2 Year Anniversary Spectacular: My Favorite Posts So Far

I’ll be writing more about this for the March newsletter (Click here to sign up for the newsletter), but this week Columbus Culinary Connection celebrated its 2 year anniversary! 131 blog posts, 4,200 Instagram (@cbusconnect) followers, and 8.3 million pounds of cheese later, I’m still enjoying being a food blogger. It’s forced me outside my comfort zone in tasting new cuisine, but also in making new relationships. It’s been a creative outlet, and given me a greater appreciation for Columbus and all things Ohio. I’ve enjoyed looking back at the posts I’ve written over the past two years, and daydreaming about the places I’ve visited, and of course the food I’ve devoured up to this point. Here are some of my absolute favorites!

Rockmill Brewery

http://columbusculinaryconnection.com/rockmill-brewery-review/
Rockmill Brewery

One of my very first posts, Rockmill is still a place that has a certain magic for me. The countless good times on the brewery’s grounds and in the idyllic horse barn-turned-taproom make this a spot I’ll always go again and again.

Kittie’s Cakes

http://columbusculinaryconnection.com/kitties-cakes/
http://columbusculinaryconnection.com/kitties-cakes-bexley/
Kittie's Cakes

The original German Village location and the new Bexley Kittie’s cafe have some of my favorite treats in town. Bacon cheddar scones, immense Facecookies, and shop mascot Linus the Golden Retriever make Kittie’s a must-try bakery.

My Family’s Christmas Cookies

http://columbusculinaryconnection.com/christmas-cookie-recipe/
Christmas Cookies

My mom was the guest writer for this post, and she’s the reason I am crazy about cooking. It’s one of my all-time favorite family traditions, and it’s been fabulous seeing so many other people take her recipe and incorporate it into their own holiday customs.

A Visit to: Biltmore Estate

http://columbusculinaryconnection.com/biltmore-estate/
The Biltmore Estate

I love exploring, and have embraced my inner history nerd. Our mini vacation to Biltmore Estate let me combine my admiration for both fine dining and Downton Abbey, and I loved every second of it. I also used this post as a template for my Charleston Gazette article, another writing opportunity that blogging has afforded me!

Fox in the Snow Cafe

http://columbusculinaryconnection.com/fox-in-the-snow-cafe/
Fox in the Snow Cafe

The effort put into blogging is worth it soley because I learned about Fox in the Snow through blogger friends. What had I been missing? Only the cutest animal logo in town and some heavenly custard-filled donuts.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Grandview Heights

http://columbusculinaryconnection.com/neighborhood-spotlight-grandview-heights/
Sweet Carrot and Zauber Beers in Grandview

It’s been great seeing so many new foodie destinations pop up in Grandview recently, and there are some classic oldie but goodie spots as well. There’s something for every palette in this Columbus ‘burb. I need to get around to making another neighborhood dining guide soon.

Por’Ketta Food Truck

http://columbusculinaryconnection.com/porketta-food-truck/
Porketta Food Truck

I love the ease and variety that food truck dining brings, and I tend to seek out my favorites time and again. Por’Ketta’s family business is doing some really fun things, and my adoration has not waned even after eating that chicken sandwich a hundred times.

Top Secret Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

http://columbusculinaryconnection.com/chocolate-chip-cookies/
Chocolate Chip Cookies

The secret is the cheesecake pudding! Trust me on this – it’s been my go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe for years. It makes the softest, tastiest cookies imaginable.

5 Queso Dishes to Try

http://columbusculinaryconnection.com/carolines-picks-5-queso-dishes-try/
Bodega Columbus: Loaded Truffle Fries

I have to end this round-up with another round-up! When you can list some of your most beloved restaurants in one cheese-laden post, i.e.  Hudson 29, Condado Tacos, and Bodega, what isn’t to love? I have a whole category on the blog of 5 to Try posts, when you’re in need of a quick reference guide.

