Posts with tag 'Specialty Foods'

Evan Johnson Blog

Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.




rss logo RSS Feed
Explore Ohio | 95 Posts
LoLo Gifts | 33 Posts
Northeast Ohio | 135 Posts
Real Estate | 102 Posts
Uncategorized | 1 Posts
Cutler Real Estate Home Maintenance Home Safety Homeownership Cutler Real Estate Agents Cutler Realtor Decor Northeast Ohio Ohio Real Estate Real Estate Trends Realtor Cutler Real Estate News Ohio Association of Realtors Home Selling Tips House Hunting Real Estate Sell a Home Selling Your Home with a Realtor Staging Local Attractions Things to Do Relocation First-time homebuyer tips Columbus OH Buy a home Community Holiday Home Selling Tips Holidays Find a Home Cincinnati OH Things to do in Cincinnati Restaurants Akron OH Canton OH Cleveland OH Things to do in Northeast Ohio Akron Business Cincinnati Real Estate Columbus Real Estate Cleveland Real Estate Columbus Columbus Restaurants Thanksgiving Akron Real Estate Canton Real Estate Best of Cincinnati Best of Cleveland Traveling Stark County Columbus Events Best of Ohio Cincinnati Events Cuyahoga Valley National Park Akron Events Canton Events Things to do in Columbus Dublin OH Best of Columbus Cleveland Events Canton Cincinnati Family-Friendly Activities Brunch Homes for Sale Apple Orchards Corn Mazes Fall Fall Events Pumpkin Patches Events Columbus Bars Ohio State Sports Sports Bars Halloween Local Events Local Bloggers Ohio Bloggers Recipes Dining Gluten-Free Home Decor Home Inspiration Ohio Downtown Canton Bars and Restaurants Cuyahoga Falls Kent OH Mantua OH Silver Lake OH Stow OH Tallmadge OH Photography Christmas Holiday Chanukah Holiday Events Santa Boutique Shop Local Shopping Holiday Shopping A Christmas Story House New Year's Eve Fitness Healthy New Year Paleo Vegan Winter Lunch Record Shops Fireplaces Bookstores Farmers Markets Coffee Coffee Shops Valentine's Day Bars Beer Breweries Cincinnati Bars & Restaurants Newport Downtown Cleveland Neighborhood Guide St. Patrick's Day Copley OH Irish Massillon OH Medina OH Findlay Market Architecture Spring Easter Pets North Canton OH Charities Giving Back Karma Keg Strongsville Cocktails Happy Hours Eco-Friendly Sustainability Festivals Summer Roadtrips Moving Tips Memorial Day Cabins Camping Glamping Summer Events Kids Gardening Home Improvement Landscaping Fourth of July Fishing Hiking Outdoors Skiing Food Trucks Nonprofits Small Businesses Lake Erie Put-in-Bay Affordable Homes Over-the-Rhine OH Luxury Hyde Park OH Alliance OH Hartville OH Instagram Instagrammers Podcasts Wooster OH Specialty Foods Museums Virtual Tours Dessert Independence OH Rocky River OH Garrettsville OH Jackson Township OH Green OH Hudson OH Bexley OH Delaware OH Galena OH Lewis Center OH Ostrander OH Powell OH Sunbury OH Florence KY Union KY Walton KY Louisville OH Worthington OH London OH Marysville OH Burlington KY Western Hills OH West Chester OH Carrollton OH Beachwood OH Bedford OH Brecksville OH Avon OH Amherst OH Brunswick OH Aurora OH Canal Fulton OH Barberton OH Bolivar OH German Village OH Fayette County OH Gahanna OH Grandview Heights OH Grove City OH Groveport OH Hilliard OH Granville OH Johnstown OH Seven Hills OH Tremont OH Westlake OH Wadsworth OH Streetsboro OH Ravenna OH Perry Township OH Sandyville OH Uniontown OH Waynesburg OH Short North OH Westerville OH New Albany OH Obetz OH Reynoldsburg OH Upper Arlington OH Whitehall OH Pataskala OH West Jefferson OH Malvern OH Lake Mohawk OH Mayfield Heights OH Middleburg Heights OH Ohio City OH Pepper Pike OH Magnolia OH Navarre OH Plain Township OH Munroe Falls OH New Philadelphia OH Blacklick OH Canal Winchester OH Elyria OH East Sparta OH Cuyahoga Falls OH Fairlawn OH Dover OH Lancaster OH Mount Sterling OH Union County OH Carroll County OH Delaware County OH Fairfield County OH Franklin County OH Hamilton County OH Licking County OH Lorain County OH Madison County OH Portage County OH Summit County OH Tuscarawas County OH Wayne County OH Hyde Park Cincinnati Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati Augusta, KY Downtown Columbus OH Clintonville OH Pickaway County OH Wedding Venues Local Businesses Parks Wineries Farms Theater Boone County Chillicothe New Construction Homes for Sale Ohio
September
15

Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail - Explore Ohio - Cutler Real Estate

Buckeyes are a popular treat in the state of Ohio. Who wouldn't love these balls of peanut butter coated in chocolate? Whether you're a dedicated buckeyes fan or someone hoping to experience them for the first time, you just have to take a trip along the Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail. This trail takes you to various bakeshops and candy stores, each serving its own version of buckeyes. Here are some of the top stops along the Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail.

