Traverse City Record-Eagle

Foodie With Family: Team Couch Potato
There is very little I find more soul-satisfying than cuddling up in a fuzzy blanket on the couch with endless plates of finger foods and hot drinks while watching athletic people exert themselves to the breaking point for pride and nation in sub-zero temperatures.
Recipe of the Week: Chili Verde
Chef Randy Chamberlain of blu in Glen Arbor said, "While most every chili cookoff chef has a secret to keep, I'm not one of them. Make this yourself or join me at the Glen Arbor Chili Cook-Off."
Cook's Corner: Sculptor at Winter Games
Traverse City ice sculptor Steven Berkshire will represent the U.S. in the 2010 Ice Art World Championship, an official 2010 Winter Games Cultural Olympiad event. Also, Rizzios bake a best apple pie; Friske's wants recipes; Northwestern Michigan College is holding a Winter Festival of Foods; and more food news from around the region.
New Stuff: 'Birds, Bees and Trees'
Great Northern Roasting Co.'s "Birds, Bees and Trees" coffee is now available at Oleson's grocery stores.
Amish Cook: Hard to plan funeral meal
It is hard to guess how many to make or how much food is needed for a funeral. Along with the ham sandwiches, chicken noodle soup and casseroles were served, as well as potato salad, cheese, Jell-O, fruit salad, cake and coffee.
Get ready for some Super eating
Major sports times are heading our way. Well, major sports-viewing times at least. You'll need sustenance to help you get in shape for both the Olympics (Feb. 12-28) in Vancouver, B.C., and Super Bowl XLIV (Feb. 7).
Everyday Cook: Wing man ready for big game
During football season, it's good to be friends with Jon Lewis. His Sunday ritual is hosting gatherings to watch football on TV. And that means his signature hot wings, spelled with a capital H-O-T. He acquired the recipe back in college, when he roomed with some students from Buffalo while attending Northwood University.
Recipe of the Week: Coconut Rice Delight
Paula Brousseau, of Bellaire, featured the Record-Eagle last month for her vast recipe collection, sent in this recipe, which she thinks is at least 35 years old. "I don't remember where I got this recipe, except I cut it out of magazine."
It's Girl Scout cookie time
Area Girl Scouts kicked off the sale Jan. 23. It runs through Feb. 14. This year, the new cookie is Thank U Berry Munch.
Benzie Winterfest wants your chili
Chili recipes are wanted for a Benzie Winterfest cookoff Feb. 13.
Cooks Corner: Chocolate events abound
Chocolate at Frankfort Farmers Market, "Taste the Passion in Leelanau, bake sale for Women's Resouce Center, the Kingsley "Pie Lady" bakes again, cook with the pros at Crooked Tree and a benefit for the Beulah library.
Amish Cook: Muddy boots need snow
Early Sunday morning we had some thunder and lightning along with some heavy winds and rain, which is unusual for January! All the snow melting, combined with the rain, made the ground quite muddy. The children have some muddy boots that need to be cleaned.
Healthy Cook: Sports drink alternative
Sports drinks are fine for hydration, which is essential for a healthy workout. But when you've just finished exerting yourself, what your body really craves is a good jolt of carbohydrates and protein, and a protein shake is a delicious and satisfying way to get it.
Company sells diabetic-friendly foods
Two things have been a part of Ron Underwood's life: business and diabetes. Underwood founded Skilled Manufacturing in Traverse City and ran it for 29 years until he sold it nine years ago. He was diagnosed with Type I diabetes 35 years ago. The two parts of Underwood's life have now merged.