Thanks for being on this journey with me! Cheers to another year of bacon and blogging.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Blystone Farms

Blystone Farm

8677 Oregon Rd.
Canal Winchester, OH 43110
(614) 833-1211
http://www.blystonefarm.com

You may have heard me mention the fact that I’m smitten with Blystone bacon breakfast sausage on social media (or bacon in general, for that matter). But the sausage patties aren’t the only things to drool over coming out of the Canal Winchester family farm.

Blystone Farms in Canal Winchester

I grew up not far from Blystone, so I love to see this small business succeeding. The Blystone family is doing things right, recently adding a patio and a taproom area to the existing butcher shop and bakery building. It’s now an ideal spot to grab a sandwich, sip on a craft beer, or pick up local products. The whole operation is situated a few hundred yards from their homestead, and more often than not, upon pulling into the driveway you will be greeted by mooing cows in the pasture or the friendly resident farm dogs. One of them, Hank, even has his own Instagram account!

Breakfast Biscuit at Blystone Farm

The butcher shop works with many local purveyors to provide items like Dijon-marinated chicken thighs, bison, freshly ground beef, cut-to-order short ribs, and the infamous bacon sausage. On weekends, they serve up breakfast sammies with your choice of their ham, bacon, or sausage, plus cheese and an egg, all on a freshly baked biscuit. For lunch, try a pulled brisket slider, a gyro, or a deli sandwich. Baked goods made in house are also available; think red velvet cookies and pecan sticky buns.

The market portion of the Blystone business is a reason to visit in itself. You can purchase food truck favorite Sophie’s Pierogies, frozen for you to sauté and enjoy at home. Or peruse the craft beer shelves, where you’ll uncover bottles of everything from Lancaster’s Rockmill Brewery to Columbus’ Wolf’s Ridge and perennial favorite Three Floyd’s Brewing. Other items I’ve ended up taking home? Maple syrup, salsa, caramels, local blackberries, and even Carfagna’s marinara.

Sophies Pierogies at Blystone

Journey out to Canal Winchester soon to visit the farm and Hank the cow dog!

Hank the Cow Dog

Culinary Clue: The farm is in close proximity to Slate Run Metro Park, and both places are very family-friendly. Make a day trip to the southeast side of town and kill two birds with one stone.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Stack City Burger Bar

Stack City Burger Bar

Stack City Burger Bar
600 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 372-7229
http://www.stackcityburger.com/

Hooray for happy hour at Stack City Burger Bar! In a section of town where so many meals will break the bank, the Short North’s Stack City is serving up generous portions at prices that won’t break the bank. The restaurant is part of Hyde Park’s empire, which explains the tasty grub and impeccable service, for a casual joint. With a large local draft list (including Wolf’s Ridge, Land-Grant, and Seventh Son offerings) and a large patio primed for people-watching, this is an ideal place for post-work dining.

Buffalo Nachos from Stack City Burger Bar

Let’s talk more about the sublime happy hour pricing.  It lasts from Sunday-Friday,  3-6 P.M. During this time frame, all appetizers, fries, and chips are half off, there are 45 cent bonless wings, and drink deals. Most important of all, there is the $5 Red, White, and Blue Burger (complete with all the traditional toppings) – what a steal! We opted to start with the buffalo chicken nachos, a playful take on the spicy dip everyone adores. The platter that arrived was so immense, I took home half to devour later. There was just enough zip and shaved celery for added crunch, perfect for pairing with beer or the Rye Old Fashioned. Sides are shareable, so scout out some friends to join you and sample them all. The truffle chips were thin and crispy, just like I like them, and the thick-cut onion rings were also tempting, served with a Southwest ranch.

Rye Old Fashioned - Stack City Burger Bar

Burgers are something that even the most finicky of your friends can appreciate, and Stack City keeps the menu simple but with some original twists. All of the beef is locally sourced and never frozen, ensuring that your patty is perfection. I enjoyed that you can add an egg and bacon to any of their selections, because when is extra bacon or a drippy egg a bad idea? I ordered the Bison burger, brushed with a delectable balsamic glaze and topped with dollops of goat cheese, grilled onions, and tangy cranberries. I also snuck a bite of my husband’s more traditional Cowboy burger, with bacon, cheddar, BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, jalapenos, and capped with one of the aforementioned giant onion rings. It stacks up!

