The Blog at Four Winds Casinos

Congratulations to Jamil Packaging on 50 years in business! Jamil Packaging hosted their anniversary party at Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center at Four Winds Casino South Bend. Would they book their event at Four Winds Casino South Bend again? 100% no doubt about it!   Thank you to Jamil Packaging for hosting your event at Four Winds Casino South Bend. Why did they choose Ribbon Town? It was a new venue, in town, and we liked the idea of it being attached to both the casino and hotel for out-of-town invitees. It was awesome. [We] love the cocktail area and the bar stations within the ballroom and love the balcony options (for nicer weather).   Ribbon Town has a customizable space for any type of event: Conferences, concerts, birthdays and more. How did the Jamil Packaging 50th Anniversary Event go? Cocktail hour from 6:30-7:30p. Cocktail hour included stationed and passed appetizers. Dinner followed at 8pm.  Appetizers were brought into the room, during dinner, which was liked/appreciated. Guests were going up between salad and entrée to get more!!   Our team enjoys organizing and making sure every detail is planned. The Four Winds Casino team couldn’t have been any better. Everyone was kind and helpful every step of the way. They were so helpful and kind along the way. Great at keeping me on track and made things seem seamless during the event. It was always easy to find someone when I had a question or concern.   There is always room for improvement so what was this group’s suggestion? To-go boxes so guests who rave about the food and desserts but are unable to finish can take them.   It was a fun time at the Jamil Packaging 50th Anniversary event for inquiries on holding an event at Four Winds Casino South Bend’s Ribbon Town or Four Winds Casino New Buffalo’s Silver Creek, contact our sales team.    

Roasted Butternut Squash and Wild Mushroom Salad is a simple and delicious dish to bring to your parties all year long! Ingredients 2 lb.                       Diced Butternut Squash 8 oz.                       Shallots Minced 1/4 oz.                  Sage Minced 1/2 oz.                  Salt 1/4 oz.                  Pepper 2 1/2 oz.              Garlic Minced 4 oz.                      80/20 Oil 1 1/2 lb.               Cooked Wild Mushrooms 3 lb.                       Cooked Barley 6 oz.                       Sherry Vinegar 2 each                   Oranges juice and zest 4 oz.                      Toasted Pine Nuts or Slivered Almonds   ­Preparation Combine the first eight ingredients and mix together to coat with oil. Roast at 425 degrees for approximately 18-20 min, let cool. Combine with all remaining ingredients and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve as is or with your favorite greens.   Now that you’ve made a delicious treat, share photos of your masterpiece on social media and don’t forget to tag us. The Culinary Team at Four Winds Casinos is dedicated to the art of preparing and serving delectable dishes. We enjoy sharing recipes with our guests and fans because we know you love our restaurants—which are some of the finest restaurants: Copper Rock Steakhouse, Timbers, Kankakee Grille, The Buffet, Edgewater Café.

Here is a fresh, seafood appetizer idea for your events. Lemon Beurre Blanc Sauce (Lemon Butter Suace)  Ingredients 3 oz. Chopped Fine Shallot, Peeled Fresh 8 fl oz. Chardonnay ¼ tsp. Fresh Thyme ½ tsp. Cracked Black Pepper 4 oz. Whipping Cream 1 lb. Unsalted Butter (solid and cut 1” thick) ½ Fresh Lemon Juice Kosher Salt to Taste Ground Black Pepper Black to Taste Preparation Combine the shallots, chardonnay, thyme, and cracked pepper in a heavy bottomed saucepan Gently simmer until almost (90%) all the liquid has evaporated Add the heavy cream and heat until mix is reduced by half Whisk in the butter over high heat until all the butter has been incorporated Add salt and ground pepper to preference and add lemon juice Strain and keep warm in an insulated thermos   Grilled Prawns Ingredients 4 Jumbo Shell on Shrimp 3 oz. of Lemon Beurre Blanc Sauce ½ oz. Herb Salad Mix ½ Grilled Lemon Steak Seasoning to Taste 1 lb. Butter 1 tsp. Fresh Minced Garlic 1 tsp. Chopped Chives   Preparation – Garlic Herb Butter Add minced fresh garlic to pound of butter and slowly melt in a small sauce pot Set aside for prawns   Preparation – Prawns Remove the head, if still attached Cut the body in half lengthwise but leave enough flesh and shell to keep the two halves attached Season the prawns with the steak seasoning Place on grill and cook till done; prawns should be firm to the touch Remove from the grill and toss the melted garlic herb butter over the prawns   Presentation Place the herb salad mix in the middle of a large, round plate and top with the grilled lemon Place the shrimp around the herb salad mix Ladle Lemon Beurre Blanc Sauce around the shrimp Sprinkle with finely chopped chives to taste Now that you’ve made this impressive appetizer, please enjoy and share photos of your masterpiece. You can email photos to social@fourwindscasino.com and we may feature them on our Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! The Culinary Team at Four Winds Casinos is dedicated to the art of preparing and serving delectable dishes. We enjoy sharing recipes with our guests and fans because we know you love our restaurants—which happen to be some of the finest restaurants in New Buffalo, Michigan, South Bend, Indiana, and the surrounding areas.

Be ready to impress on your next date night in with our Petite Filet with Orzo Pasta Salad recipe. This great dish will not only keep you at the top of their favorites list, but it is a great entrée all year long!   Ingredients 2 3 oz. Tenderloin Steak 2 oz. Crab Meat 2 tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar 1 cup Orzo Pasta 1/4 Red Onion, Finely Diced 1/2 English Cucumber, Finley Diced 8 Cherry Tomatoes, Quartered 1/4 cup Feta Cheese, Crumbled 1 tbsp. Fresh Oregano, Chopped 1 tsp. Fresh Mint, Chopped 3 tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Kosher Salt Fresh Cracked Pepper   ­Preparation In a shallow baking dish, season steaks with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Toss seasoned steak in olive oil and Balsamic Vinegar to coat and set aside at room temperature Heat a salted pot of water to a boil Add orzo to boiling water and cook until al dente (about 3-4 minutes) Drain orzo and set in fridge to cool 15 minutes Heat grill to medium high heat and grill steaks 3-4 minutes per side for medium rare Remove from heat and allow steaks to rest Remove chilled orzo from fridge and gently stir in remaining ingredients along with ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil Place desired portion on a plate Slice steaks thin or leave whole and plate with orzo Serve immediately   Now that you’ve made a  Petite Filet with Orzo Pasta Salad sure to impress, share photos of your masterpiece on social media with #FourWindsCasino or by emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Emailed or tagged photos could be featured on our Facebook,  Instagram, and Pinterest pages! The Culinary Team at Four Winds Casino is dedicated to the art of preparing and serving delectable dishes. We enjoy sharing recipes with our guests and fans because we know you love our restaurants—which are some of the finest restaurants including Copper Rock Steakhouse, Kankakee Grille, Edgewater Café, Timbers, and The Buffet.

