Category: Uncategorized

Blueberry Salad w/Homemade Balsamic Dressing

On By greg@kandflivingIn Photo Gallery, Recipes, Uncategorized2 Comments

After a few weeks of heavy holiday eating (we loved every minute of it!) it’s time to lighten the menu.  This salad recipe elevates mixed greens with the sweetness of blueberries, bite of red onions and saltiness of feta cheese.  Now, on their own these are a wonderful combination, but they’re even better when drizzled lightly with this perfectly balanced balsamic dressing!  Great at any time of the year, it’s a bright crisp addition to any meal, especially with winter soups and stews.

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BLUEBERRY SALAD

Ingredients

  • 4 Cups Mixed Greens
  • 1 Cup Blueberries
  • 1/4 Red Onion, Sliced Thinly
  • 1/2 Cup Crumbled Feta Cheese

HOMEMADE BALSAMIC DRESSING

Ingredients

  • 1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 Tbs. Cranberry Pear Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 1/2 Tbs. Sugar
  • 1 Tsp. Dijon Mustard
  • 1/4 Tsp. Salt
  • 1/4 Tsp. Black Pepper

Instructions

  • In a small bowl or mason jar with lid, place all dressing ingredients.
  • Whisk together or close lid and shake well until thoroughly mixed and sugar is dissolved.
  • Refrigerate until used or up to 1 week.
  • Y0u can use any fruited balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar for a lighter, more neutral flavor.
  • Arrange salad ingredients on 2-4 plates, depending on portion size.  Drizzle lightly with dressing.

This is a basic recipe that can be updated with all kinds of variations.  Try substituting dried cranberries and orange segments for the blueberries and goat cheese for the feta.  As long as you keep the balance of sweet, tart and salty.  I also like adding the crunch of candied pecans, toasted pine nuts or salty pistachios.  Give a few of them a try and let me know your favorite combination.  I’m sure you’ll get a lot of use our of the recipe from weekday suppers to weekend dinner parties.  Dig in!

Butter Pecan Cookies

On By greg@kandflivingIn Recipes, Uncategorized1 Comment

Butter cookies represent the richness and decadence of the holiday season for sure.  Instead of a store-bought tin or the basic butter recipe you might make, try this twist.  These guys get an upgrade from a roll in colored sugar crystals and topped with a pecan half.  They’re slightly crispy, but still melt in your mouth.  And they sparkle like all great things around Christmas should!

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BUTTER PECAN COOKIES

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Butter
  • 3/4 Cups Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tsp. Vanilla
  • 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 Cup Each Red & Green Sugar Crystals
  • 50 Pecan Halves

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.
  • Gradually add flour and mix well until dough is formed.
  • Cover and chill in refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Place sugar crystals into small bowls.  Red in one and green in the other.  You can use any color you want!
  • Form dough into 1-inch balls and then roll in one of the colors of sugar.
  • Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  • Once sheet is full, use the flat bottom of a glass or jar and gently press cookies flat.  You made need to dip glass in the sugar crystals between cookies to prevent sticking.
  • Place a single pecan half on each cookie and press gently into dough.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, remove from oven and cool on wire racks.
  • Store in an airtight container.

Be careful when baking these as it doesn’t take much for them to scorch.  They should be slightly browned on the bottom.  Once you figure out the right time for your oven, it’ll be super easy though.  Make them before next weekend and let me know how you like them.  Dig in!

Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

On By greg@kandflivingIn Photo Gallery, Recipes, Uncategorized1 Comment

There’s no cookie more iconic than chocolate chip!  And I’ve had an awesome variety of big, small, crispy, chewy and more that have all been fantastic.  This recipe though is a little twist on your favorite.  With a chewy consistency and the addition of butterscotch chips, they’re a great take on the American classic.  If you can pull yourself away from your go-to family recipe, give these a try this holiday season – or any time of year for that matter…

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BUTTERSCOTCH CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Butter-Flavored Shortening
  • 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 Tsp. Baking Soda
  • 1 Tsp. Salt
  • 2 Tsp. Vanilla
  • 6 Ounces Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 6 Ounces Butterscotch Chips

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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together shortening, eggs, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.
  • In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking soda and salt.
  • Add dry ingredients to wet and mix well.
  • Using a spoon, fold in both types of chips until evenly distributed.
  • Use a 1-inch cookie scoop or drop by spoonful onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.  Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack.  Store in an airtight container.

Even if you’re not a huge butterscotch fan you’re going to love these cookies.  And maybe, just maybe, they might become your new family favorite.  Get a glass of ice cold milk and belly up to the kitchen table for a few.  Dig in!