Biscoff Cookie Butter Shake

I had to save room for dessert, by snapping up a Biscoff cookie butter shake. If you haven’t had cookie butter, it’s a divine European spread made of crushed cinnamony cookies. When Stack City blends it up with vanilla ice cream and bourbon, it’s even better. There are other boozy shake flavors as well, such as the buckeye shake with chocolate vodka. I’ll be back for this one!

Culinary Clue: Don’t miss the featured burgers either; next time I’m fully prepared to devour the latest concoction, the Three Little Pigs. You guessed it – the sandwich features bacon 3 ways, including bacon mayo!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Stack City Burger Bar Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Disclosure: My meal was provided by Stack City, but all opinions are my own.

Banana Berry Smoothie Bowls

Banana Berry Smoothie Bowls

I’ve been loving the recent trend of smoothie bowls lately. Columbus has a noteworthy smoothie bowl scene, with the always tasty Alchemy, as well as Zest and Native Cold Pressed. But these bowl beauties are a snap to assemble at home. Blended fruit in a spoonable form allows for more toppings, and let’s face it, that’s the part that everyone really wants! These banana berry bowls are a dish that’s BLD-worthy (breakfast, lunch, or dinner approved), and the colors are perfectly Instagram-ready. It’s an ideal way to keep a meal on the lighter side, but not give up the fun factor.

Banana Berry Smoothie Bowls

Yield: 2 bowls

Ingredients:

For the bowl:
8 oz bag of frozen mixed berries (I used a bag of Kroger Very Berry Smoothie Blend)
2 frozen bananas, cut into chunks
1/4 c. peanut butter
1/4 c. milk

For the toppings:
1/4 c. peanut butter, melted in microwave
2 T. chia seeds
4 T. large flake coconut
Dried cranberries, chopped strawberries or bananas, slivered almonds, granola, mini chocolate chips, or any other toppings you desire

In a high-speed blender or food processor, start by combining the frozen bananas and frozen mixed berries. Pulse until the mixture is in pea-sized clumps. Then, add the peanut butter and the milk, blending until the mixture is completely smooth and very thick.

Blending ingredients for Banana Berry Smoothie Bowls

Scoop the smoothie mixture into two separate bowls for serving. Load each bowl up with your chosen toppings, dividing each item between the two bowls and arranging each topping in its own section of the bowl. I won’t tell if you add extra melted peanut butter! Swirl the whole thing together before eating and enjoy immediately.

Banana Berry Smoothie Bowls

PS: I got the frozen banana hack from http://minimalistbaker.com/ – it gives the smoothie a creamy soft-serve consistency.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Banana Berry Smoothie Bowls
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 2
 
Ingredients
For the bowl:
  • 8 oz bag of frozen mixed berries (I used a Kroger Very Berry smoothie blend bag)
  • 2 frozen bananas, cut into chunks
  • ¼ c. peanut butter
  • ¼ c. milk
For the toppings:
  • ¼ c. peanut butter, melted in microwave
  • 2 T. chia seeds
  • 4 T. large flake coconut
Instructions
  1. In a high-speed blender or food processor, start by combining the frozen bananas and frozen mixed berries.
  2. Pulse until the mixture is in pea-sized clumps.
  3. Then, add the peanut butter and the milk, blending until the mixture is completely smooth and very thick.
  4. Scoop the smoothie mixture into two separate bowls for serving.
  5. Load each bowl up with your chosen toppings, dividing each item between the two bowls and arranging each topping in its own section of the bowl.
  6. Swirl the whole thing together before eating and enjoy immediately.

 

Caroline’s Picks: 5 Pies to Purchase

Flaky crust. Sweet or savory fillings. The perfect comforting bite. Everyone loves pie, and fortunately for us Columbus residents, we’ve got some excellent options to satisfy that craveable treat wrapped in delicious dough. Here’s some local pies that I always adore.

