Dear Cinnamon is a monthly column based on the idea that all of life's questions can be answered by art, because, after all, art is the spice of life. To submit your own anonymous questions, fill out this form.
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Dear Cinnamon,
My family isn’t the sort who will get up and run a charity race on Thanksgiving morning; they barely remove their sweatpants for dinner. What is something that is non exercise related that we can all do while they visit here in Chicago?
I attempt fancy Thanksgiving every year and even I end up in comfy pants and an oversized sweater. For your voluminous clothing loving family, I have the perfect excursion that will allow them to stay seated, stay cozy, and yet still leave the house for some fun. Take them to the Music Box Theatre for a tradition that will live on longer than road racing dreams. The Sound of Music Sing Along will be your new 5k of the mouth as you all sing about your favorite things and admire the alps. Nothing says wholesome family holiday more than Julie Andrews, even if you are wearing pajamas that pass as clothes.
Dear Cinnamon,
I’m over my usual recipes for the holidays. I want something a little healthier but still special. What can I make that will please a crowd who would prefer gravy-loaded everything?
We should all shout from the rooftops that turkey is actually gross and we can eat anything we want for Thanksgiving since pilgrims are problematic. Be inspired by cookbooks from local chefs to challenge what you serve for Thanksgiving, it will be fancier, much more yummy, and the surprise of a new dish will be eased by your equally decadent dessert not made from a can or freezer aisle crust. My personal favorites are The Lula Cafe Cookbook and The Eli’s Cheesecake Cookbook. Both have dishes to serve all day as well as desserts that will inspire taste buds to squeal with glee instead of causing the whole crew to gnaw away on dry meat that everyone has to lie about enjoying.
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