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Karen D

Karen D
Karen is a Virtual Moderator and Class Assistant at The Chopping Block. Her mother was first-generation Italian and her grandparents lived nearby, so eating meals together was always a focus and holidays meant lots of people, courses, and “old country” traditions. This love of good food grew into a passion for cooking, and no matter where in the world she has traveled or lived, Karen has always found that food is what brings people together. She finds the best way to unwind and relax is to spend time cooking or baking, whether it’s trying something new or preparing a “tried and true” meal – her husband says she literally sings in the kitchen! At The Chopping Block, Karen enjoys sharing that joy with guests, hoping to spark that same love of cooking in their lives.

Recent Posts

Munchkin Baking

The children in our lives go by many endearing names: kiddos, littles, munchkins – to name but a few! Whatever your choice is, they hold a special place in our hearts and whenever we have the chance ...

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Taste Memories

I have frequently talked about “taste memories” in previous blog posts: How the taste or aroma of something brings back memories from long ago. They often take me to a place or event with loved ones ...

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Layer the Vegetables Up

It’s the end of Summer, and those vegetables and herbs we’ve been patiently waiting to reach their peak all season have finally done so - I love it! Our little balcony garden is literally ...

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Apple-icious Treats

How odd to talk about apples now, right? We have an abundance of fresh Summer fruits and berries available, and I’m suggesting you cook with apples? But stick with me for a minute! What’s one of the ...

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A Salad for Strawberry Season

Strawberry season leaves me swooning! I can’t help it. For me, it’s the sign that Summer has really, truly arrived… and with it, all the fresh and wonderful foods that the season brings. With this in ...

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Candied Orange Slices

For those of you who don’t know, we announce a cooking challenge each week in The Chopping Block's private Facebook group. If you aren't already a member, it’s a great way to connect with others who ...

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Spice Up your Weeknight Chicken

Most of our hands-on cooking classes at The Chopping Block focus on preparing several dishes which result in a delicious meal that our guests enjoy at the end of class. However, one question that we ...

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Use Those Leek Tops

Do you love leeks? I sure do. Subtle in flavor, melty in texture when cooked, a bit crunchy as a raw garnish, they’re one of my favorite vegetables. When a recipe calls for leeks, it usually ...

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Cake Decorating Goals

It has become something of a tradition for me to make birthday cakes for our two favorite little girls. We’ve known them since they were born & Auntie Karen loves to bake – it’s a match made in ...

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A Zestier Take on Cranberry Sauce

When you make a meal for others, do you ever find that they will try something you had no idea they don’t care for, only to have them announce that they really like the way you’ve prepared it? And ...

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Most Recent Posts

Chicago Bakeries Worth The Wait

  I’m always asked by friends, local to Chicago and those visiting, for the best places to eat...Read more

Summerween

  Did you know that there is a large faction of people that celebrate Halloween in the summer?...Read more

What is Chinese Black Vinegar and How to Use It?

  Believe it or not, in all my years of professional cooking, I had never used Chinese black...Read more

Crawfish 101: How to Boil, Peel, and Enjoy This Southern Delicacy

  It's the season of the crawfish boil, where flavors are bold, hands get messy, and the...Read more

Spring Into these New Techniques

  Spring has finally sprung here in the Midwest, and I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to...Read more

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