When I’m home to visit my parents, I always try to stop in at Olympia Candy Kitchen, a classic downtown dinner and homemade candy kitchen since 1912. Their hand-dipped chocolates, especially their chocolate turtles, are legendary! They have been using the same giant mercury Christmas ball and pine garland holiday decorations since I was a [...]
Archive for December, 2011
27 Dec
Easy Entertaining: Spinach Dip and Pita Chips
Spinach dip is easy to make, and doesn’t have to be as unhealthy as the prepacked store version. The same can be said for pita chips! Just slice them in quarters or sixths, place on a pam-sprayed cookie sheet, spraying again with oil and toasting for about 10 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Spinach [...]
26 Dec
Easy Entertaining: Vegetable Tray with Gorgonzola Dip
Vegetables are good for you, and gorgonzola is delicious, so why not add this colorful platter to your entertaining spread? This dip will work with any vegetables, but is especially good (I think) with endive leaves, steamed red baby potatoes and asparagus, and red pepper slices. My number one rule of crudite creation? NO two [...]
24 Dec
Easy Entertaining: Marinated Goat Cheese Balls
One of the easiest hors d’oeuvres that I make is marinated goat cheese balls, served alongside toasted pita, baguette slices, or crackers. In just ten minutes you can make and garnish a delicious, satisfying dish. Marinated Goat Cheese Ball 1 8 oz. log of goat cheese (for each ball) 4 oz. kalamata olives 1/4 good [...]
23 Dec
Easy Holiday Entertaining: Buckeyes
I know, I know, the holidays have already begun, but maybe you’re looking for a last minute treat for your neighbors, to bring to a holiday party, or for your New Years Eve celebration. Growing up in Indiana, someone always brought a plate of buckeyes to the house, or to my grandparent’s and now my [...]
