Category: Food

Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry’s continuing mission

Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry executive director Katie Arko told Aurora Lions Club members January 15 the pantry is continuing its core mission of feeding neighbors in need. During a noon talk at Riverview Diner in Montgomery, Arko reported what her nonprofit does and how the public can help. “We’re

Aurora to celebrate second annual Restaurant Week

The City of Aurora is gearing up to celebrate its second annual Aurora Restaurant Week, from January 20 through February 3. The event, which will showcase Aurora’s rapidly growing and diverse culinary scene, offers both residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy exclusive discounts and prix-fixe menus at participating restaurants

Recipe of the Week: Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients1 tablespoon vegetable oil2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1/4-inch thick strips1 tablespoon butter1/2 medium onion, sliced or diced8 ounces sliced mushrooms2 cloves garlic, minced1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour1/2 cup white wine2 cups beef broth, divided3/4 cup sour cream1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives Directions1. Season beef generously with salt

Marie Wilkinson 11th Annual ‘Fill the Bowls’ February 22

More than 20 local Fox Valley restaurants are gathering to host a fundraiser for the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry Sunday, Feb. 22. Guests of all ages are welcome from noon to 3 p.m. at the Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora. Tickets are on sale at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fill-the-bowls-tickets-1979492415100 or

Recipe of the Week: Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions

Ingredients2 teaspoons vegetable oil1 tablespoon garlic, minced1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce1/2 cup water2 tablespoons brown sugar1 pound beef flank steak, sliced 1/8 inch thick1/4 cup cornstarch1 cup vegetable oil for frying2 bunches green onions, cut in 1-inch lengths Directions1. Place the sliced beef into

Northern Illinois Norwegian-Americans cookbook

Marking 200 years of Norwegian immigration to the U.S., Northern-Illinois Norwegian-Americans have published a cookbook. “Fox River Settlement Heritage Recipes,” a collection of family recipes, is sponsored by Sons of Norway Polar Star 5-472 Lodge, Montgomery and Cleng Peerson Lodge 5-525, Ottawa. The 120-page softbound book (Morris Press Cookbooks, Kearney,

Recipe of the Week: Moroccan Chicken Thighs

Ingredients8 bone-in chicken thighs1 ½ cups chicken broth3 tablespoons paprika3 tablespoons ground cumin3 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root3 teaspoons ground turmeric2 teaspoons ground cinnamon1 lemon, zested and juiced2 tablespoons olive oil½ white onion, chopped1 teaspoon garlic, minced1 cup pimento-stuffed green olives2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Directions1. Place the chicken thighs

Recipe of the Week: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients1 cup butter, softened1 cup white sugar1 cup packed brown sugar2 eggs3 teaspoons vanilla extract1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar2 teaspoons hot water1/2 teaspoon salt3 cups all-purpose flour2 cups semisweet chocolate chips1 cup chopped walnuts Directions1. Preheat oven to 350F. 2. Cream together the butter, white sugar, and

Recipe of the Week: Oatmeal Raisin Toffee Cookies

Ingredients1 cup butter, softened1 cup brown sugar1/2 cup white sugar2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon ground cinnamon3 cups rolled oats1 cup raisins1 cup crushed toffee candy Directions1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease cookie sheets. 2. In a large bowl, cream together the

Reader’s Voice: Gratitude from food pantry in tough times

November 30, 2025Dear editor; On behalf of the entire Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry family, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the many businesses and individuals who helped make this Thanksgiving season a success. These past few months have been especially challenging for our community. Families have struggled

Recipe of the Week: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Ingredients4 tablespoons unsalted butter2 cups chopped onions1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced2 teaspoons dried dill weed1 tablespoon paprika1 tablespoon soy sauce2 cups chicken broth1 cup milk3 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 teaspoon saltground black pepper to taste2 teaspoons lemon juice1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced1/2 cup sour cream Directions1.Melt the butter in a large

Recipe of the Week: Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened1/2 cup sour cream1/2 cup white sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract3 eggs1 (10 inch) prepared graham cracker crust1 cup pumpkin puree3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 pinch ground cloves1 pinch ground nutmeg1/2 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed Directions1. Preheat oven to 325 F. 2. In a large

Recipe of the Week: Portobello Penne Casserole

Ingredients1 (8 ounce) package uncooked penne pasta2 tablespoons vegetable oil1/2 pound portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced 1/4 cup butter1/4 cup all-purpose flour3 cloves garlic, minced1/2 teaspoon dried basil1 3/4 cups milk2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese1 (10 ounce) package chopped spinach, thawed Directions1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 9×13