Since 1947 over a quarter of a million children of St. Joseph County have learned the joy of reading, empowerment of education and dignity of new clothing. All these efforts are possible by the dedication of the Christ Child Society of South Bend and events such as their Let Love Shine Dinner and Auction. The 2023 event was held at Four Winds Casino South Bend’s Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center. Event Co-Chair, Carolyn, reflected on how Ribbon Town complimented her event vision and how the Four Winds Sales Team helped bring it to fruition. The space was great! We were able to accommodate almost 300 guests comfortably in the Ribbon Town Ballroom. The pre-function space worked out very well for our auction items, and it was nice to have two different bar areas for guests to be able to get their drinks. The lighting was spectacular, especially as it coordinated with the decorations. The meeting room worked well for a place for volunteers to eat and for storing materials during the night. The sales team went beyond all our expectations! We had such a successful evening, and without the preparations beforehand and then the wonderful support throughout the evening, this would not have been possible. You have a real gem of a team at Four Winds. Combining their support and the beautiful space, it was a magnificent event!   Once the space is chosen, Four Winds offers the best tech and catering to elevate any event. Four Winds’ technology team was so professional with dealing with our group members as well as our third-party vendor who helped with the auction. She noted that they were great to work with and wondered if we’d be able to be at Four Winds again! We passed hors d’oeuvres throughout our cocktail hour. The food was delicious, and I think people had enough to meet their needs during that time. For dinner, we had chicken, and we were able to work with Richelle G and the chef to arrange for potatoes and vegetables that worked well for us. We had tiramisu served for dessert, and it was a great way to finish the meal. The only main issue was that there was so much food-not everyone could finish the chicken! It was great to see so many people being fed so efficiently! When the details are taken care of and the event team is there to execute your dream event, the only thing left to do is enjoy! For me, the most memorable part of the evening was how well-cared for I felt while I was there. As the co-chair of this major fundraiser, it was great to know that Richelle and the rest of the people I was working with from Four Winds seemed to really want our event to be a success. I was able to enjoy the evening, and we had a successful night of fundraising!   Would Carolyn book the Let Love Shine Event at Ribbon Town again? Yes! I hope to work out details about this possibility! Thank you to the Christ Child Society of South Bend for hosting your event at Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center at Four Winds South Bend. To tour Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center in South Bend or Silver Creek Event Center in New Buffalo, contact our sales team. We are ready to help make your event vision come true.

Do you turn your nose up when you hear the word brussels sprouts? Or have you been interested in trying them but just haven’t taken the plunge? Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a great addition to your side-dish recipes. On Cooking Creations with Chef Brandon, we dive into a simple yet flavorful brussels sprouts recipe that will have your taste buds excited for more of this culinary masterpiece. Ingredients 2 Lbs.            Whole Brussels Sprouts, Ends Trimmed 2 Tbsp.         Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2 1/2 Tsp.    Kosher Salt, Divided 1/4 Tsp.        Ground Black Pepper 3 Tbsp.         Parmesan, Finely Grated Pinch             Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) Preparation Did you go extra crispy or add a punch with the red pepper flakes? We’d love to see your smashed brussels sprouts. Share photos on social media with #FourWindsCasino or by emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations with Chef Brandon on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step-by-step videos.

Not your average salad! Chef Brandon brings you an Asian Peanut Noodle Salad that includes a mixture of textures and flavors. It’s a great recipe for a BBQ or Asian themed night. Are your taste buds ready to dig in? Ingredients Asian Noodle Salad 10 oz                             Spaghetti Noodles 1                                     Red Bell Pepper, Thinly Sliced 2                                     Large Carrots, Grated 1 C                                  Lightly Packed Green Onions, Finely Chopped 1 C                                  Lightly Packed Cilantro, Finely Chopped 2 C                                  Napa Cabbage, Finely Chopped or Grated Peanut Sauce 1 Tbsp                           Minced Ginger 3 Cloves                       Minced Garlic ½ C                                 Peanut Butter 1 ½ Tbsp                      Rice Wine Vinegar ¼ C                                 Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp                           Lime Juice 2 ½ Tbsp                      Honey ½ tsp                             Red Pepper Flakes 2-4 Tbsp                       Water, to adjust consistency Toppings Peanuts Chopped Cilantro Lime Wedges Preparation Cooking Creations has done it again. We’d love to see your masterpiece. Share your photos by using #FourWindsCasino or emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to our on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for more step-by-step Cooking Creations videos.

Simple and delectable, Lobster Corndogs are going to be the most desired item at your picnic. Chef Brandon brings life back and some spice to an old favorite. But lobster, really? Really! This recipe is refreshing and uses a tempura batter, so the entrée is light and crispy.  The batter is so perfect because we use club soda. It sounds strange but the carbonation helps aerate the batter and most importantly allows the lobster to fully cook. Club soda got it. But if you’re not sold on lobster, try steak. However, we highly suggest you give this whole recipe a try. It’s not your average corndog, it’s a lobster corndog; let’s get started.  Ingredients Lobster Corndogs 2                     Lobster Tails 8                     corndog sticks or wooden skewers Vegetable oil, enough to fill a skillet 2 inches deep Tempura Batter 1 2/3 Cup     Flour 1 1/2 Cup    Cornstarch 2 Cup             Club Soda Salt and pepper to taste Creamy Thai Chili Sauce 1/3 Cup        Mayonnaise 1/3 Cup        Sweet Thai Chili Sauce 2 Tbsp           Sriracha Sauce 1 tsp              Lemon Juice Preparation Add some green onion and tuxedo seeds for color and there you have it! You have a new favorite, don’t you? Share your photos by using #FourWindsCasino or emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step-by-step videos.

