Eat this, drink that: Miracle berries, Epiphany, and more

Eat this, drink that: Miracle berries, Epiphany, and more

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.
Rosca des reyes at Carniceria Ricardo in Chicago (WBEZ/Louisa Chu)

Friday, January 4

WBEZ blogger alum Mark Bazer hosts the first Interview Show of the new year with very special guest, Moto and iNG chef/owner Homaro Cantu, at the Hideout. Cantu’s book, The Miracle Berry Diet Cookbook, has just been released, a project nearly a decade in the making. The so-called miracle berry grows wild in West Africa and transforms flavors, most notably, sour to sweet. Cantu will offer a miracle berry tasting at the show. He’s also teaching a miracle berry cooking class, with a six course “flavor tripping” tasting menu at iNG until Jan. 12, which includes a copy of the book. Admission $8 to the Interview Show; $100 for the miracle berry class.

Sunday, January 6

Celebrate Epiphany, also known as Día de Reyes, with a French galette des rois or Mexican rosca de reyes from bakeries across Chicagoland, including Floriole Cafe & Bakery and all four Bombon locations. Remember to look for the favor inside.

Monday, January 7

Slow Food Chicago presents the Quarterly Canning Workshop, featuring sparkling wine and lavender jelly, at Kendall College. Scratch Homemade founder Lis David will teach the small-batch hands-on class using regionally-produced sparkling wine and locally-grown lavender. You’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence needed to can at home and a few jars of jelly. Admission $45.

Wednesday, January 9

Soup & Bread presents this week’s theme — the Four Cs: Cumin, coriander, cardamom, cilantro — at the Hideout, this week benefitting Inspiration Corporation. Publican Quality Meats donates bread throughout the season, plus gluten-free loaves courtesy of Rae Lynn Hill, The Sweet Purveyor. Admission FREE, donate what you can and remember Everyone LOVES the Generous.