Haute Chocolate

9424 Shelly Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45242

Haute Chocolate is an incredible candy store in Cincinnati. They've been in business since 1979 and have gained quite a reputation for their buckeyes. As you step into the small, brick building, you'll be greeted by the scent of chocolate and peanut butter — and you'll know something delicious awaits.

The owner is usually in the store at Haute Chocolate, and they can tell you all about their chocolate-making process. In addition to classic chocolate buckeyes, they also make white chocolate buckeyes, which are a must for any white chocolate fan. The chocolate-covered strawberries are also incredible if you're looking for something to accompany your buckeyes. Eating the buckeyes and strawberries side by side is almost like having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Tickled Sweet

317 Main St., Milford, OH 45150

Tickled Sweet is located in the downtown area of Milford. They were named Score Business of the Year in 2017! You can spend an hour or two walking around to nearby shops and restaurants before stopping in for some buckeyes. They're made in-house, and they're served with a smile.

In addition to buckeyes, Tickled Sweet offers an assortment of fudge and macarons. Their macarons come in fun flavors like key lime and birthday cake, and they're sold individually.

Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe

101 E. Alex Bell Rd., Centerville, OH 45459

Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe was founded in 1984 and has remained a family business ever since. The shop is housed in a small brick building. Inside, shelves of packaged chocolates draw you in with their beauty. There's also a deli-style service counter where you can have chocolate packaged individually to order.

Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe sells traditional buckeyes with a milk chocolate exterior. The peanut butter centers are especially creamy! They come in packages of 6, 12, or 24, so you can bring a few home to share. If you're looking for something to enjoy alongside your buckeyes, you can't go wrong with the shortbread. Known as "Aunt Laura's shortbread," it's incredibly delicate with a nice brown sugar flavor.

Anthony Thomas

1777 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228

If you're in or around Columbus, make sure you stop by Anthony Thomas for some buckeyes. This large candy store is family-operated, and they manage to turn out 50,000 pounds of chocolate each year.

The buckeyes here are described as "really peanut buttery" and smooth. They come individually wrapped, so you can try one here and there without worrying about the rest of the package spoiling. Buy a 12-piece or 24-piece box if you plan on sharing. Anthony Thomas also sells Ohio Baskets, which are shaped like the state of Ohio and filled with classic candies like buckeyes, chocolate-covered pretzels, and caramel corn.

Chocolate Cafe

1855 Northwest Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212

If you want to eat some lunch or breakfast alongside your buckeyes, this is the place to go. Chocolate Cafe has a menu with soups, salads, sandwiches, wine, cocktails, and even omelets. But the chocolate is definitely the star of the show.

The buckeyes at Chocolate Cafe are hand-rolled, and they sell for $1 apiece. They also offer buckeye pretzels, which is a fun twist on the classic. You might be tempted to order some truffles or mini cupcakes to bring home, too.

Schmidt's Fudge Haus

220 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206

This shop may be named after fudge, but don't let that fool you. They still have some of the best buckeyes in Columbus. The centers are incredibly smooth and creamy, and they're dipped in real Belgian chocolate. You can buy the buckeyes in boxes of 6 or 15.

Definitely take the opportunity to sample the fudge while you're at Schmidt's, too. The plain chocolate is a classic, but the butter pecan is incredible if you're a nut lover. Schmidt's Fudge Haus is located in the Historic German Village, so feel free to take a walk around as you enjoy your sweets.

Sweetie's Chocolates at Grandpa's Cheesebarn

668 US-250, Ashland, OH 44805

Sweetie's Chocolates is an enormous candy store located directly next to Grandpa's Cheesebarn, an enormous cheese store. If you're in Northeast Ohio, you absolutely need to visit both. They offer lots of free samples and have an incredible selection of both cheeses and sweets.

Sweetie's offers buckeyes dipped in both milk and dark chocolate. They even offer miniature buckeyes, which they sell in a big tub suitable for sharing. Other tasty treats include chocolate-covered pretzels, caramels, and fudge. The licorice candy, which comes in many flavors, is also a favorite.

Honadle's Fine Chocolates

1138 W. Maple St., Hartville, OH 44632

Honadle's doesn't take shortcuts, sourcing as many ingredients as possible from local companies, and they always use the freshest, best-quality items possible. This really shows in the quality of their buckeyes and chocolates. Honadle's is a stop on the Ohio Buckeye Trail that you don't want to skip.

The buckeyes here come in milk and dark chocolate versions, and they're sold in a 12-count box. The sea salt caramels are a great treat to order if you're looking for something extra.

Butter Maid Bakery

100 Victoria Rd., Youngstown, OH 44515

Everything at Butter Maid Bakery is made in small batches, using old-fashioned recipes and traditional ingredients. They've been around since 1903, so they've had plenty of time to master their craft! In addition to the buckeyes, customers love their kalochi, and it's definitely worth a try.