Brown Sugar Pie: The Pearl

https://www.thepearlcolumbus.com/

Affectionately known as “crack” pie (because it’s just that good), The Pearl makes varying pies in house but this one has the rest beat. Oatmeal cookies pulverized into crumbs create the crust, and the filling is buttery and rich with caramelized brown sugar. It’s almost too rich to enjoy by yourself, but I seem to manage every time.

Breakfast Handpie: Lineage Brewing

http://www.lineagebrew.com
Breakfast Handpie: Lineage Brewing

On the savory end of the spectrum, Lineage Brewery churns out a not-so-expected twist: the handpie. The center of scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, and cheesy potatoes is enveloped by hand rolled crust and dished up with cooked apples on the side. It looks like a kind of “breakfast calzone,” and pairs perfectly with Lineage’s beer offerings to kick your brunch off right.

Click here to read my full post on Lineage Brewery

Lemon Lavender Chess Pie: Dough Mama

http://www.dough-mama.com
Lemon Lavender Chess Pie: Dough Mama

All of the baked treats put forth by this Clintonville locale are utterly delightful, but none can melt my heart like the Lemon Lavender Chess Pie. Sparkling with citrus brightness and that unexpected floral lavender touch, the filling is luscious, creamy, and makes your mouth pucker just enough. Be sure you track down this seasonal dessert!

Chocolate Cream Pie: Bake Me Happy

https://www.bakemehappygf.com/menu

Chocolate in a pie is always dark and decadent, but with Bake Me Happy’s version, it’s so indulgent you won’t believe it’s gluten-free. The pies come in numerous sizes so you can get your chocolatey custard fix in the ideal amount. Check out their site to see where to track down their goodies.

Cherry Pie: Sassafras Bakery

http://www.sassafrasbakery.com/menu/
Sassafras Bakery

For a classic, all-American pie, I’m crazy for the cherry pie at Sassafras Bakery. The tangy-tart cherries give just enough pop to balance out the sweetness, and it’s a perennial crowd-pleaser. This traditional spin really takes the cake (or pie). Does fruit pie even exist if it doesn’t have a lattice top and crimped double crust like this one? Make sure you catch it in season.

Where do you get your pie fix? Is sweet or savory more your style? Let me know in the comments below.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Watershed Kitchen & Bar

Watershed Kitchen & Bar

Watershed Kitchen & Bar
1145 Chesapeake Ave, Columbus, OH 43221
(614) 357-1936
http://watersheddistillery.com/kitchen—bar.html

I was ecstatic to hear that Ohio changed its laws in 2016, allowing distilleries to open restaurants and make cocktails on-site at their production facilities. With some wonderful local spirit-makers calling Columbus home, the race was on to for distillers to open attached eateries. Last week, Grandview-area Watershed Distillery achieved that goal. Since I already loved their bourbon, nocino, and visiting their tasting room with Columbus Brew Adventures, when Watershed’s Kitchen & Bar opened last week I was itching to check it out.

Whiskey Lullaby | Watershed Kitchen & Bar

First recommendation: get reservations. We strolled in right when the space opened at 4, to learn all reservations were booked already. We happily ate at the bar, but it’s clear that the buzz around Watershed’s restaurant is huge. The space itself is well-appointed and simple. A glass wall connecting the dining room to the distillery allows you to peer at the gleaming tanks while you nosh, a fun touch, and the plenthora of candles and dim lighting makes this an intimate date night locale.

The cocktail menu is printed in a playful booklet with photos of each drink and trivia tidbits, which lets you see what your drink will look like before you select a choice. No more asking your seat neighbor, “what are you drinking?” For a winter warmer, the Bon Apple Tea (Watershed vodka, apple, lemon, dry curacao, honey, ancho chai spice, winter potpourri) is poured into a floral mug. Harken back to your childhood with the Nostalgia & Moxie: bourbon, ovaltine, cream, chocolate bitters, and more, all topped with torched marshmallows. Fans of libations on the rocks will adore the Improved Whiskey Cocktail, an effective blend of bourbon, luxardo, angostura & peychaud’s bitters, and of course, absinthe. There wasn’t a disappointing drink on the menu, from my perspective. Local draft beers are also on tap, as are a generous selection of wines.