You’ve probably had a similar dish at many Asian dining spots, but Chef Brandon says this recipe from Chef Kuo is the bees’ knees. That’s enough for us to get excited, so let’s dive in. Ingredients ½ Cup            Water ½ Cup            Sugar ½ Cup            Walnuts 1 lb.               Medium Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined Salt and Pepper to Taste Canola or Peanut Oil 2                     Egg Whites ½ Cup            Cornstarch ¼ Cup            Mayonnaise 2 Tbsp           Sweetened Condensed Milk 2 Tbsp           Honey Preparation The aroma is tantalizing, and the flavor is remarkable! Pair this with stir fried rice or ramen noodles and get ready to add it to your dinner rotation. Share your photos by using #FourWindsCasino or emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step-by-step videos.

Thirst quenching and refreshing flavor, Brazilian Lemonade is a must try. Chef Brandon and Cooking Creations bring you a three-ingredient beverage perfect for summer. Ingredients 4                     Limes 5 Cups           Cold Water 1                     Can (14 ounces) Sweetened Condensed Milk Ice Cubes Preparation What did you think? Tell us in the comments or on social media! Share your photos by using #FourWindsCasino or emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step-by-step videos.

Risotto is great to enjoy but can be very intimidating to make at home as your sole focus must be on the entrée to have it turn out perfect. Chef Thomas takes us step by step on Cooking Creations with a Mushroom Parmesan Risotto. His 6-year-old loves it and it’s a recipe that can be easily adapted for personal tastes: vegan, steak, shrimp, chicken, tofu. If you have the time, let’s get started on making your new favorite entrée! Ingredients 1 C                  Arborio Rice 1 Tbsp           Butter 8 oz                Mushrooms 1 Shallot, Whole 1Tbsp            Thyme ¾ C                 White Wine ½ C                 Parmesan Cheese 4 C                  Beef Broth ½ tsp             Salt Preparation You’ve done it! Top it with steak, shrimp, or tofu, and enjoy. Share your photos by using #FourWindsCasino or emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step-by-step videos.

Simple and delectable, Lobster Corndogs are going to be the most desired item at your picnic. Chef Brandon brings life back and some spice to an old favorite. But lobster, really? Really! This recipe is refreshing and uses a tempura batter, so the entrée is light and crispy.  The batter is so perfect because we use club soda. It sounds strange but the carbonation helps aerate the batter and most importantly allows the lobster to fully cook. Club soda got it. But if you’re not sold on lobster, try steak. However, we highly suggest you give this whole recipe a try. It’s not your average corndog, it’s a lobster corndog; let’s get started.  Ingredients Lobster Corndogs 2                     Lobster Tails 8                     corndog sticks or wooden skewers Vegetable oil, enough to fill a skillet 2 inches deep Tempura Batter 1 2/3 Cup     Flour 1 1/2 Cup    Cornstarch 2 Cup             Club Soda Salt and pepper to taste Creamy Thai Chili Sauce 1/3 Cup        Mayonnaise 1/3 Cup        Sweet Thai Chili Sauce 2 Tbsp           Sriracha Sauce 1 tsp              Lemon Juice Preparation Add some green onion and tuxedo seeds for color and there you have it! You have a new favorite, don’t you? Share your photos by using #FourWindsCasino or emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step-by-step videos.

A dipping sauce that works great for marinating and more! Chef Drew’s Carolina BBQ Dipping Sauce is a must try. What makes it a Carolina sauce? The oh-so tasty vinegar base. Let’s give it a try. Ingredients 3 C                  Apple Cider Vinegar 1/4 C             Light Brown Sugar, Packed 2 tsp              Salt 2 tsp              Garlic Powder 2 tsp              Onion Powder 1 tsp              Black Pepper 1 Tbsp           Red Pepper Flakes 1 tsp              Hot Sauce of Choice 1/3 C             Ketchup Preparation What did you think of this flavor combo? Share your photos by using #FourWindsCasino or emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step by step videos.

These are not your average fries! Chef Drew’s Brined French Fries take time to prepare but every bite is worth the wait. Ingredients 3 lbs.             Yukon Potato 5 Tbsp           Kosher Salt 8 C                  Water 5                      Napa Cabbage Leaves Fry Seasoning 5 Tbsp           Salt 1 Tbsp           Black Pepper 2 Tbsp           Garlic Powder 3 Tbsp           Fresh Dill, Chopped Preparation Fries will never be the same, right? We’d love to hear what you thought of Chef Drew’s Brined Fries and see if you paired it with his Coffee Rubbed Brisket. Share your photos by using #FourWindsCasino or emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step-by-step videos.

A rack of Lamb is not only impressive and delicious to eat but intimidating to think about cooking! Chef Brian of Copper Rock Steakhouse takes us through the 6 steps to grilling a rack of lamb that will impress everyone at the table. Let’s get started on your lamb lollipops! Want a video tutorial? We’ve got you covered. Check out this episode of Cooking Creations here. Ingredients 1/2 Rack                               Lamb (Frenched) 4 Cloves                               Garlic 1 Tbsp                                   Fresh Rosemary 4 Tbsp                                   Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/2 tsp                                  Salt 1/4 tsp                                  Black Pepper Preparation How did your masterpiece turn out? We’d love to see! Share your photos by using #FourWindsCasino or emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Are you ready for more recipes? Tune in to more Cooking Creations on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step by step videos.

Gaming 101 – Mississippi Stud At Four Winds Casinos, we occasionally receive requests from guests about learning how to play table games. We understand that it can be intimidating to walk up to a table with seasoned players and try to learn a new game, so we’re going to teach you how to play Mississippi Stud! Mississippi Stud® is a five-card poker game that lets you bet up to 10 units on a single hand. In this card game, you compete against a paytable, not against the dealer, and you win if your hand is a pair of jacks or better. Playing To start a hand of Mississippi Stud, you must first make an ante bet to receive your first two cards. The dealer will then deal three community cards, utilizing a burn and turn method, in the middle of the layout. At this point, you may either fold or make the 3rd Street bet of 1x-3x your ante. The dealer then reveals the first community card. Once you see the first community card, you have a choice; fold or make the 4th Street Bet of 1x-3x your ante. The dealer then reveals the second community card. Once again, you can fold or stay in the game by making the 5th Street bet from 1x-3x your ante.  Winning and Losing When you fold, you forfeit your ante and any additional main game bets placed. The three card bonus bet remains in action until the three community cards are exposed.  After the dealer turns over the final community card, he resolves all wagers left in action. You win if your five-card hand is a pair of jacks or better (pairs of 6s-10s push). The top payout is 500 to 1 for a royal flush and it pays on all bets! It also features an optional 3 Card Bonus side bet.  5 card hand rankings are as follows: 3 Card Bonus Optional Side Bet You may make the optional 3 Card Bonus bet in addition to your standard Mississippi Stud wager. At the casino’s discretion, you may bet more on this bonus than the base game wagers. If the three community cards contain a pair or better, your 3 Card Bonus bet wins. Still unsure about playing Mississippi Stud? Just let the dealer know it’s your first time playing and they will be happy to help you. With three Mississippi Stud tables at Four Winds New Buffalo, two Mississippi Stud tables at Four Winds Hartford and one Mississippi Stud table at Four Winds Dowagiac, you’ve got great options to learn and enjoy the game of Mississippi Stud!

