Bronstein, Arlene Michlin

Twenty-five years ago, Cookie Stagman and her husband, Barry, had a showroom for top fashion designers at the Chicago Apparel Center. The home-cooked lunches and snacks Cookie served during the big markets gained a faithful following. Repeatedly asked for her recipes, Cookie published "Beautiful Buffets". The original book remains a favorite recipe source for cooks all over the United States.

After the showroom closed, the Stagmans opened a clothing shop in Glencoe, Illinois, where they featured Cookie's favorite treats. Today Cookie is still famous for the delicious meals she graciously se...