Lions Tail | Watershed Kitchen & Bar

The food offerings are a mix of comfort dishes and eclectic bites. Options include buttermilk fried chicken accompanied by whipped pig butter, house hot sauce, and pickles, or we loved the fried Brussels sprouts, crispy brown and swimming in a peppery-sweet sauce with mint and citrus. The main selections are twists on classics as well, such as the Watershed Burger, a beautifully messy concoction of bourbon-glazed onions, tomato jam, and Brie. Dip the fries on the side in the addictive aioli. It seems like every restaurant has short ribs on the menu lately, but the dish stands out here with punchy pickled cabbage, cauliflower, and miso polenta. My pick for the next visit? The Duck Confit, plated with celery root, potato gnocchi, walnuts, and prune demi-glace.

FRIED BRUSSELS SPROUTS | Watershed Kitchen + Bar

Culinary Clue: Don’t forget to catch a distillery tour or pick up some merchandise in the gift shop. Their pre-mixed Old-Fashioned blend is great for lazy people (me) when you want a fabulous cocktail with minimal effort. The other bottled spirits like the bourbon-barrel gin and nocino are also available for sampling and bottle sales!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Watershed Distillery Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

A Touch of Cambodia: Aloha Streatery Pop-up

A Touch of Cambodia: Aloha Streatery Pop-up

Have you ever tried Cambodian cuisine? I hadn’t until last week, and I had been missing out! Aloha Streatery is one of my favorite local food trucks, serving up Hawaiian buns and pineapple rice bowls. So when I was invited to a Cambodian pop-up concept presented by the truck’s chef, I was so in.

Crunchy Papaya Salad with Tofu Skewer

Held at the always tasty Bonifacio restaurant, we enjoyed cocktails on the regular Bonifacio menu, and then got down to gobbling up the courses. My husband and I went for the divide and conquer strategy in order to try everything! To start: crunchy papaya salad with just a kiss of heat, paired with a lemongrass beef or tofu skewer. It was a perfect blend of textures.

Bonafacio Cocktail

Next we moved on to the soup, Cambodian tomato pineapple broth with chicken, surprisingly light and flavorful. For mains, we noshed on crispy stuffed chicken wings with sweet chili sauce, and marinated beef with garlic-lime sauce. I’m still dreaming about the garlicky goodness of this beef sauce and imagining all the things I could slather it on. Tacos? Pizza? Yes to all. The grand finale was mango sticky rice with warm coconut milk. It was rich and heavenly, and as soon as I got home I pinned a bunch of recipes to try and recreate it myself at home.

crispy stuffed chicken wings with sweet chili sauce

I was fortunate enough to sit with a group of super kind folks who had actually visited Cambodia, so I got some background on many of the dishes too. It was a fun evening filled with memorable dishes and I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Aloha crew. There will be another pop-up event in about a month, so follow Aloha’s social media channels (instagram /twitter/facebook) to catch the next dinner!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Disclosure: I was invited to this event by Aloha Streatery, but all opinions about the experience are my own.

Kindred Artisan Ales

Kindred Artisan Ales

505 Morrison Rd.
Gahanna, OH 43230
http://www.kindredales.com/

Until very recently, the craft beer scene in the Gahanna area was severely lacking. With the addition of Crafted Drafts, Pigskin Brewing, and 101 Beer Kitchen, the northeast-area ‘burb has started to transform. Another major factor in the change: Kindred Artisan Ales. The business was recently selected as one of the best local start-up companies by The Metropreneur, with good reason.

Kindred Artisan Ales

Opened in April 2016, Kindred’s bar is outfitted with plenty of woodwork, white subway tiling, and ample seating. There is no food made in-house, but some of my favorite local food trucks make regular stops here, including Aloha Streatery, Street Thyme, and Sophie’s Pierogies. You can also find entertainment such as live trivia, bands, and contests going on throughout the month at the taproom.

Kindred Artisan Ales

The brewery’s collection of pints are approachable varieties, often straying from the typical hop-forward ales offered by other brewers. Sample the Hawaiian Shirt (white ale brewed with hibiscus and mango), the Berliner Weisse (tart wheat), or the Kindred Wit, a spicy and drinkable witbier. Kindred also has a sour beer line in production, so stay tuned for more details and developments on that front! They also have liquor available for the non-beer drinker in your life.