It is always great when recommendations turn into amazing experiences! Hello Gorgeous! checked out Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center on the recommendation of a friend. After visiting our South Bend event center, the Hello Gorgeous! team thought the space was: “Absolutely amazing!! It was perfect for the ambiance we wanted for the event.” Hello Gorgeous! is dedicated to “restoring the beauty that cancer steals by coaching & training women with cancer to help them smile when they look in the mirror”. Their goals are to strengthen confidence, empower individuals, help in self-acceptance and more. The 1st annual RED EVENT was held at Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center at Four Winds South Bend on April 22, 2023. Why was Hello Gorgeous! so excited about the venue’s ambiance? Because this special event was for those women that have heard, “You have cancer.” This unique event gave participants the ability to come together and restore, empower, and dazzle. How did Four Winds Casino and the Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center team help make this happen? Customizable Space – Technology – Teamwork – Dining Customizable Space Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center was transformed into a large reception room with 10 smaller breakout session rooms allowing each facet of the day to have a dedicated space. Technology Lights, camera, action. The AV team was excited to help with the stage lighting for a runway show as well as to ensure all the breakout sessions had the proper presentation technology. “The technology was over the top!!! Kelly and his team were amazing!!! They went above and beyond for me and I hugged them after the event. It was amazing.” Teamwork The Four Winds Casino Sales Team is all hands-on deck. From showing you the space to anything an event needs during the planning and day-of happenings. “The planning committee did an excellent job with the venue. It is something that South Bend will benefit from for years to come. Richelle is a superstar. She was incredible and truly made the dream that I had for this event come true. She was amazing from Day 1. Thank you.”  Dinning Even the best events can be diminished with lackluster food and beverage options, so our team is proud to offer the best of both for every event! “We had lunch served! Our participants gave the food a 10 on all our surveys!” When all these things come together simultaneously it is easy to focus on the fun and importance of the day. Karen of Hello Gorgeous! said the most memorable part of the vent was: “The smiles on the faces of the women with cancer at our event. This day was incredible, and Four Winds Casino and its staff made that possible.” Thank you to Karen and the Hello Gorgeous! Team for allowing us to be the venue for the RED EVENT. For more information on Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center at Four Winds South Bend or Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds New Buffalo, please reach out to our sales team!

Brisket is king of the party and rightfully so. When done right brisket is moist and flavorful, but it tends to be intimidating for people to cook themselves because of the trimming, seasoning ratios, and cooking time. Chef Drew is a brisket man and has brought a sweet, bitter, and savory seasoning combo to Cooking Creations! Clear out some space in your refrigerator and countertop because we’re all in with the brisket recipe. Ingredients 1                     16 lb. Beef Brisket Whole Kosher Salt (Enough to coat the brisket) 6 Tbsp           Coffee (finely ground) 4 Tbsp           Garlic Powder 4 Tbsp           Smoked Paprika 4 Tbsp           Brown Sugar 4 Tbsp           Chili Powder 2 Tbsp           Coriander 2 Tbsp           Onion Powder 2 tsp              Crushed Red Pepper Flakes 2 tsp              Cayenne Preparation Are you ready to be king of the party? Don’t expect any leftovers because we are sure you rocked this cooking Creations recipe. Chef Drew paired his brisket with Brined Fries. Share your photos by using #FourWindsCasino or emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations on our Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube accounts for step by step videos.

You’ve seen it on the menu at most Italian spots and your taste buds love it! But what is Gnocchi? Gnocchi is a simple to make Italian dumpling. How simple? You probably already have the three main ingredients in your kitchen: Flour, Eggs, and Potatoes! It is a perfect change-up of pasta and can be topped with your favorite sauces or sautéed butter and herbs. Chef Dustin takes you step-by-step in the simple process of creating Gnocchi from scratch on Cooking Creations. Ingredients 2 lbs                       Russet Potatoes ½ tsp                     Kosher Salt 3.75 oz                  All – Purpose Flour ¼ C                         Parmesan Cheese 1                             Large Egg (Beaten at Room Temp) 4 Tbsp                   Unsalted Butter ½ Bunch               Sage Preparation Tasty, right? Now that you’ve learned the basics, get fancy with it. Gnocchi is a fun entrée to make into fun shapes and textures! We’d love to hear what you thought of Chef Dustin’s Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter! Share your photos by using #FourWindsCasino or emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step-by-step videos.

Silver Creek Event Center and Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center are the perfect locations to host conferences, weddings, and more. Spartan Nash recently chose to host a two-day conference at Four Winds New Buffalo’s Silver Creek Event Center. Why did they choose Four Winds New Buffalo? “We picked Four Winds for its casino and conference area. It’s centrally located in the Midwest for our attendees coming from Chicago, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, and Detroit. The event center was ideal for our two-day conference. With new carpets and great lighting, the space felt upscale and had a business atmosphere. I’d also like to mention that Ken, Autumn, and Ron were so accommodating with our needs for additional tables and fixtures. They made our load-in day and tear down very easy. A huge benefit is having access to carts and dollies to move the product in. And the loading dock is close to the event space.” When booking an event with Four Winds Casino you’re not only receiving customizable, luxurious spaces, you have access to the best sales team to help coordinate and execute any event. “Here is a list of how Four Winds helped: loaded in all our products, provided additional tables & covers, chairs and water, and provided service on where to go throughout the casino and event area. Frances and Autumn were awesome to work with! Their pleasant attitudes and willingness to answer questions were so helpful in planning our event. Response time from my phone calls and emails was very fast. Highly impressed with their professional approach to running and planning our event.” “Our event looked spectacular inside the event center. The lighting, table covers, and atmosphere were a perfect backdrop for our event.”  We couldn’t agree more! The Spartan Nash event boosted loads of flowers and arrangements, all showcased as a sneak peek at the Mother’s Day offerings at their stores. A multi-day event can be stressful but our team is ready to help with all your needs as well as featuring accommodations, dining, and entertainment for you and your guests’ down time. “We had so much positive feedback from our guests about how clean the casino and event center were. I also appreciated the high level of security provided. The product we brought for our event was under safekeeping overnight. The casino and hotel added the extra touch of fun and relaxation we were looking for to have a successful event. The hotel rooms were very clean and there was free water in the room! The room was very quiet also. The hotel team, at the desk and the bell stand, were very pleasant and helpful.  I highly recommend Four Winds to hold an event or conference. I know we will be back!” The two-day conference was beautiful and smelled like spring! We look forward to them holding more of the Spartan Nash events in the future. If you are ready to start planning your event at Four Winds Casino, contact our sales team and let us bring your event to life.

