Sweet Corn Shines in Fresh Salad and Savory Bake

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

Beat the Heat: How to Pair Wine with Your Summer Menu

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

Sweet Meets Savory this Strawberry Season

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

DIY Your Dessert with a Mini Cheesecake Bar

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

Riders Up – It’s Derby Season!

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!

Beloved Holiday Cookies Are Cherished Tradition

The holidays are a time for traditions and sweet memories – two features that make the season truly special. For my final Sizzle column of 2025, I want to thank downtown businesswomen, Lori Colenzo of Hip to the Groove Boutique and Tracey Tober of Bandits Main Street Eats, for generously sharing their beloved family cookie recipes Continue reading Beloved Holiday Cookies Are Cherished Tradition

Prepare ahead for a less stressful holiday 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

Celebrate Spooky Season with Graveyard Treats

Spooky season is officially here, and it’s time to serve up some ghoulishly delicious fun! If you’re looking for a frightfully festive treat to impress guests or delight your family, Graveyard Parfaits are it. These layered desserts are packed with creepy cuteness—think chocolate pudding “dirt,” whipped cream “fog,” and cookie “tombstones”—all coming together for a hauntingly sweet and tasty Halloween treat. What’s even better, the toppings can be fully customized to your liking. Graveyard Parfaits are as fun to make as they are to eat. Happy Halloween!
6 parfaits
Ghoulish Graveyard Parfaits
1 package instant chocolate pudding
1 package instant pumpkin spice pudding
4 cups milk for pudding
2 cups whipped topping
1 dozen chocolate sandwich cookies, chopped
1 cup peanut and chocolate flavored chips
6 butter cookies for tombstones, such as Chessmen
Gummy worms
In two separate bowls, prepare puddings according to package directions.
Using six, 8-ounce glasses or plastic cups, layer cookie crumbs, pumpkin pudding, whipped topping, and chocolate pudding. Top with more cookie crumbs, peanut butter and chocolate chips, tombstone cookies and gummy worms. Continue reading Celebrate Spooky Season with Graveyard Treats