Star City Blog / Food

Smart Giving Program Donates 7,550 Pounds of Smart Chicken

As part of the annual Smart Giving program, the Food Bank of Lincoln received 7,550 pounds of Nebraska-produced Smart Chicken. Lincoln residents made the donation possible through purchases of Smart Chicken products at Russ’s Market and Super Saver stores during the month of November 2009.

“Thanks to the generous support of the people of Lincoln, the Smart Giving program helps the Food Bank of Lincoln put wholesome, nutritious food on the tables of people in need here in our community,” said Pat Raybould, president of B&R Stores, Inc., parent company of Russ’s Market and Super Saver. “Especially with the cold winter we’re experiencing and the increasing need among families in the community, we’re committed to supporting both the Smart Giving program and the Food Bank of Lincoln.”

Judy a la Carte: Dessert and Coffee

By Judy Gilliard, “Judy a la carte”
     
It seems that everyone, no matter the age, loves dessert. So inviting friends over for dessert and coffee can be just the ticket for a fun evening. You could ask everyone to bring their favorite dessert. . .or make them all yourself! 

As your guests arrive, start the evening with a glass of champagne, then proceed to a dessert table full of Dark and Spicy Gingerbread, Black Forest Cake, Poppy-Seed Lemon Cake, Fruit tarts, a cheese platter, fresh fruit, and a bowl of nuts. Afterward, you can all partake in some coffee and a showing of a movie like Chocolat or Ratatouille.

Judy a la Carte: Recipes for the Holidays

By Judy Gilliard, “Judy a la carte”

The holidays are perfect occasions to visit friends and family and show them how much you love them. During this time of gift giving, there is nothing as nice as giving a gift from your kitchen. Especially when that gift tastes great and falls within the guidelines of good health!

You can create baskets filled with homemade pumpkin muffins, brownies and Peanut butter Bars wrapped in cloth holiday napkins or kitchen towels.  Alternatively, you can take an individual pumpkin cake baked in festive Bundt pans, and place it on a red paper plate. Wrap it with plastic wrap, tie it up with a cheerful ribbon and it‘s ready to be given to that special someone. 

Open Harvest's Grand Opening October 16th

By Sarah F. Sullivan

After three years of attempting to expand their premises, on October 16th at 9 a.m., co-op grocery Open Harvest will hold its Grand Opening to showcase its bigger and better store. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Chris Beutler, patrons and enthusiasts will be able to enjoy various giveaways and sales that will last for four weeks following the Grand Opening.

From its modest beginnings in 1975 in a tiny space at 27th and Randolph to its current location in South Street Plaza, Open Harvest has long seen the need for more space.

Judy a la Carte: Fall Recipes

By Judy Gilliard, “Judy a la carte”

With September upon us, the days are getting shorter, football fever has completely set in and some evenings are spent sitting down to a nice bowl of chili.  Fall is the perfect time to cook up a good pot of chili or an old fashioned stew to share with friends and loved ones. 

Celebrate fall and food by getting together that special group of friends to start a monthly dinner group, where each month you plan a dinner and alternate homes so that the host prepares the main meal and others bring appetizers, dessert and wine. Gather everyone together, calendars in hand and come up with food ideas while choosing dates.

Review: thé Cup

By Cory Kibler and Alexis Abel

thé Cup is a small, charming café and bakery at 643 S. 25th Street.  It’s somewhat hidden from the crowd, residing in the red-bricked Bottler's Building near the Arts & Humanities Focus School and Lincoln High School. Conveniently, there are two bike trails that practically take you to the restaurant's doorstep -- one along the Capital Parkway and the other runs along the east side of the spillway.

The café is open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m., and on Saturday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. thé Cup (which means “tea cup” in French) specializes in fair-trade coffees and teas and organic baked goods. 

Judy a la Carte: Summer Dinners with an Asian Flair

By Judy Gilliard, “Judy a la carte”

That typical late-summer heat is hanging in the air and if you’re looking for a fun way to counter it, I have the answer--a dinner party with an Asian twist. We are finding that more and more chefs are including Asian flavors in their cuisines and I have followed suit by always keeping hoisin sauce, low sodium soy sauce, pickled ginger and five spice in my pantry of staples.  

A good drink that compliments any Asian theme is ZIPANG, a naturally carbonated Sake which has a sweet, yet refreshingly light flavor. Other choices could include a French Sparkling wine, Louis Bouillot Brut and for beer lovers, Kirin Japanese Beer.