Have a craving for oysters but it’s too late for reservations at your favorite restaurant? Chef Brandon has you covered with Chargrilled Oysters on Cooking Creations. In three easy steps you’ll have delicious oysters perfect for an appetizer, side dish, or anytime snack. Go get some oysters and open the pantry, it’s time to get cooking. Ingredients 12                        Fresh Shucked Oysters, On the Half Shell 1/2 lb                  Unsalted Butter 1 Tbsp                 Fresh Lemon Juice 1/2 Tbsp              Worcestershire Sauce 1 bunch               Green Onion, Finely Chopped 10                        Garlic Cloves, Pureed 1/2 tsp                 Crushed Red Pepper Flakes 1 1/2 Tbsp           Fresh Thyme, Finley Chopped 1 1/2 Tbsp           Fresh Oregano, Finley Chopped 1 Tbsp                 Creole Seasoning 1 oz                     White Wine 1/2 C                   Grated Romano Cheese Preparation They were gone in no time, right? Great job! We’d love to know your thoughts on this recipe and see your masterpiece. Share your photos by using #FourWindsCasino or emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step-by-step videos. If you want to try perfectly crafted oysters without the work, make reservations at Copper Rock Steakhouse New Buffalo or South Bend or Edgewater Café.

Chef Brandon has brought a simple, fulfilling recipe you make the night before using your favorite cheese and jam combinations. Monte Cristo Breakfast Bake allows you to tailor the ingredients to your flavor favorites and use up the bread from spaghetti night. Let’s get breakfast started. Ingredients 1 (16-oz)      Loaf French Bread 1/3 C             Honey Mustard Dressing 20 Slices       Canadian Bacon or Ham, Thinly Sliced 20 Slices       Swiss Cheese, Sliced Very Thin (or another of your favorite cheese) 8                     Eggs 2 C                  Half-and-Half 1 C                  Milk 2 Tbsp           Sugar 1 tsp              Vanilla Powdered Sugar Strawberry Jam (or another of your favorite jam flavors) Instructions What combination did you go with; strawberry and Swiss? We would love to know how it turned out. Share your comments below and photos on social media with #FourWindsCasino or by emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations with Chef Brandon on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step-by-step videos.

Appetizer, side dish, or the main show, Chef Brandon has brought you a cooking creation that does it all. Lobster stuffed mushrooms! We are loving this recipe because it is adaptable. Not a fan of lobster? Switch to chicken, steak, or tofu. You can add a little more zest with a Boursin cheese instead of the cream cheese. Any combo you choose, this is a must try recipe. Let’s get cooking. Ingredients 2              Lobster Tails, Rough Chopped into 1/4″-1/2” Pieces 2              Shallots, Cut into Quarters Lengthwise and Sliced Thin 3 Oz       Cream Cheese 1/2 C     Panko Breadcrumbs 2 tsp      Old Bay Seasoning 2 Tbsp   Chives 1/3 C     Shredded Aged White Cheddar Cheese 8 Oz.      Mushrooms, Stems Removed Chopped Green Onions for Garnish Instructions Did you stick with the lobster or switch to tofu or chicken? Let us know and share photos on social media with #FourWindsCasino or by emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations with Chef Brandon on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step by step videos.

Something sweet for your sweetie, or just to surprise your friends and family with your dessert skills! Chef Brandon brings you a pink raspberry cheesecake mousse. Oh yeah! Our taste buds are smiling already. This recipe is adaptable for your favorite fruits. Not a raspberry fan, try strawberry or blueberry. Whatever your fruit fancy is this will become a go-to dessert for all your events. Ingredients Graham Cracker Crumble 1 C                  Graham Cracker Crumbs 4 Tbsp           Butter, Melted 2 tsp              Sugar Raspberry Puree 2 C                  Raspberries 2 Tbsp           Lemon Juice 2 Tbsp           Sugar Cheesecake Mousse 2/3 C             Heavy Whipping Cream 3/4 C             Powder Sugar, Divided 8 Oz               Cream Cheese 1 tsp              Vanilla 1 C                  Raspberries for Garnish Instructions Graham Crumble Raspberry Puree Cheesecake Mousse Were you smiling from ear to ear with happy taste buds? We know our team was thrilled to try this cooking creations treat.  Let us know and share photos on social media with #FourWindsCasino or by emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations with Chef Brandon on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step by step videos.

Did someone say pudding? We did! Everyone should be able to enjoy bread pudding, so Chef Brandon has crafted a Maple Pecan Vegan Bread Pudding recipe sure to impress! Ingredients 5 C.                        Day-Old Bread (Torn into 2-Inch Pieces) 1 14 oz. Can         Full-Fat Coconut Milk 2/3 C.                    Maple Syrup 2 tsp.                     Ground Cinnamon 1 tsp.                     Salt, Divided 1 1/4 C.                Unflavored Almond Milk, Chilled 1/3 C.                    Cornstarch 2 tsp.                     Vanilla Extract 1 C.                        Pecan Halves 1/4 C.                    Brown Sugar 1/4 C.                    Vegan Butter, Melted Why use day-old bread? The aged bread is perfect for soaking up all the gooey goodness and it becomes fresh again after baking. However, a dish is only as good as its ingredients and not all breads are baked equal. Which one should you use for this yummy dish? We suggest a vegan sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia, or baguette. Now that we have that sorted. Let’s get to baking. Instructions Waa-lah! It’s time to dig in! Share photos on social media with #FourWindsCasino or by emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations with Chef Brandon on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step-by-step videos.

