I’ve added two classes in February. Registration is available through the Downers Grove Park District’s website. Here’s the info - sign-ups are live so grab your spot now!!!

Beginner sourdough bread making
2/13/25 6:30-9 pm, activity # 1270L35-03
This class would make a great Valentine’s gift or Galentine’s outing!

Beginner sourdough bread making - GLUTEN FREE!!!
2/20/25 6:30-9 pm, activity # 1270L35-04

Sign up link in my bio
https://bit.ly/3W6PqKi

01/06/2025

Here's the sign up link for February sourdough classes at the Lincoln Center in Downers Grove.

01/04/2025

New sourdough classes in February!

Want to learn to make sourdough bread??? My classes at the Downers Grove Park District in January sold out and have a waitlist so I’ve added two classes in February. Here’s the info, sign-ups are live so grab your spot now!!!

Beginner sourdough bread making 2/13/25 6:30-9 pm, activity # 1270L35-03

Beginner sourdough bread making - GLUTEN FREE!!! 2/20/25 6:30-9 pm, activity # 1270L35-04

Private classes are still available…message me for details.

01/02/2025

FYI, this is a great CSA that serves the Chicago region. Sign up early and save!!!

01/01/2025

Happy new year!!!! This is the soup many of you need today…one of my goto soups when I need to eat something healthy. Try the Superfood Chicken Soup from the Food Network Magazine (found on their web site). This soup has nutritious anti inflammatory ingredients like ginger and turmeric. Kale, turnips, chickpeas and rotisserie chicken add vitamins and protein. I added a teaspoon of white miso to mine to add some umami flavor and cooked soba noodles to make it a meal. Enjoy!!!

12/16/2024

How is it mid-December? I hope you’re all having a great holiday month and enjoying the spirit of the season! Life has been a bit busy in my household, so unfortunately, I don’t have time to whip up batches of my Rosemary & Chipotle Spiced Nut Mix. I’m sorry! It will be back next November.

Here’s an update on class information:

Sourdough Bread Classes at the Lincoln Center in January!

I’ll be teaching two sourdough bread classes at the Lincoln Center in Downers Grove this January. Unfortunately, the traditional sourdough bread class on January 22 is sold out but there are still a few spots left for the gluten-free class on January 29. Search the Downers Grove Park District’s registration site for Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread Class: -02.

This would make a fantastic holiday gift for a friend or family member! I’d love to see some familiar faces in the class. Don’t miss out—sign up today!

Private Sourdough Bread Class Gift Certificates

Still looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of a private sourdough bread class. This class demystifies the sourdough bread-making process and gives you the confidence to start baking fresh sourdough bread at home! Here are the details:

- 2.5-hour private group class (up to 4 students).
- The class takes place in the host’s home kitchen.
- Melissa’s Kitchen brings all the tools & ingredients.
- Includes dried sourdough starter for future use, recipes, suggested resources, proofing bowl, freshly baked bread, dough for next day baking at your home & freshly baked sourdough chocolate chip cookies!
- Gluten-free classes are available.
- Pricing info available upon request.

Gift certificate purchases are available through 12/20. I will provide a printed gift certificate available for pickup or an emailed copy for printing.

Please let me know if you have any questions about classes. Thank you, as always, for your support and happy holidays!!!!

12/15/2024

Still looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of a private sourdough bread class!!! Send me your email and I’ll share details & pricing. Available through Friday 12/20. 🍞🎁🎄

12/04/2024

Happy bread makers! 🍞

Last night, a friend and neighbor surprised her husband with a bread-making class for his birthday, and I had the pleasure of being there. He was totally confused when I showed up at their house after dinner!

Two highlights stood out for me during the class:
1. The excitement on everyone’s face when their scored loaves come out of the oven.
2. The moment when we get to taste the bread. There’s nothing quite like homemade sourdough (or any homemade bread) — it tastes so much better than store-bought. All the effort is absolutely worth it!

Have you ever tried making sourdough but it didn’t turn out the way you hoped? I’d love to teach you the tricks to help you create the perfect loaf!

Give the gift of sourdough!
 I offer gift certificates for private at home bread-making classes (for up to 4 people). Message me for more details!

