Emily Paster
Emily Paster was born and raised in Washington, DC, where her mother was the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library and her father was chairman of the public relations firm Hill and Knowlton. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Michigan Law School, she redirected her career from law to cooking and food writing beginning about 10 years ago, when she had her second child. She writes the widely admired blog West of the Loop, primarily about food but with forays into parenting and family life. She is the co-founder of the Chicago Food Swap and is a national leader in the growing food swap movement (community get-togethers where handmade foods are bartered and exchanged). Her previous book is Food Swap (Storey 2016). A resident of River Forest, Illinois, in suburban Chicago, she speaks often in the Chicago area on farm-to-table and garden-to-table provisioning and cooking and she has appeared numerous times on food and cooking segments for the major TV network affiliates in Chicago.
Articles by Emily Paster
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Smoky Black Tahini
A smoky twist on this modern classic.
These Black Tahini Truffles Are the Perfect Vegan Dessert
Rich, nutty and creamy, this unique treat is super easy to make.
Great-Grandma Bessie’s Cheese Blintz Recipe
This family favorite recipe uses a secret ingredient for the creamy filling.
This Instant Pot Shakshuka Is a Game Changer
The perfect tool for poaching eggs.
Couscous with Seven Vegetables Recipe
A celebration of seasonal produce and the new year.
How to Make Tabbouleh in an Instant Pot
You will love this fail proof method.
Here’s What It’s Like to Open a Jewish Deli During a Pandemic
A brand new deli in Chicago shares what it's like to open in this difficult moment.
North African Preserved Lemons Recipe
A traditional recipe that will add big flavor to your cooking.