“Thank you so much for making our end of the year party so fun and easy! We couldn’t have done it without you!” D.A. Dodd held their seventh end of the year celebration at Four Winds Casino. They said “A company event can be a drag and Four Winds offers so much to do during and after the party with accommodations being so closely available. It’s a smart choice!” Party planning has lots of I’s to dot and T’s to cross – creating a menu, event set-up, decorations –  our dedicated sales team is here for every step of the way. “Four Winds makes our year end party so easy on us. This year, my only job was to show up. The sales team had everything prepared and planned perfectly. Venue, food and drinks, and memories to be had! D.A. Dodd started checking the list by selecting the customizable Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds New Buffalo for their venue. Next on the list was food and drinks. D.A. Dodd chose the grand buffet dinner comprised of heavy hitters like fried shrimp, baked salmon, herb roasted chicken, and slow roasted prime rib. You can never forget the sweet treats of chocolate cake, caramel apple cheesecake, and carrot cake!  Next on the list was food and drinks. D.A. Dodd chose the grand buffet dinner comprised of heavy hitters like fried shrimp, baked salmon, herb roasted chicken, and slow roasted prime rib. You can never forget the sweet treats of chocolate cake, caramel apple cheesecake, and carrot cake!  Dinner can be delicious but having to wait for entrees can make any event feel slow. How did this event go? “Everything was all ready to go at the agreed upon dining time. Staff released tables for us to keep things moving. People raved about the food and desserts; nobody went home hungry that night.” The last item on the list, memories! Our team will do everything we can to help you create lasting memories. How do we do that? Exceptional service, attention to detail and helping you bring surprising and fun additions to turn a basic event into a phenomenal event. “I think the cocktail hour before our meal is always the highlight of everyone’s night. The dedicated bar staff and servers keep the drinks flowing and clean up all the empties. Adding the popcorn machine is also something really special.” We checked the list twice and helped the D.A. Dodd party spread holiday cheer. Would they book their event with us again? “Yes, definitely!” Are you ready to start planning your event at Four Winds Casino? Contact our sales team and let us bring your event to life.

Winter is near and that means soup season! There’s something so warming and satisfying about a homemade soup after an afternoon of winter adventures. Chef Brandon has outdone himself with an Italian Sausage, Kale, and Bean Soup recipe. This recipe has a lot of quick steps, but it is worth it when you get a whiff of it simmering in the Dutch oven. Roll up your sleeves and let’s get started. Ingredients 3 Tbsp.                 Olive Oil, Divided 1 Lb.                      Italian Sausage 1                            Yellow Onion, Diced 2                            Large Carrots, Rinsed, Peeled and Sliced 3                            Celery Stalks, Rinsed and Sliced 1                            Bay Leaf 1                            Sprig Fresh Thyme 2 tsp.                     Italian Seasoning 4                            Cloves Garlic, Minced Salt and Pepper To Taste 1 Bunch                Kale, Stems Removed and Rough Chopped 2 Cans                   White Cannellini Beans, Drained and Rinsed 6-8 C.                    Chicken or Vegetable Stock 1/2 C.                    Shredded Parmesan Cheese, Optional Instructions 1.) Heat one tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven or soup pot. 2.) Add sausage and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally to break into smaller pieces. 3.) Transfer with a slotted spoon to a plate and set aside. 4.) Pour remining olive oil into the soup pot and heat it up. 5.) Add onions, carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, and Italian seasoning; cook for about 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender. 6.) Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook for 1 minute. 7.) Mix in kale and cook until it starts to wilt, about 1-2 minutes. 8.) Stir in beans, prepared sausage, and broth; bring to a boil. 9.) Lower heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes to combine all the flavors. 10.) Remove from heat and take out the bay leaf and sprig of thyme. 11.) Divide soup among bowls and top with cheese. We’re ready for soup season and so are you with this robust and hearty soup recipe! Tell us how much you love it and share photos on social media with #FourWindsCasino or by emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations with Chef Brandon on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step-by-step videos.

Some guests like appetizers and some like the desserts but this Cooking Creations recipe will have them singing PO-TAT-OES! Mashed Potato Casserole is a game changer and the perfect twist for the holidays. Ingredients 1 Lbs.                    Russet Potatoes, Peeled and Cut into Cubes 1/2 Tbsp.             Salt 5                              Garlic Cloves 1 Pkg.                    (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, Cubed and Softened 1 C.                        Sour Cream 1/2 C.                    Milk, Warmed 1/2 Stick               (4 Tbsp.) Butter, Softened 1 tsp.                     Salt Pepper to Taste 1 C.                        Panko Breadcrumbs 1/4 C.                    Parmesan Cheese, Grated 1/4 tsp.                Paprika 3 Tbsp.                 Butter, Melted  Instructions 1.) Add potatoes, salt, and garlic to a large pot of water. 2.) Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer until the potatoes are tender to the fork touch, about 20 minutes. 3.) Drain then pour potatoes into a large bowl. Mash potatoes and garlic with a masher or whisk if you don’t have a masher. 4.) Preheat the oven to 350°F. 5.) Add cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and butter to the potatoes and stir until smooth. Then add salt and pepper to taste. 6.) Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish and smooth evenly on top. 7.) In a small bowl, stir together the panko, Parmesan, and paprika. Drizzle with the melted butter and toss to coat. Sprinkle over the potato mixture. 8.) Bake until the potatoes are heated through and the topping is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Creamy, crispy, and cheesy! Give it a try and we’re sure the dish will be scrapped clean. Share photos on social media with #FourWindsCasino or by emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Tune in to more Cooking Creations with Chef Brandon on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for step-by-step videos.

Fall is here and it’s time for holiday treats! A couple fall ingredients, chocolate and pumpkin, are perfect together to make a show stopping dessert. Chef Brandon brings you a Chocolate Pumpkin Pound Cake in four simple steps.

Chef Brandon twists your favorite potato skins into a bite-sized gourmet treat. Packed with flavor, these bites are perfect for gatherings and tailgate parties. Let’s dive into another Cooking Creations favorite.

