Rival Crock-Pot Giveaway Winner Announced

Foodie Freebie Friday: Chicago Weekend Plans, Fall Cooking, and a Rival Crock-Pot Giveaway

Happy Friday! Today feels especially exciting here in Chicago. The city has been part of the conversation alongside Madrid, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro as the world waits to learn which city will host the 2016 Olympics. Even though Chicago has been eliminated from the final selection, the anticipation has still brought plenty of energy to the day. It is always fun to follow a major international announcement, especially when your own city has been involved in the process.

All of the Olympic excitement is a great way to head into the weekend, and around here, the weekend is shaping up to be filled with food, friends, and plenty of time in the kitchen. As usual, my plans revolve around cooking, tasting, baking, and sharing recipes. From a neighborhood culinary tour to a fall-inspired dinner with friends, there is a lot on the schedule, and I am looking forward to every bite.

Neighborhood Culinary Tour of Chicago’s Ravenswood Corridor – I have teamed up with Urban Accents, a Chicago-based spice company, for a special culinary tour. Urban Accents has extended a VIP invitation to What’s Cookin, Chicago for a tour with the company president, Tom Knibbs. I am excited to explore the Ravenswood Corridor, learn more about the flavors and products they create, and discover what other delicious stops the tour has in store. I will be sharing more about the experience soon.

Tattle Tasters – Tonight, my oven will be getting quite a workout because I will be baking several varieties of cupcakes for my Tattle Tasters. They will be sampling the cupcakes and sharing their honest thoughts, which means there will be plenty of feedback and, of course, plenty of sweets. Next week, I will be sharing their reviews along with the cupcake recipes, so be sure to check back if you love homemade desserts.

Eli’s Cheesecake Festival – Sunday is another big day because I will be on stage doing a culinary demonstration at the Eli’s Cheesecake Festival. If you are in the Chicago area, it should be a fun event to visit. After the festival, I will share how the demo went, along with the fall-inspired recipes I will be preparing for the event.

Autumn Harvest Dinner – To wind down after such an eventful weekend, our favorite foodie friends, Megan and Matt, are joining us for dinner. This time, we are hosting, and I am planning an autumn harvest-inspired menu. I love cooking this time of year because the flavors are warm, comforting, and perfect for sharing around the table. I will be posting the recipes from our dinner next week, so do not miss them.

Speaking of autumn, my friends and I have been talking a lot about our favorite fall foods. It has been wonderful to hear what everyone looks forward to when the weather cools down and the season changes. Fall cooking has such a cozy feeling to it, and the dishes are often hearty, flavorful, and comforting. Some of my personal favorites include chili, roasted butternut squash, pumpkin-inspired baked goods, and braised meats. Just thinking about slow-cooked dinners, warm spices, and seasonal ingredients makes me hungry.

If you have not started making your favorite fall recipes yet, this Foodie Freebie Friday may be just the inspiration you need. This week, one lucky reader will receive a brand new Rival Crock-Pot, perfect for slow cooking soups, stews, shredded meats, sauces, and easy weeknight meals. A slow cooker is especially useful during the fall and winter months, when warm, comforting meals feel just right. Whether you enjoy classic chili, tender salsa chicken, pot roast, or cozy make-ahead dinners, this kitchen tool can help make seasonal cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Model #3060-W

Foodie Freebie Friday Winner Announcement