Culinary Clue: Kindred is part of the Columbus Ale Trail. Pick up a passport at a participating brewery, then get to traveling! At every location, ask the bartender to stamp your passport. When you visit 4 breweries, you will receive a Columbus Ale Trail pint glass. If you check in at all 20 breweries on the list, you will get an awesome deck of playing cards featuring the breweries on the trail!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Kittie's Cakes Bexley

Kittie’s Cakes Bexley

Kittie’s Cakes Bexley
2424 E. Main St.
Bexley, OH 43209
(614) 754-8828
http://www.kittiescakes.com

The magic of Kittie’s Cakes is real. The original German Village location is so memorable it was one of my first-ever blog posts, and even after the passage of time and the consumption of innumerable treats, my infatuation hasn’t waned. So upon learning that Kittie’s opened a new Bexley outpost, I was there in a jiffy. The shop is small but bright, and is attached to Gramercy Books, the perfect place for browsing to walk off your carb overload.

Kitties Cakes Bexley Storefront

All the baked-fresh-daily goodies you already know and love are there, including the enchanting mini cupcakes, bacon cheddar scones ( I repeat BACON ), cinnamon rolls, as well as other delicacies. Don’t forget about the Facecookies either – immense, thin cookies larger than your entire head. Go for the chocolate chip, adorned with a sprinkle of salt.

Mini Cupcake from Kittie's Cakes Bexley

But there’s even more bites to cherish at Kittie’s Bexley cafe. The infamous Egg Sammie, only for sale on Sunday at the GV bakery, is available from 7-12 every day. The sandwich consists of a fluffy egg wedged in the middle of an “everything bagel” spice-sprinkled biscuit. Add a drizzle of hot honey, and this sammie is worth the drive alone. Another new menu addition is the yogi and granola: plain yogurt, house granola, and lemon curd. From lunch until close, there are different “between bread” options. Take the Caprese, homemade foccacia topped with pesto, fresh mozz, and tomato; it’s simple and perfect. You can also sample the cashew butter and strawberry jam sammie, or nibble on the housemade cheese crackers. Have you noticed everything is made from scratch yet? The selections are limited, but when the choices are this good, you won’t leave hungry.

The Egg Sammie from Kitties Cakes

Most important of all, the new shop has extended hours from the original bakery. Now, sell outs are less likely with increased production, and you can enjoy your favorite items until 6 or 7 at night. And with a focus on a laptop-free environment, Kittie’s is a great place to unwind with a cup of Stumptown coffee, a chai latte, or hot chocolate with (you guessed it) shop-made marshmallows.

Culinary Clue: Don’t forget to try to catch Linus the Golden Retriever (linus_the_golden_retriever on Instagram) when he visits. He is the shop’s lovable mascot, and has even been known to balance cupcakes on his nose! His moms (the owners) give back to many charities through the business, including the Capital Area Humane Society.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Wine Slushies

Boozy Recipe Round-up with Drink Up Columbus

I have to kick off another year of blogging with 2 wonderful things: local libations and easy recipes. The solution: sharing a collection of the booze-infused concoctions I’ve created for Drink Up Columbus. If you haven’t checked out Cheryl Harrison’s website, which showcases news about the Cbus craft beer and spirits scene, click here ASAP. It’s been fun finding a way to sneak adult beverages into some of my favorite foods, or create new cocktails with a Columbus twist. Below, you’ll find some simple ways to wow your Super Bowl party guests or stir up an elegant champagne sipper.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Bring Us a Figgy Pudding (or a Fig Rosemary Sparkler)

Fig Rosemary Sparkler
And bring it right here! Ring in the new year in style with this simple and stylish libation. The cocktail starts with bourbon and foolproof Fig Rosemary simple syrup, all topped off with the celebratory staple of champagne. This is a sipper to savor on December 31st! READ MORE…

