By Jonathan Chong Western Herald Crazy Sticky “Bat” Wings Ingredients: 3 lbs. chicken wings Ingredients for Marinade: 2½ cups ketchup 5 tbs honey 2tbs sugar 2½ tbs brown sugar 1½ tbs vinegar 2tbs dried oregano 2tbs chopped garlic 2tbs chopped onions 3tbs olive oil/vegetable oil salt and pepper to taste black and green food coloring [...]

I’ve saved the best for last! After writing about 30 columns over the past two semesters, I’m publishing my favorite recipes in this year-end issue of the Weekend Scene. Smoothies The smoothie tradition in my house began as an after school snack back when we rushed home each day to watch The Magic School Bus. [...]

The surprise snowstorm earlier this week had me dreaming about spring break and warm weather. Nothing tastes better than fresh seafood while in the south, and my family and I had our share while visiting the Florida Keys in March. I had a phenomenal Lobster Ruben at Parrotdise Waterfront Bar and Grille in Little Torch [...]

Nothing is easier (or cheaper) to cook than Italian food. My friend Matt recently made a pasta dish that outdid regular noodles and sauce. After hearing rave reviews about the dish for weeks, I finally got the chance to taste it myself. The spiciness of the sausage is complimented by the creaminess of the homemade [...]

Oberon, a popular summer brew from Bell’s Brewery, will be released on March 30. Bell’s Brewery owner Larry Bell will be tapping and tasting Oberon at Regional Food and Drink in downtown Washington, D.C. For college students in southwest Michigan who can’t make it to the nation’s capital to celebrate with Mr. Bell, head to [...]

If we had a Whole Foods Market in Kalamazoo I would tell you to drive there immediately to gaze at the natural, grass-fed chicken breast just waiting to be turned into a delectable cheese covered grilled sandwich. Fresh chicken is far superior to the frozen, genetically modified, pre-formed patties found in cafeterias on campus, which [...]

Each year around St. Patrick’s day, I think of my great-grandma Holland, who has been described as a child of immigrants, with a strong Irish temper. Born Margaret MacElroy on Valentine’s Day at the beginning of the 20th century, she loved to crochet but only learned to knit a few years before her death in [...]

As you read this, I’m on my way to sunny Florida to forget about my hectic life at Western by relaxing near the ocean. My Grandma, who is playing hostess for the week, has already baked my favorite cookies (molasses) and stocked up on Diet Coke to prepare for my visit. When we’re not reading [...]

If you’re a food lover, nothing is more romantic than enjoying a home cooked meal prepared by someone you love. If your cooking skills are still a little sub-par, there are many high-end restaurants in Kalamazoo offering great specials for Valentine’s Day. Food Dance, located at 401 E. Michigan Avenue, has a Valentine’s Day prix [...]

Instead of having beer and wings on Super Bowl Sunday, try serving Mexican dishes for a south of the Border themed party. Make a big batch of tacos, enchiladas or quesadillas to serve along side these great dishes. If margaritas are too fancy for the big game, buy a case of Mexican beer and chill [...]

Winter is knocking on our door, but blowing snow and chilling wind doesn’t mean it’s time to turn up the heat. Instead of looking forward to an extra large electric bill, cook a big pot of soup and bake a fresh loaf of bread to warm up on a cold day. If cooking for one [...]

There’s no better time for an all American party than the three-day weekend preceding President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration. Most of us will be working or in class during the actual ceremony at noon on Jan. 20, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate before or after the event. These dishes represent states that impacted the [...]

Instead of vowing to follow a strict diet or workout plan for my New Years resolution, I’ve decided cut down on eating meat. I will try not to eat red meat, pork or poultry but will still enjoy seafood because I’ve never met a crab cake I didn’t like. My resolution won’t be too difficult [...]

Every family has certain recipes they cook around the holidays and of course mine is no different. We make goodies for my mom’s clients, neighbors, teachers, grandparents and for Christmas parties. None of these recipes are low fat or healthy, but who’s worrying about calories this time of year? I have tasted each of these [...]

Scandinavian miners working in the Upper Peninsula used to pack freshly baked pasties (pronounced pas-tees) into their lunch pales in the morning so they would have a warm meal at noon. Over a century later, pasties are a traditional northern Michigan food that my family loves. Stuffed with meat and vegetables, they are filling yet [...]

These colorful recipes are great during the holiday season when everyone is sick and tired of eating turkey and ham. This fresh take on chicken and vegetables won’t weigh you down like a huge Thanksgiving feast. If there’s someone special you want to impress, be sure to make this dinner. The chicken and asparagus bundles [...]

My birthday was Nov. 5, and being away at home means there wasn’t a special meal waiting for me at dinnertime. Being at college is all about becoming independent, and I guess that includes being able to make your own birthday cake. I’m not one to rely on boxed cake mixes when homemade tastes so [...]

By Heather Holland Western Herald Nothing says fall like the presence of jack-o-lanterns, so it’s time to stock up on pumpkin to last until Thanksgiving. You can buy fresh pumpkins and then roast and puree them yourself, but I bought organic canned pumpkin at Sawall Health Foods on Oakland Dr. instead. My favorite pumpkin recipes [...]

By Heather Holland Western Herald Autumn is finally here, which means it’s time to visit a local orchard and pick fresh, Michigan grown apples. While you’re there, be sure to buy a gallon of homemade cider and a dozen hot doughnuts. If you can’t make it to a genuine orchard, stop by the Kalamazoo Farmers [...]

By Heather Holland Western Herald My friends, roommates and I have begun to gather as a group for game night on Saturday evenings, which basically means my friends and I are too cheap to go out to eat or hit the bar. My roommates and I try to have something to munch on during heated [...]

By Heather Holland Pasta dishes are cheap and easy to make and make wonderful leftovers. I’m always looking for something substantial to pack for lunch, and these recipes fit the bill. The lasagna is great reheated, and the tortellini dish can be eaten hot or cold. This recipe makes just two servings, so it’s great [...]

By Heather Holland Western Herald My little sister is a freshman at Michigan State University, and I think it’s about time she got her first care package in the mail. I asked my Mom if she’s sent anything to East Lansing yet, and the answer was no; She’s much too busy going to Billy Ray [...]