Paula Deen with sons Bobby (left) and Jamie

Mom Paula Deen has passed on her fun and flair for southern cooking to her sons Bobby (left) and Jamie, along with helping fine-tune some recent new options for a healthier spin on traditional menu favorites.

Kelapo Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Kelapo Extra Virgin Coconut Oil was created as a sustainable, healthy substitute for the home. It can be used to create a spa-rub to moisturize skin for at-home pampering and the oil also has a light, natural taste that adds enticing flavor to dishes, both savory and sweet. Launched in 2009,…

Columnist Philip Potempa 2012 Spring From the Farm Cooking Show at Lake County Fairgrounds

Times Columnist Philip Potempa displays his finished recipe for "Elephant Ear Cheesecake" during his "Spring From the Farm Cooking Show" in 2012 at the Lake County Fairgrounds. This year's free show is April 26 in Crete, Ill.

Get Fired Up for an Easter Feast

Looking to put a delicious twist on your Easter meal? Try cooking ham on the grill.

Eating Milestones for Your Little One

One of the milestones in a child's life is graduating to solid foods. But how do you know if your little one is ready?

Father Joseph Vamos

Father Joseph Vamos has preserved original family recipes from the culinary origins of kitchens in Hungary.

Crab and Hearts of Palm Gratin with Arugula and Cherry Salad

Not planning to go out for Valentine's Day? Time to start planning a special menu for a romantic night in.

Pooh and Friends

Winnie the Pooh and friends cook up some fun in the kitchen.

Healthy eating for people on the go

Eating healthy doesn't have to be difficult. Local businesses make it easier to choose better eating habits, and interest in their life changing programs continues to grow.

Phil Smidt & Son Vintage Post Card

Phil Smidt & Son was a restaurant landmark in Hammond from 1910 to 2007 and famous for their frog legs signature dish.

Entertaining with easy-to-assemble party foods

It's easy to have romantic visions of the holidays — cozy fires, perfectly wrapped gifts, your house decorated like a magazine spread, all your friends gathered to celebrate, marveling at your culinary prowess.

One apple a day is not enough

Martha Stewart with Julia Child at Chicago Housewares Show in 2001

Julia Child, right, poses for a picture with Martha Stewart, at the Chicago Housewares Show on Jan. 14, 2001.

Talking Turkey: Butterball Talk-Line Experts

For 32 years, the experts who staff the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line have been there for holiday cooks who have questions about how to prepare and cook their turkeys.

Everyday celebrations

From the first loose tooth or solo bike ride to game night at home, families know that everyday moments make life special.

Use instant coffee to add java jolt to steak tips

While instant coffee may not do wonders in your morning mug, it can effortlessly add tons of depth and flavor at the dinner table.

Cook Now, Eat Later, Skip the Stress

Tips for serving a super dinner and family harmony

It's not as hard as you think, say family dinner experts. A number of strategies will ensure that all is well when you finally sit down to give thanks.

Finally, a zucchini recipe to get excited about!

Herer's a creative new recipe for the plentiful zucchini bounty — Grilled Zucchini Hummus.

High heat brings children and vegetables together

For two weeks this summer I made it my mission to improve my 8-year-old son's tolerance of vegetables. I called it "veggie boot camp." He called it torture.