By Jennifer Alexander Ruple As September settles in with warm afternoons and cooler evenings, the kitchen begins to crave the savory comfort of roasted vegetables. Cabbage wedges turn tender and caramelized under a glossy herb-balsamic glaze, carrots roast to honeyed sweetness with rosemary and thyme, and peppery radishes mellow into buttery, golden bites finished with parsley and sea salt. Each recipe is simpleenough for a … Continue reading Late-Summer Vegetables, Roasted to Perfection

By Jennifer Alexander Ruple School may be back in session, but don’t roll up the grill just yet – summer still has plenty of sizzle left. Grilled flatbread pizzas bring big flavor to busy weeknight meals or laid-back weekend dinners with crisp, smoky crusts, garden-fresh toppings and barely any cleanup. They are completely customizable – everyone can pitch in and build their own masterpiece with … Continue reading Back-to-School Nights, Backyard Pizza Style

By Jennifer Alexander Ruple As summer reaches its golden stretch and sweet corn hits peak season, farmers markets and farm stands across northwest Ohio are brimming with everyone’s favorite ears from yellow and white to bi-color varieties. That makes now the perfect time to visit a local market or roadside stand. This week’s column brings two recipes that are fresh, hearty and full of flavor. … Continue reading Sweet Corn Shines in Fresh Salad and Savory Bake

When summer heats up bold red wines and boozy bottles can feel a little too heavy. For cookouts, picnics, and easy dinners outside, lighter and crisp wines with bright acidity, softer tannins, and lower alcohol are the way to go. Think refreshing, vibrant sips that keep things light and easygoing, making grilled favorites and seasonal dishes feel a little more relaxed. Continue reading Beat the Heat: How to Pair Wine with Your Summer Menu

By Jennifer Alexander Ruple Strawberry season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to plan a trip to your favorite roadside farm stand or farmers market, for one of northwest Ohio’s sweetest signs of early summer. Whether you prefer to grab a basket of freshly picked berries or spend a morning filling containers from the field, there are plenty of ways to … Continue reading Sweet Meets Savory this Strawberry Season

By Jennifer Alexander Ruple Spring brings an opportunity to celebrate special occasions with a delightful Build-Your-Own Mini Cheesecake Bar. This colorful and cheerful dessert bar is ideal for Mother’s Day, birthdays, graduations, or any spring party and provides guests of all ages with the fun of assembling their own custom desserts. To create your bar, begin by baking an assortment of creamy, mini cheesecakes – … Continue reading DIY Your Dessert with a Mini Cheesecake Bar

By Jennifer Alexander Ruple The Run for the Roses will soon be here, and Derby Day 152 calls for a celebration as bold and spirited as the event itself. Whether you’re hosting a full‑blown derby party or simply adding a touch of Kentucky charm to the first Saturday in May, a few thoughtful details can transform your space into Churchill Downs at home. Two crowd … Continue reading Riders Up – It’s Derby Season!

The most wonderful time of the year can be a whirlwind! With a flurry of festive activities, shopping, and family gatherings, Christmas can quickly turn from joyful to overwhelming. However, a little advance planning can make all the difference in ensuring a calm and enjoyable season. Continue reading Prepare ahead for a less stressful holiday season