#HASHTAG: BABS

BABS started Babs Boards about three years ago following a 25-year career in the corporate accounting and finance world. She has always enjoyed entertaining friends and family, so this was an easy transition. Expanding from preparing charcuterie boards to teaching more than 100 charcuterie, grilling, and entertaining classes, Babs has really found her passion—teaching! Some of her highlights over the last three years include mentoring six amazing interns, teaching a charcuterie class at Wrigley Field, launching “Girls who Grill” classes, and preparing numerous grazing tables. The “Girls who Grill” class is perfect for grilling beginners who have never turned on their grill before or for those who need a refresher class. When Babs is not grilling or in the kitchen, she loves spending time with her husband, Matt, 19-year-old son, 18-year-old daughter, and their puppy. She loves golfing, skiing, traveling, and hosting dinner parties. Here is how this grilling guru stays current between classes and creating charcuterie boards.

#ON MY NIGHTSTAND

I am reading The Women by Kristin Hannah for my book club, which highlights female heroes during the Vietnam War—a period I haven’t read much about. I’m also reading about “how to survive as an empty nester” as my baby is headed to college. And lots of “what to pack for college—the girls’ version” lists.

#ON MY MOBILE

I follow a million cooking blogs, but I love Ina Garten the best. She really got me into cooking with her first The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. I have a lot of her recipes memorized and I use them repeatedly. Chicago Food Girl is another favorite of mine—Mina Im talks all about food, travel, and beauty; and I love all her Chicago restaurant recommendations.

#IN MY EARBUDS

Mostly country music these days (Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Kenney Chesney, and Zac Brown Band—love going to all these concerts with my daughter, but I also love The Beatles, ‘90s alternative, and some random current rap that I listen to with my son. I love listening to live music in any venue (my favorite is Wrigley Field—any concert there is amazing).