Mother's Day is fast approaching! Here are some gift ideas for the special woman in your life that will make her smile. Kitchen tools and equipment that are not only fun to use but truly useful. Not only will you be remembered for your thoughtful gift every time she uses it in the kitchen, but you will most likely be the recipient of many delicious treats in the future.

Go to the Top Ten Gifts for Women.

Sometimes simple is best. This recipe only has a few ingredients. Use the best you can find and this dish is extraordinary.

Check out the recipe for Baby Artichokes with Parmesan, Meyer Lemon, and Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

This is a wonderfully rich and tasty spring dish that works well as a main course. It also pairs beautifully as a side dish with meat dishes.

Check out the recipe for Carbonara with Green Asparagus and Pancetta.

Mother's Day is May 11. Don't know what to give mom or short on time? Almost everyone loves and appreciates the gift of food. It's hard to go wrong. There are thousands of gift basket companies, a few good ones and a lot of not so good ones. Here are some of my favorite companies that are reliable, feature high quality gourmet foods, and have good customer service.

Check out the list of Top Ten Gift Baskets for Mother's Day.

It's not quite strawberry season in most places, but it's just around the corner and already this luscious fruit is making its way into grocery stores everywhere. Here are a few strawberry recipes to get you started.

Strawberry Recipes:

Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp
Strawberry Baked Alaska
Strawberry Peach Stuffed French Toast
Chilled Rhubarb & Strawberry Soup
Creme Brulee French Toast with Drunken Strawberries
Fresh Strawberries with Coconut Crème Anglaise

This recipe is so fast and easy but your dinner guests will never know. This is a great appetizer for parties but is so delicious you'll want to make it for your own family. The prosciutto is optional but adds a wonderful savory and salty flavor.

Check out the recipe for Crispy Asparagus & Prosciutto Straws.

Another episode of Top Chef has passed with Zoi sent packing this week. Eliminated so far from Top Chef Chicago: Nimma, Valerie, Erik, Manuel, and Zoi. Who do you think will be the final chef standing?

Fresh herbs make a lovely addition to a green salad. Chopped and incorporated into a vinaigrette, the fresh herb taste will transform any salad into something special. I've chosen four herbs here that work well together but any fresh herbs will do.

Go to the recipe for Spring Herb Vinaigrette.

This quick and easy pasta dish is full of flavor. Part Arrabbiata, part Puttanesca this dish is a little spicy with a nice contrast of sweetness and salt. Delicious.

Go to the recipe for Spicy Ziti with Olives and Capers.

Every year StarChefs.com choses a select group of young culinary professionals that represent the future of American Cuisine. They exemplify the contemporary American dining scene. Rising Stars are creative, passionate, ambitious, and, of course, incredible chefs creating delicious food. Here are the 2008 winners representing the great food city of Chicago.

Go check out the 2008 Rising Stars of Chicago