Coconut Cookies

On By greg@kandflivingIn Photo Gallery, Recipes, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Let the holiday cookie-making continue!  My wife introduced me to one of her favorites back when we were dating and they quickly became one of my favorites too.  Here’s the twist, there’s no coconut in them!  The interesting combination of instant mashed potato flakes and coconut flavoring will fool anyone.  And you will absolutely love the crispy edges and chewy middles with a hot chocolate or coffee by the fireside.

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COCONUT COOKIES

Ingredients

  • 1 Package or 1 1/3 Cups Instant Mashed Potatoes
  • 1 Cup Bisquick (or similar baking mix)
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Margarine, Softened
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Tsp. Coconut Flavoring

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl cream together butter and sugar.  Add coconut flavoring and mix well.
  • Add egg and beat well with an electric mixer.
  • Stir in Bisquick and potato flakes, with a spoon, until mixture comes together.
  • Cover and chill cookie dough in refrigerator for 1 hour or longer.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Form dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
  • Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
  • Remove from oven and put cookies on a wire rack to cool thoroughly.
  • Store in a covered container.

Simple, weird and totally delicious!  Try making a batch of these this year for something a little different on your cookie platter.  I hope you love them as much as we do.  Dig in!

Peanut Butter Buckeyes

On By greg@kandflivingIn Photo Gallery, Recipes, UncategorizedLeave a comment

If you’re from Ohio, you’ve likely had the peanut buttery goodness of BUCKEYES!!  Shaped like the seed from our state tree, these namesake treats are a hit for the holidays or any time of the year.  You’ll find them at almost any store in Ohio that sells confections and definitely at Ohio State football tailgates!  Good news is, you don’t have to be an OSU fan or from Ohio to love the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate – just ask all of our Minnesota friends who clamored for a treat box of Buckeyes around the holidays.

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PEANUT BUTTER BUCKEYES

Ingredients

  • 18 Ounces Creamy Peanut Butter
  • 1 Lb. Powdered Sugar
  • 1/4 Cup Margarine
  • 12 Ounces Semisweet Chocolate Chips
  • 1/2 Ounce Parafin Wax
Mix
Roll
Dip

Instructions

  • Using a stand mixer (you’ll need a heavy duty one) with a dough hook attachment, cream together peanut butter and margarine until smooth.
  • Add powdered sugar a little at a time and mix on low until thoroughly combined.
  • Roll into one inch balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Place balls in freezer for 15 minutes to harden.
  • While peanut butter balls are in the freezer, use a double boiler (or a metal bowl over a pot of simmering water) to melt chocolate chips and wax together.
  • Remove balls from freezer.  Using a toothpick, pierce each ball and dip 3/4 of the way into chocolate/wax mixture.  Place on parchment paper.  Chill a full tray in the freezer again for 10 minutes or until chocolate is set.
  • Keep stored in an airtight container.  I like to keep them in the fridge, but they’re fine at room temperature too.

There’s little practice involved in the dipping process, but overall these are really easy to make.  A good tip is to use a small bowl or boiler for the chocolate as you want the chocolate to be deep enough to dip into.  You can also make 1 1/2 of the chocolate/wax mixture to make it easier.  We like to then use the excess chocolate to dip pretzels in.  Or try mixing in enough corn flakes to coat them thoroughly.  Drop in small spoonfuls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and top with sea salt flakes – wow are those good!  Try the buckeyes, share with your family and friends and make it a favorite holiday tradition like it is for us.  Dig in!!

B Spot – Strongsville, OH

On By greg@kandflivingIn Eating Out, Photo Gallery, UncategorizedLeave a comment

There are a lot of places to get a burger around town, but few reach the grand height of deliciousness as Michael Symon’s B Spot!  In a world of frozen patties and fast-minded service, B Spot stands out for their fresh ground burgers, inventive topping combinations and homemade sauces.  On a recent trip to Cleveland for business I had my first taste of B Spot while having lunch with my sister.

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In a busy strip mall you’ll find the warm and inviting atmosphere of B Spot.  It’s decorated with wood and metal and enough TV’s for sports, but not an overwhelming bar feel.  It was busy for a late Sunday lunch, but it’s the holidays and we were near the mall so I expected as such.  I’ve heard it’s busy like this all the time though!  We were seated and immediately greeted by friendly staff.  There’s an ample craft beer selection and a list of made-to-order milkshakes that can be amped up with booze if you so choose – hello!!  I had a blonde ale from Sibling Revelry since it’s a friend’s friend’s new brewery, an excellent choice I might say!