As soon as you say, Yes! the planning begins. From venues, dates, food, décor, hotel, and more, the to-do list can seem endless. Allie & Nick cut the to-do list down when “we chose Four Winds Casino. It has a large space and the restaurants and casino would entertain our guests before and after the party. Also, our guests could stay at the casino, which worked out best for us since we live about an hour away. The sales team was great throughout the entire process of planning my engagement party. Richelle was my salesperson; she was helpful with everything including picking out which venue to choose, answering any of my questions regarding my décor, and she even gave suggestions on DJs in the area! Everything went perfect.” From conference rooms and private dining to an outdoor pool oasis and the fully customizable Silver Creek Event Center, Four Winds Casino has event spaces for every style of event. “Silver Creek Event Center was perfect for our party because it was large enough to fit the 120 people attending along with the buffet and DJ.” A party is all about the food! The variety of menus to choose from allowed a robust selection. “We had the spinach bites, bruschetta, and meatballs for appetizers. Then we chose the American Bounty Buffet for our dinner: Fried Chicken, Pot Roast, Fried Fish, Veggies, Hush Puppies, Macaroni and Cheese, and more. All the food was a 10/10 and all our guests were very happy!”  How’s the to-do list? Venue ✔️ Food ✔️ Accommodations ✔️ “We stayed at Four Winds Hotel and secured a block for our guests to stay. We loved our suite and were very happy to have stayed at the hotel as well.” “I recommend Four Winds Casino for anyone to host any event. The staff was wonderful throughout the process of planning and even on the day of were helpful with setting up and taking down our décor. We are very happy that we chose Four Winds Casino to host our engagement party!  Thank you to Nick & Allie for hosting your engagement party at Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino New Buffalo. If you’re ready to tackle that event checklist, we’re ready to help!  Learn more about planning your event at Four Winds Casino by connecting with our sales team. 

It’s a classic for all the right reasons and when it’s done right there won’t be a smear left in the bowl! What makes the classic phenomenal? The ingredients. Fresh is always best but it can be hard to pick the perfect produce. How do you know when an avocado is ripe enough for today or for a dish you plan to make over the weekend; look and feel. When the avocado is darker, more purple in color, it is riper. Next is the feel. Be nice and don’t squish all around the mid-section, that leads to bruising, just lightly touch the top of the fruit by the stem. Ripeness can be determined by comparing to the feel of your hand: Thumb – over ripe; middle finger – perfect today; pinky – best in a day or two.  Now that you have picked the best avocados, gather the rest of your fresh ingredients and let’s get started. Ingredients 3                Medium Mashable – Soft Avocados 1 to 2 Tbs Fresh Lime Juice 1/4 Cup     Finely Chopped Onion (less than a quarter inch pieces) 2/3 Cup     Chopped Tomatoes (a little larger than ¼ inch pieces) 2                Cloves Garlic, Pressed or Finely Grated 2 Tbs          Very Fine Chopped Fresh Jalapeno 4 Tbs          Chopped Fresh Cilantro Salt to Taste  Preparation 1.      Remove the little “button” at the stem end of each avocado. Cut around the pits, starting at the stem end, continuing to the blossom end, then coming back up to the steam end again. Twist the two halves apart, then remove the pits (either with a spoon or by wedging the knife blade into the pit and twisting to dislodge it). With a large spoon, scoop the flesh from the skin into a bowl. With a potato masher, a large fork, or the back of a large spoon, roughly mash the avocado. 2.      Season with salt and lime juice: start with a tablespoon of salt and a tablespoon of lime, gently stir them in, then taste and continue adding salt and lime until desired taste. 3.      Scoop the chopped onion into a strainer and rinse under cold water. Shake off the excess water, then add to the bowl, along with the tomato, jalapeno, and cilantro. Stir everything gently together, then taste and add more until you achieve your desired flavor. 4.      Scoop your guacamole into a bowl, garnish it with additional cilantro and serve it as a condiment for tacos, with tortilla chips, or sliced vegetables as a dip. Was it phenomenal? Did you use it with chips, or did you top your burger for an extra kick? Don’t forget to share photos on social media with #FourWindsCasino or by emailing photos to social@fourwindscasino.com. Emailed or tagged photos could be featured on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest pages! The Culinary Team at Four Winds Casinos is dedicated to the art of preparing and serving delectable dishes. We enjoy sharing recipes with our guests and fans because we know you love Copper Rock Steakhouse, Kankakee Grille, Timbers, and White Birch Market.

Plan your vacation to Lake Michigan and experience the treat of our resort and promotional packages at Four Winds New Buffalo. Relax in the luxurious Four Winds hotel, enjoy exciting gaming and savor delectable food all in one beautiful location.

Breakfast, Dessert, Pepperoni, Hawaiian, you can enjoy pizza anytime, any day of the week! Chef Brandon mixes up the sauce and toppings to create a new twist on a family favorite.

Bacon is always a great idea, especially when Chef Brandon puts his twist on it. This simple recipe brings the heat and sweet to your breakfast favorite.

Do you really want to impress your dinner guests but are not confident in your baking skills? Bread pudding is the perfect place to start. Bread pudding is sweet, creamy and very versatile. Chef Brandon explains that you can use fresh, day-old or stale bread making this dessert not only delicious but a great way to utilize your pantry! Not a fan of blueberries? Try strawberries, peaches, or another favorite. Now that your mind is racing with possibilities to get started.

From summer picnics to tailgating, slaws are a must have and are so easy to change up to use seasonally fresh ingredients and flavors. Chef Brandon and Chef Tammy have teamed together to create a fruity and nutty summer slaw ready in just two steps.

A healthy Peruvian dish with so much flavor is Ceviche! Traditionally made with raw fresh fish or shrimp, this traditional dish can make some new cooks wary of attempting so Chef Brandon has crafted an introductory ceviche recipe. This first step recipe will have you falling in love with ceviche and we are excited to learn how much you enjoy this one.

Heat up your deep fryer and get ready to be amazed! Not your average wings, with not your average flavoring!

Strawberries right off the vine are so juicy and flavorful it is a mesmerizing experience and makes us super excited for strawberry season this June! With so many local patches, you can find the freshest ingredients to indulge in. One of our favorite ways to use strawberries is a crumble. Crumbles are perfect for any after-dinner treat, coffee break, or the occasional breakfast.

Johnny Mathis has recorded more than 80 albums, 6 Christmas albums, and has sold millions of records, worldwide. From Opera training to college sports, Mathis is multitalented performer who has become the voice of romance through the decades. He has taken time to answer some questions about his life in the music industry.

This simple recipe will delight your senses and make a splash at any meal or cookout. Avocado, cheese, tomatoes, and peaches; what more could you need?