11/25/2024

Restaurant De Kas - I’m finally catching up post vacation and looking back at my photos…we had such an amazing dinner at Restaurant De Kas in Amsterdam, a truly unique spot housed in a greenhouse within a city park. Right up my alley!!! This restaurant was recommended by three different people so I knew we had to go there. The restaurant prides itself on using ingredients grown on-site or sourced locally, with a vegetable forward menu. This Michelin-starred standout strikes the perfect balance between casual and sophisticated, and is a must-visit when you’re visiting this city. Though there were no menus, my husband and I did our best to remember all the unbelievable dishes we enjoyed and guess the flavors & ingredients we were tasting. Our notes (and memory) don’t do these dishes justice…the flavors were incredibly vibrant and sooo delicious!!!!
- Oysters with violet vinegar
- Gazpacho with red pepper and carrot?
- Crispy tapioca papadum with parsley (or was it celery?) cream
- Fresh radish with picalily& poppyseed crumble
- Tempura brussel sprouts with a green goddess type dip
- Lettuce (not just any lettuce, a special variety I’d never heard of) wrap with grilled sunchoke, bacon, cabbage and aioli?
- Fresh mushrooms with beef broth & sweet corn
- Beet salad with castelfranco (like radicchio), curry mayo & nasturtium
- Mackerel with lacinato kale, Bouillabaisse & sourdough croutons
- Pear sorbet with goat cheese, candied walnut, arugula & lemon zest (really a unique flavor combo)
- Ice cream with citrus syrup (blood or bitter orange?) with white chocolate crisp
- Chocolate mint sorbet (because you can never have too many desserts!)

11/23/2024

Thank you all who purchased my nut mix for your Thanksgiving table! Packing is done and ready for pickup ❤️

11/22/2024

The best bread is the one that has great flavor…sometimes it’s nice to celebrate the pretty ones too!

11/17/2024

Last night’s dinner party…I don’t do many dinner parties, but last night, I had the pleasure of making a delicious meal for a lovely group as a fundraiser for Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette.

Since we’re having an amazingly mild fall, I’m still using many herbs from my garden…parsley, thyme, & chives. I also was able to use cabbage, sorrel, and nasturtium flowers as decoration on the charcuterie platter 👩‍🌾💚

As always, I make everything from scratch…from rolls to ice cream 👩‍🍳❤️Here’s the menu:

- Fall charcuterie platter
- Crab cakes with remoulade
- Soft white dinner rolls with whipped porcini butter
- Modern Waldorf salad with curry dressing, roasted grapes, fennel, apple, candied walnuts and red wine reduction
- Wine braised short ribs with grilled garlic shrimp, parsnip puree and balsamic roasted carrots
- Apple frangipane tart with vanilla ice cream and salted caramel

11/16/2024

First batch of the season! I’m making a batch of rosemary & chipotle spiced nuts for a charcuterie platter for tonight. If you want some nuts for your Thanksgiving please place an order through my Hotplate storefront. The link is in my bio. Orders are due Tuesday night…pickups in Downers Grove Fri-Sun.

11/11/2024

Starter for sale! Just a reminder sourdough starter is available for sale on my Hotplate storefront…link in my bio…pickup next week. Comment below if you have questions.

11/08/2024

It’s nut mix time!

Planning for the holidays is officially in full swing! With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s time for me to make my rosemary and chipotle nut mix. I used to make this savory, spicy, and sweet treat as my go-to holiday host gift, and it was always a hit. Last year, I decided to sell it, and it was a huge success!

How to Purchase - my Hotplate storefront is “live,” and you can place orders for nut mix through November 18 (Hotplate link in my bio). To keep up with demand and keep my prices the same as last year, I’m doing front porch pickups in Downers Grove and one day of home dropoffs in Western Springs & LaGrange. I’ll have several time slots available for pickup:

- 11/22 Western Springs/LaGrange home dropoff from 4-6 pm (note: you must put your home address in the “special instructions” section when you order)
- 11/22 Downers Grove porch pickup 1-6 pm
- 11/23 Downers Grove porch pickup 9 am - noon
- 11/24 Downers Grove porch pickup 9 am - noon

I was hoping to offer shipping this year, but my holiday schedule ended up being busier than I expected. Sorry about that! Maybe next year I’ll be able to make it happen. If we’re friends, feel free to text me about delivery if these pickup windows don’t work for you. There’s also a chance I feel good about timing and open up a shipping option as we get closer to production. Any updates will be posted on Hotplate or will be sent via email.

11/07/2024

Sourdough Bread Classes at the Lincoln Center in January!

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be teaching two sourdough bread classes at the Lincoln Center in Downers Grove this January!

* January 22: Traditional Sourdough Bread Class
* January 29: Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread Class

Both classes will be held in the evening.
Registration is now open through the DG Park District’s Winter Guide, which is live and available online! You can find the classes on page 76 of the guide. Here are the course details:

* Traditional Sourdough Class: -01 (January 22)
* Gluten-Free Sourdough Class: -02 (January 29)

This would make a fantastic holiday gift for a friend or family member! I’d love to see some familiar faces in the class. Don’t miss out—sign up today!

Melissa's Kitchen, Inc.

02/18/2025

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