Around here, we’re pretty solid proponents of full-fat dairy. But when one of the kiddos has a mild dairy allergy, sometimes we have to improvise.
Traditional fudge has a lot of dairy and also takes a while to make. In keeping with the spirit of the season (there are even pumpkin spice Twinkies!), here’s a lighter, healthier (but just as delicious) dairy free pumpkin fudge. This pumpkin fudge is not overly sweet (and doesn’t go overboard on spice), and tastes like a bite-sized pumpkin pie without the crust.
Waiting for the first strawberry of the year can be an exercise in patience (the first real strawberry, not grocery store strawberry).
If you live in a place that has an actual winter, those brilliant red jewels are usually one of the earliest fruits to ripen after the cold weather breaks, and those first berries almost make up for the preceding six months… Almost.
Sourdough is versatile (you can use it in pretty much anything that uses yeast), healthy (studies show it can reduce/break down gluten and anti-nutrients in wheat to make the finished product more digestible), and considering that I’ve had my starter in the same jar for the past several years, it’s almost like having another pet.
Located on the historic Chardon Square, Square Bistro is a relative newcomer, taking up residence just over two years ago. Opened by chef Jaret Havanchak (of Lure Bistro in Willoughby), Square Bistro occupies a nondescript Victorian-era storefront across from the county courthouse. Despite the rather bland exterior, squeezed into the row of buildings that line the square, the inside is warm and inviting, with a modern-rustic-chic decor (or something like that; I’m interested in the food, not the decor, though the tinned ceiling is nice). It’s a long and narrow space, with high ceilings and a large front window that ensures the inside is brighter than expected.
But on to the food. The menu definitely borrows from Havanchak’s experience with Lure, and there’s a nice selection of sushi/sashimi and Asian-inspired dishes. The overall flavor is new American, but there’s good variety, and a large selection. On this outing, we were there for the Wednesday night date special, which is a three-course meal (menu changes weekly) for two people for $45; not a bad deal at all.
Chocolate bark is one of those things that you see in a store, and you think to yourself “How can they be charging 10 bucks for that? I could totally make that at home…” And you’re absolutely right, you can make it at home, and with little effort.
This is something that’s great for giving as a gift, because the recipient will think you spent way more time and effort on it than you actually did, especially if you put it in some cute little box. You can top it with just about anything to fit anyone’s taste, and it should last for at least a couple weeks if you keep it sealed in something. Not that it will, because you’ll certainly consume it all before then, but it should.
