August 2010 – Les Dames d'Escoffier Chicago

Field Trip for MBGC (aka the boys & girls club)

August 5, 2010Leave a comment

Twenty-six McCormick Boys and Girls Club students arrived at the Farm In The Zoo on Wednesday, July 28 at 10:30 and divided into two groups. One group visited the Edible Garden in the farm area of the zoo and were allowed to pick produce to wash and eat or take home while the second group visited the Green City Market for a tasting of local fresh produce. The groups then switched places. Kord, our organic gardener was in the edible garden for both groups to answer questions about the fruits and vegetables the children were picking. After eating the lunch that Director Mitch had arranged for them to bring they enjoyed visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo. Chaperones for the outing were Barbara Gorham, Karen Levin, Patty Frost and Karen’s neighbor, Debby Zirin. Another great day for us and the children. —Karen Levin

Ravinia, 2010 Summer Fun

August 4, 2010Leave a comment

The rain kept its distance allowing 14 dames and guests to enjoy a night under the stars dining on picnic fare and listening to Arrival, the Swedish cover band who performed the music of ABBA at the 13th annual Dames Who Drink Ravinia Picnic. The food ranged from Swedish open faced sandwiches on limpa bread with a side of herring, oven fried chicken, Swedish carrots, peach and basil salad, fruit salad, burrata cheese on prosciutto with fresh figs and panzanella salad to rich, delicious chocolate peanut butter cookies. Maria Concannon made a brief appearance on Karen’s porch to supply the guests with her fabulous guacamole, chips and salsa that went so well with the traditional porch starter, the Margaritas from the Chicago Cooks cookbook. A good time was had by all. —Karen Levin

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Summertime Margaritas

August 4, 2010December 10, 2016Leave a comment

This is my favorite beverage to serve on the porch in the summertime.It’s also the standard starter for Les Dames members and their guests who have attended the annual “Dames Who Drink” Ravinia Picnic for the past 10 years.The recipe doubles well if you are serving a crowd. —Karen Levin

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients
8 thin lime wedges
Coarse (kosher) salt
1 1/2 cups premium, or gold tequila
1 1/2 cups frozen limeade concentrate (such as Minute Maid brand), not thawed
2/3 cup triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier liqueur
6 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Method
1. Rub the rims of 8 glasses with one of the lime wedges.Place a layer of salt on a small plate. Dip the lime-coated glasses in the salt to lightly coat the rims.

2. Combine the remaining ingredients in a large pitcher, mixing until the concentrate thaws. Serve over ice in salt-rimmed glasses, or shake with ice cubes and strain into glasses. Garnish each margarita with a lime wedge.