Hot summer days just got better with these boozy adult treats!

Spring is finally arriving and it’s the best time to start prepping your grill for all your spring and summer meals. Brats, steaks, and corn on the cob are great, but our Pineapple Salmon Skewers are full of flavor and just what your grilling rotation needs.

“They made my wedding day everything I wanted it to be!”

Creamy, spicy, and full of flavor. Chef Brandon brings a Creamy Sriracha Crab Salad to Cooking Creations. Also known as a Kani Salad, this recipe is a Japanese style salad that is quick and easy and pairs great with everything from burgers to filet mignon. So, grab a cutting board and let’s get started.

We love bruschetta and it’s a perfect appetizer for all those tasty tomatoes you grew, but sometimes it’s nice to mix it up! Chef Art twists the flavors of bruschetta into a delicious bruschetta chicken sandwich that’ll become a staple rotation in your dinner line-up. Grab your gardening gloves and let’s gather some ingredients.

Salads are so delicious but can get boring and repetitive. Here is a simple way to jazz up your salad and revive your love for them.

Card games can be very intimidating due to the many decisions a player has to make – hit or stay, fold or raise. Mini-Baccarat lets you enjoy the table game atmosphere with only two decisions you must make: How much do you want to bet and are you going to bet on the “Banker” or the “Player.” This means there are only two hands that you need to keep track of. Sounds simple enough. Right?

Perfect for your anniversary, birthday, or to just blow the socks off your guests. Give our Dry Aged Lamb Chop with Mint Chimichurri and Roasted Tri-Color Carrots recipe a try. Already intimidated? Don’t worry. Chef Philip has given us a step-by-step to creating this luxury dinner.

A perfect pick-me-up afternoon treat or a delicious way to enjoy coffee and dessert! This simple recipe can be tailored to your tastes. Want dark chocolate? Sounds great. Need a little more oomph of espresso? You got it. Chef Michael shows you how to rule the dessert game with his chocolate coffee truffles on Cooking Creations.

Summer is here and so is the abundance of fresh fruit. There are so many dessert recipes using fresh fruit we could go on all day. Today however, we are going tropical with grilled pineapple! But won’t grilling dry it out? Not at all. This simple, quick recipe adds a complexity of rich flavors into a perfect sweet treat.

Southwest Michigan has an abundance of beautiful orchards to cruise through on a lovely summer’s day. Using fresh, local ingredients when cooking gives your dishes extra flavor and using fruit in your entrees adds an extra level of excitement for your taste buds. Today we are creating a pairing of salmon with fruit and a dash of spice, Coconut Crusted Salmon with a Peach Chili Sauce.

Quick and tasty; that’s just what this dish is. Blackened Salmon Tacos with Pineapple Salsa is great for evenings on the patio. Since salmon cooks fast, you won’t be stuck at the cooktop while the rest of the guests are sipping on margaritas and cervezas. There are only four steps, so let’s get started!

Cooking Creations with Chef Brandon is thrilled to have summer just around the corner and to celebrate the warming season with great summer recipes. One of the best parts of summer in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana is all the fresh fruit available! Enjoy a day of picking at a local grove or pick up fresh ingredients from the farmers market for the best tasting salads. Side salad for a party or a main entrée for any day of the week, the Strawberry Spinach Salad will have your taste buds basking in flavorful delight.

Grilling season has arrived, and pickled red onions are just the topping your taste buds have been missing! Burgers, hotdogs, tacos and more, it is as simple as 1,2,3! Let’s get started.

Where’s the meat? Not here! A flavorful cauliflower steak with citrus cumin slaw will have your taste buds so thrilled you will be wondering if you have room for a second.

Get ready for a real treat! Empanadas are a great side dish or main entrée because you can alter the filling to be anything you want! The sky is the limit but today we are sticking with the classic cheese empanada. Chef Brandon takes a stab at his wife’s traditional fried cheese empanadas recipe on Cooking Creations.

Let’s talk vinaigrettes. Salad dressings, marinades, red wine, apple cider vinegar, basil, the list is endless and so are the opportunities. With so many types to choose from, vinaigrettes must be complicated, right? Wrong! A vinaigrette is simply mixing an oil with something acidic such as vinegar and lemon juice.

On Cooking Creations with Chef Brandon, we explore a forgotten favorite, Quiche! Quiche is a French dish that consists of a pastry crust with savory custard and pieces of cheese, meat, seafood, vegetables or any combination that you can dream of! Hot or cold, Quiche is a dish that is very versatile and can be served for any meal.

Cut the winter chill with a perfectly crafted soup topped with bread and melted cheese – it doesn’t get much better.

Are reservations hard to come by or are you opting for reservations at your dining room table for Valentine’s Day 2021? We’re here to help impress your significate other with a dinner that will have them wondering if you hired a chef.

Desserts are the staple to every gathering but even more soduring the winter holidays. While the holidays may look a little different in 2020 this simple dessert will be one to share for generations to come and is simple enough to make for a little reminder of the best of times. Chocolate, caramel, sweet, salty, need we say more? Let’s get to cookin’!

Silver Creek Event Center is the place to go for legendary concerts and comedians!

Whether you started a garden this year or are a green-thumbed pro, it’s the best time of year to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Tomato Bruschetta is a simple dish you can create in 20-30 minutes any time of year, but everything is better when you use fresh, high quality ingredients. Where is the best place to find them, your garden or favorite roadside stand of course! Pick those tomatoes and harvest some basil – let’s get started.

Congratulations to Justin and Amanda on their recent marriage! This lovely couple had a beautiful wedding at Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino New Buffalo in November 2019. We were thrilled to be part of the wedding planning and even more excited to see all the little details come together for Justin and Amanda’s special day. The breathtaking bride has been kind enough to share why they chose Silver Creek Event Center for their special day.

We were excited to get a few minutes of Dewey Bunnell’s time to answer a few questions.Of all your albums which one was the hardest to complete and why?Hat Trick took the longest. It was the 3rd album and we were producing it ourselves as we had done since the 1st album, which we co-produced. It was not necessarily hard to complete, but we realized how complex it really was to keep up with the administrative side as well as the creative side of producing a record. Consequently, we reached out to George Martin to produce our next 7 albums!What is your favorite thing about performing today as opposed to 49 years ago?I think we truly appreciate every performance now, taking nothing for granted as we try to make the show the best it can be every night.