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The place is known for their burgers, but there was a good menu with choices like house-made bratwurst and bologna sandwiches.  I settled on the Fun Guy – sautéed mushrooms and onions and topped with cheese.  My sister had the Fat Doug with pastrami, cole slaw and swiss.  Both were perfectly cooked to order, extremely juicy and had just the right ratio of meat-to-bun-to-toppings that let you get a tasty bite of everything every time!  I love when you can really enjoy a burger without it all falling apart and these hit the nail on the head.  I thought the size was perfect, but you can add a patty if you’re tank is running a little on empty.  We split the rosemary fries which was enough for two to share.  Salty, crispy and perfumed with herbs, they were excellent and not the typical disappointing fries you get in most places.

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You can enhance all of the food with 6 different signature sauces at your table – I love the coffee BBQ and the mustardy relish!  Oh, did I mention there’s a house-made pickle bar??  Honestly, everything was done right here and the attention to detail was really refreshing considering they’re growing quickly.  With 8 locations in Ohio, Detroit and Indianapolis you have no reason to not seek one out and have a great lunch or dinner.  I can’t wait for a chance to try the New School bologna sandwich and a side of pork cracklings!!  Thanks Michael, for putting the ingredients first and keeping the burger game real in middle America!!  You can check out their website here for menu and locations bspotburgers.com. Dig in!

SuperChef’s – Gahanna, OH

On By greg@kandflivingIn Eating Out, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Sunday morning screams for amazing breakfast or brunch!  And when we’re not at home, it’s always fun to check out somewhere new and inventive.  On our recent trip to the Columbus, OH area for some Christmas shopping, we decided to check out SuperChef’s Breakfast & More in Gahanna.  Located just east of the I-270 loop, this strip mall eatery did not disappoint.  I’ll admit the exterior with bright graphics and large pictures of food reminded me of an oversized Chinese menu in a mall food court, but it’s all part of the schtick for this comics-themed brunch spot.

A lively place with plenty of seating packed into a tight spot, there is an overabundance of energy in the morning with the perfect backdrop of conversation and the aromas of coffee and syrup.  A large wall in the rear of the restaurant is covered with comic book covers and characters which were complimented by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles t-shirts the staff were wearing.  After a short wait we perused the menu choices with amazing “bam-kapow” comic book takes on traditional breakfast fare.  Think of green waffles with bacon, egg and cheese – that’s “The Hulk”.

We sipped strong coffee and then dug into our choices, all of which were really good.  Breakfast pizza was a thin chewy crust with eggs, cheese, bacon, house-made sausage, tomato and parsley.  I had a tasty croissant sandwich made with sausage (a spicy chorizo-like breakfast patty), eggs, cheese and mustard vinaigrette dressed greens.  What a perfect addition to cut through the fatty richness of the rest of the sandwich!  The omelets were hefty and full of fresh ingredients.  Most dishes are served with chunky hash browns browned with topped with a dollop of spicy butter – I know, genius idea!

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With another location in downtown Columbus, I would recommend trying this place out for a great brunch any day of the week.  The waffle and pancake combinations looked ridiculous – wings & waffles or blueberry pancakes with lemon buttercream are just a few of the choices!  Add those choices to a great cup of strong coffee and really good service and you’ll see why there was a wait to get in.  You can read their story and check out the breakfast and lunch menus at mysuperchefs.com.  Dig in!!

My Favorite Layered Cheesecake

On By greg@kandflivingIn Photo Gallery, Recipes, UncategorizedLeave a comment

For my entire life my mom has been making her family cheesecake recipe for the holidays and special occasions.  And as I learned to cook, I began making the same recipe that her grandmother made for as long as she can remember.  So what’s the big deal?  First, you make it in a 13 x 9 pan – so you know there’s plenty to go around and then some!  Second, rather than a single layer of dense creamy goodness, this recipe calls for a rich sweet cream cheese layer and is topped with a sour cream and sugar mixture that gives a secondary texture and a slight bite.  It’s easy to make, but everyone will think you spent a ton of time on it – read how simple it is below.

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MY FAVORITE LAYERED CHEESECAKE

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
  • 1/4 Cup Sugar
  • 1/3 Cup Melted Butter

Filling:

  • 3 Bricks (8 Oz. each) Cream Cheese, Softened
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 5 Eggs, Room Temperature
  • 1 1/2 Tsp. Vanilla

Topping:

  • 24 Oz. Sour Cream
  • 4 Tbs. Sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • In a small bowl, thoroughly mix crust ingredients with a fork.  Pour into a 13 x 9 metal baking pan and press firmly and evenly.  Set aside.
  • In a large bowl or stand mixer, lightly beat cream cheese until smooth.  Add 1/4 Cup sugar and beat.  Add one egg and beat.  Continue alternating until all sugar and eggs have been combined with cream cheese.  Mixture should be smooth and free of any lumps.
  • Mix in vanilla and then pour mixture over crust in pan.
  • Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.
  • Remove from oven.
  • Turn oven up to 425 degrees while you mix topping.
  • Stir together sour cream and sugar until combined and smooth.  Pour and spread evenly over baked cheesecake.
  • Return to oven and bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

