Prairie Grass Cafe(ILLINOIS) — For many, COVID-19 coronavirus precautions mean you’re stuck at home — which means you’re stuck with your perhaps limited kitchen skills.
But thanks to two-time James Beard Award-winning chef Sarah Stegner, the co-owner of Northbrook, Illinois’ Prairie Grass Cafe, you have some help. She’s opened a hotline to help people with cooking tips during the COVID-19 crisis.
Giving Chef Stegner a ring at 847-920-8437 will give you access to her tips and tricks about how to best prepare what you can with what you have.
And since we’re all in the mood for some comfort food, the chef gave ABC Audio the following tips:
“Most people went to the grocery store and purchased non perishable foods. Next time you go back don’t forget the fresh produce section to add herbs like cilantro, basil, & spicy peppers,” she says.
However, if you’re limited to, say, grilled cheese, Sarah suggests, “[T]ry…a grilled cheese with tomato sauce — reduced to a spreadable jam consistency and red chili pepper flakes.”
If you can roast a chicken, “dress it up by placing apple wedges, carrots and onions underneath it while it roasts,” the chef suggests. “Just before you pull it out of the oven glaze it with some honey with a bit of apple cider vinegar.”
Another suggestion? “Pasta is so easy to change up the flavors,” she explains. “Next time you make it leave out the tomato sauce. Try sautéing vegetables [like] mushrooms, onions, peppers… whatever you have in the house. Finish with whole butter, a splash of pasta water and salt & pepper.” Don’t forget the grated cheese over the top.
If you’re lucky enough to be local to her restaurant, they’re doing take out/curbside lunch and dinner orders; call the Prairie Grass Cafe at 847-205-4433.
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