Willie’s Wildcat Cookbook
We’d expect recipes from Northwestern University alum like Cindy Crawford (Banana Bread); Bobby Flay and his NU alum wife and occasional Iron Chef judge Stephanie March (Coffee Rubbed Filet Mignon with Ancho Mushroom Sauce); or Stephanie Izard (Cucumber Salad with a Kick!) in “Willie’s Wildcat Cookbook.” But what about Jim Freeland’s game-day breakfast Zucchini Pancakes? They’re also good for the morning after the game. Freeland is the executive chef for Lou Malnati’s thirty Chicago-area locations. And there’s McCormick & Schmick’s chef William King’s Pancetta-Wrapped Prawns. Favorite tailgate recipes from alum like The Spice House owners Patty and Tom Erd (Bloody Mary; Burgers with a Kick) match the athletic veins running through the colorful cookbook. Stacy and head football coach Pat Fitzgerald share their recipe for Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Proceeds from sales of this collection of recipes and cooking tips, which Northwestern University published in September, will benefit athletic departments at Northwestern University.
Willie’s Wildcat Cookbook
Northwestern University, 352 pages, $25
Best of Chicago 2011