I hope you love this decadent dessert as much as my and my wife’s family do!  It will surely be a hit and requested for all of your family functions.  While we aren’t formal and normally serve it out of the pan, you can cut and arrange on a platter for a party, shower, etc.  I recommend using a sharp knife and dipping it in warm water after each cut to prevent sticking and to achieve perfect squares for serving.  Dig in!!

Sticky Cinnamon Rolls

On By greg@kandflivingIn Photo Gallery, Recipes, Uncategorized1 Comment

Holidays were made for indulgences.  Let’s face it, I ate a significant portion of the 65 lbs of ham and turkey I made for Thanksgiving a few days ago.  So why not go the extra mile for my family in town this morning by making some homemade cinnamon rolls?!  Calorie counting will commence promptly on Monday, but I will continue to enjoy the rest of this weekend.  You’ll love the recipe below because it’s easy and also offers a twist with the addition of apricot honey butter (from my home town) and chopped pecans.  Go ahead, make some for yourself and make any weekend morning special.

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STICKY CINNAMON ROLLS

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Warm jar of honey butter in microwave for 30 seconds.  Remove and pour contents into bottom of a 9″ round non-stick pan.  For this recipe I used apricot pecan honey butter from a candle and honey company in Medina, OH called A.I. Root.  However, you an also find the same flavor combination here or at your local retailer.
  • Roll out pizza or bread dough to a 12-inch x 12-inch square.
  • In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, pecans and cinnamon.  Spread in a thin even layer over the pizza dough going completely to the edges.
  • Roll dough from one side tightly until you have a long tube.
  • Cut rolled dough into six pieces and then place sideways into pan of honey butter.  Arrange five on the outside and one in the middle.  Press down slightly so that all edges are touching.
  • Bake at 375 degrees for 12-14 minutes until top is golden brown and middles are no longer gooey.
  • Remove from oven and top with a heat-safe platter.  Turn baking pan upside down to turn out finished rolls.  Scrape any excess honey butter and pecans onto the top of the cinnamon rolls.
  • Allow to cool for 5 minutes and then serve immediately.

This super-sweet decadent treat is perfect for weekend company or for a brunch event.  It would be easy to triple this recipe and make them in a 13×9 pan as well.  You can also substitute any kind of honey butter here, but I’ll tell you that the apricot gives a wonderful fruity hint to any otherwise really sweet dish.  Either way, I think you’ll make these again and again when you feel the need to indulge.  Dig in and enjoy!

Breaded Pork Chops

On By greg@kandflivingIn Photo Gallery, Recipes, Uncategorized2 Comments

Sunday supper and football season = breaded pork chops.  My mom has made this recipe for as long as I can remember – I’ve seriously watched her make these 100 times or more!  And I have never once been disappointed in the result.  When you think breaded pork chops, you think of a crispy schnitzel or something similar.  However, the combination of frying and then slow cooking gives you soft savory no-knife-needed pork chops.  This is the ultimate in comfort food and will be part of your regular rotation for the rest fall and winter!

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BREADED PORK CHOPS

Ingredients

  • 12 Bone-In Center Cut Pork Chops (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick)
  • 3 Eggs, Beaten
  • 1 1/2 Cups Seasoned Bread Crumbs
  • 6-8 Tbs. Canola Oil
  • 1/4 Cup Water

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Using two paper plates, creating a dredging station with beaten eggs in the first plate and bread crumbs in the second.
  • Heat an electric skillet, or a cast iron skillet on the stove top, to about 350 degrees.  Add half of the canola oil.
  • Dip each pork chop first in egg and then in bread crumbs.  Shake off excess and place in hot oil.  Brown 3-4 chops at a time.  Do not overcrowd pan.
  • Brown in oil for 2 minutes per side and place into a glass 13 x 9 baking dish.  Continue process adding more oil as needed until all chops are done and stacked in baking dish.
  • Pour 1/4 cup water into the baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
  • Bake for 2 hours at 325 degrees.
  • Serve immediately.

The simplicity of the ingredients and the slow cooking really bring out the best flavor of the pork.  The fat will render from the breading and the meat so make sure you remove the finished chops from the cooking liquid to both serve and store leftovers.  You won’t believe how tender these turn out – both for dinner and leftovers the next day!  Comfort food is served – thanks mom!  Dig in!