Forget Taco Tuesday: Drunken Tostadas

Forget Taco Tuesday: Drunken Tostadas
Listen, I love tacos as much as the next gal. But sometimes you want something different! The solution is to switch up your vessel. Tostada shells are better than tacos because you can layer them as high as you want without judgment. Plus since they are open-faced, you can put an egg on top. And the number one rule of cooking is: a runny egg on top makes anything taste good. I think Julia Child said that. Or maybe just me. When you use beer and enchilada sauce to slow-cook the shredded beef, you’ve got the perfect quick dinner in no time. READ MORE…

Super Bowl Slice: Razz Wheat JELL-O Shots

Super Bowl Slice: Razz Wheat JELL-O Shots
It’s time for the Super Bowl! Take a break from watching all that football and those zany commercials, and indulge in something that will please any partygoer: Jackie O’s JELL-O shots. These wicked little wedges are disguised as orange slices, but they use local Razz Wheat beer instead of water, for obvious reasons. But because the beer doesn’t provide quite enough punch, let’s booze it up! I’ve added some moonshine from Mill Street Distillery to kick it up another notch. No matter which team you’re rooting for, these fruity treats will score a touchdown with your guests. READ MORE…

American Pie: Boozy Double Apple Pie Parfait recipe

American Pie: Boozy Double Apple Pie Parfait recipe
Let’s put it out there: you love pie, but you’re lazy. It’s ok, no judgment. Sometimes you just don’t feel like coring 14 apples and making a basket-weave out of dough, right? But there’s nothing more American than apple pie and alcohol, so combine your affinity for apple pie with your adoration of Brothers Drake Apple Pie mead, and you’ve got an easy parfait that’s perfect for the winter months. Brothers Drake’s mead is sublime on its own (especially in the bourbon-barrel aged variety) so adding the Apple Pie mead here amps up the fruity goodness of the pie filling! READ MORE…

Apple of My Eye: Salty Caramel + Apple Infused Whiskey

Salty Caramel + Apple Infused Whiskey
Summer is waning, and it’s going to start getting cold soon. No one wants this change, but you can console yourself is with apple picking and boozy beverages. And all good Columbus residents know that Salty Caramel is the best Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream flavor, right? So when you combine apples, Salty Caramel and OYO Whiskey, magic happens. READ MORE…

Winter is Coming: Pumpkin Beer Chili

Winter is Coming: Pumpkin Beer Chili
If you are anything like me, you have a ton of of straggler pumpkin beers in your fridge. You know, the six packs where you get super pumped about fall, and buy a bunch of “basic” pumpkin brews. I have the solution for the impending winter temps – using leftover pumpkin beer for this ultra-satisfying chili. It’s perfect for tailgating and cozying up on cold winter nights. READ MORE…

Get Rich or Pie Trying: Boozy Berry Hand Pies

Get Rich or Pie Trying: Boozy Berry Hand Pies
Columbus is having a bit of a Pie Renaissance. From savory spinach delights at Lineage Brewing, to the Honeykiss Bakery Salted Chocolate Pie (swoon!) at the Ohio Taproom, it’s obvious that alcohol and pie are a perfect pairing. The only thing better? Putting a favorite local spirit, OYO Stone Fruit Vodka, in your pie! These flaky blueberry-laden delights are your drink and dessert in one, and are dangerously easy to create. Think of them like a boozy adult pop-tart! READ MORE…

Float On: five recipes for booze-filled floats

Caramel Apple Shine
If you’ve ever been to The Whitney House, you know about boozy floats. These adults-only concoctions are the ideal way to combine your desire to imbibe and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time. Because let’s be honest – the only way to improve the classic root beer float is to add alcohol to it! Fortunately, Columbus has some great breweries and distilleries as well as ice cream artisans which are perfect for pairing. Here are five floats for you to fancy: READ MORE…

Wine Down: Wine Slushies

Wine Slushies
Slushies are for adults too! Nothing cools you down like a frozen treat, and adding wine to anything is a good idea, so whipping up a batch of wine slushies is the perfect way to beat the summer heat. I used the Lake View White blend from Buckeye Lake Winery in my concoction, and they were slurped up in no time! READ MORE…