Need a holiday entertaining idea that’s fun and suitable for all ages? Create a good old-fashioned hot cocoa bar complete with sweet treats the whole family can enjoy. Continue reading Holiday entertaining: build a hot cocoa bar
Whether you’re rooting for Ohio State or Michigan during the big game, you’ll be the MVP when you serve two, all-time tailgating favorites – burgers and dogs, only with a twist. For the home team advantage, bake up some Cheeseburger Tots and Spicy Pigs in a Blanket. Continue reading Burgers and dogs get a twist for the big game
It was an honor to be asked to judge Heritage Sylvania’s Annual Pie Baking Contest, a local tradition dating back to 2015. The contest, sponsored by Durocher’s, was held Sunday, Oct. 15 in the Carriage House behind the Sylvania Historical Museum as part of the Sylvania Fall Festival. Continue reading Annual pie baking contest is a sweet success
Ghosts and goblins of all ages will devour this fun and festive fall appetizer. Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie is made with a wheel of brie cheese and a generous dollop of fig jam wrapped up in puff pastry dough. The pumpkin shape is created from the magic of baker’s twine. When baked, the result is a golden, flaky and melty hors d’oeuvre suitable for any autumn gathering. Serve the brie on a wooden board with crackers or crisps, spiced nuts, dried cranberries, and sprigs of fresh rosemary Continue reading An autumn appetizer worth falling for
Although it’s time to say goodbye to the last of late summer’s bounty – tomatoes, cucumbers and corn, we can look forward to fall’s fresh produce. Local farmer Tim Keil of Louis Keil and Sons urges sweet corn lovers to scoop up what they can as availability begins to fade this time of year. “Corn is in short supply now, but we’ve got lots of squash, cabbage, kale, greens and white potatoes,” he mentioned. Continue reading Welcome fall with a pair of squash recipes
Fall is the perfect time of year for a little road trip. When looking for a unique dining experience, pack up the family and head to Archbold, Ohio. In less than an hour, you’ll reach your destination – Mom’s Diner, located at 213 N. Defiance St. Family owned and operated since 1969, Mom’s offers scratch-made, American comfort food in a casual 50s diner style setting, delightful for all ages. Continue reading Mom’s Diner in Archbold is a true American classic
Where has summer gone? Technically there are still a few weeks left to enjoy, especially if you’re not headed back to school. For those of us who aren’t, it’s time to get serious. Serious about doing those things we wanted to over the season but didn’t. Now’s your last chance to run through a sprinkler, hop on your bike, catch fireflies and eat sweet corn – lots of sweet corn. Continue reading Summer may be almost over, but we’ve got sweet corn
What do you do when your friendly neighbor gifts you an armload of homegrown zucchini over the fence, adding to the pile you already picked up at the local farmers market? Make zucchini bread? Nope! This healthy and plentiful crop can be used in so many ways beyond bread. Zucchini is not only delicious, but also low in calories and carbs. I say, “bring it on.” If you’re looking for a couple of new ideas to add to your recipe box, try Farfalle with Zucchini and Ricotta Cheese or crustless Zucchini Pizza Rounds. If that’s not enough to use up your stash, you can always bake the bread. Continue reading Zucchini – the versatile veggie goes beyond zucchini bread
Tomato season is upon us! Overflowing at local farm stands, farmers markets and backyard gardens, including my own, the quintessential taste of summer has arrived. With so many tomatoes available all at once, roast them to further increase their versatility. When roasted, tomatoes release a natural sweetness and present a more intense flavor. There is no need to peel tomatoes before roasting as they will soften in the oven. Try them in Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella or create a savory Herbed Goat Cheese and Roasted Tomato Tart. Continue reading Tastes like summer – tomato recipes get roasted
The sun’s out, the temperature’s up, and the party’s on! It’s mid-July in Sylvania, and that means outdoor gatherings are in full swing. If you’re looking to bring a side dish that’s a little different than the usual macaroni salad, potato salad or baked beans, opt for Dill Pickle Pasta Salad or Bourbon and Brown Sugar Baked Beans. Each recipe has its own special ingredient (pickle juice/bourbon), and both dishes easily accompany chicken, brats, burgers or whatever is hot off the grill. Continue reading