Butter Maid Bakery's buckeyes are larger than most. The filling is also a bit softer than you might be used to since they're made with a higher proportion of peanut butter. They're sold in 12-count boxes, so you'll have enough to share. 

Taste Ohio's Best

As you travel along the Ohio Buckeye Trail, your taste buds are sure to be pleased! Which one of these candy stores are you most excited to visit?

September
3

Beer Lover's Day Around Ohio - Cutler Real Estate

Beer Lover's Day is September 7, so what better opportunity to step back and appreciate the art of craft brewing? Beer has played an important role in our country's history — early Virginia colonists often brewed their own ale, and many of our brewing styles were influenced by German settlers in the mid-1850s. However, the process has evolved significantly, and thanks to various hops, grains, and brewing methods, we can enjoy countless styles and flavors of beer today.

One of the best ways to celebrate Beer Lover's Day is to head out to your favorite Ohio craft brewery to learn about their particular brewing style and sample new kinds of beer. Whether you're truly interested in the art of brewing or simply looking for an excuse to have some drinks with friends, here are nine of Ohio's best breweries that should be on your list to try.

Butcher And The Brewer

2043 E. 4th St., Cleveland, OH 44115

This locally owned and operated brewpub and dining house in Cleveland serves some of the best local beers as well as delicious farm-to-table shareable plates. They even have an in-house butcher and Charcuterie. With over 12 different beers on tap and a robust menu of wines and cocktails, Butcher And The Brewer is a great place to hang out and relax with friends. There is spacious indoor and outdoor seating, and you can even order directly from your phone. The bar and restaurant are open Wednesday through Sunday evenings.

Akronym Brewing

58 E. Market St, Akron, OH 44308

With over 22 beers on tap and a taproom menu full of delicious snacks, Akronym Brewing is one of the best breweries in Northeast Ohio and makes for a great date night or weekend hangout location. Beer is brewed on-site, and several of Akronym's beers have actually won local and national competitions. Trivia night is on Wednesdays, and they serve a delicious brunch on Sundays. The bar is open daily, but hours change, so be sure to check their website. Rather drink at home? Order a keg of your favorite beer with a pony tap to go.

Codex Brewing

6307 Whipple Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720

For some delicious locally-brewed craft beer choices, check out Codex Brewing. This small brewery has 13 rotating taps to choose from, including delicious IPAs, wheat beers, and even seltzers. Enjoy your beer inside their cozy, minimalist taproom. Codex Brewing doesn't have a kitchen, but they do frequently have food trucks, and they even allow you to bring your own food. The taproom is open Wednesday through Sunday, and drive-thru beer pickup is also available.

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

1101 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201

Seventh Son has been voted best brewery in Columbus on multiple occasions and makes some of the most delicious ales & IPAs in Central Ohio. Located in the historic Italian Village, Seventh Son has a robust draft list, great food truck schedule, and even a small retail shop. Enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the taproom, which is divided into two floors and has a "Downstairs Draft List" and an "Upstairs Draft List." There is plenty of table space both indoors and outdoors, and the bar is open 7 days a week.

Corner Stone Craft Beer & Wine

61 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

This locally-owned brewery and retail store sits in the Olde Towne East area of Columbus and provides a comfortable atmosphere to learn about and try different craft beers and wine. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and can help you find your new favorite beer. The store has six rotating drafts but also features over 300 different varieties of bottled beer. Growlers are available if you'd like to take your beet to-go. Make sure to check out their website for fun weekend events. The brewery is open Monday through Saturday until 10 pm on weeknights and 11 pm on weekends.

Columbus Brewing Company

2555 Harrison Rd., Columbus, OH 43204

Best known for its Columbus IPA, Bodhi, and German Lagers, Columbus Brewing Company's massive brewery is where you'll find some of the most popular beers in Central Ohio. The large brewery is attached to a beautiful taproom where you can enjoy 20 popular beers, all brewed on-site. Beer is available to go, and small plates, appetizers, and pizzas are available to order. Stop by Wednesday through Thursday for a beer and a snack.

Rhinegeist Brewery

1910 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

One of the most popular craft beer brands in the Midwest can be found right in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. This 25,000 square foot brewery features a rooftop bar and a beautiful taproom. The draft list includes all the popular Rhinegeist favorites plus rotating season choices. Best of all, you can take a tasting tour of the entire brewing facility on weekends. While they don't actually serve food, they do have a partnership with their next-door neighbor's OTR Chili, so it's to pair your favorite Cincinnati chili with your favorite beer. The brewery is open Tuesday through Sunday.

MadTree Brewing

3301 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209

This warehouse-turned-brewery in Cincinnati features ample indoor and outdoor seating, great beer, and some delicious pizza. MadTree Brewing has over 26 styles of craft beer and an awesome family-friendly vibe. There are a variety of outdoor activities on the weekends, and the brewery is dog-friendly. They also have a huge outdoor patio, making it a great place to hang out on warm weekend afternoons. Stop by for a pint or order a growler or keg to go. MadTree is open seven days a week.

Listermann Brewing Company

1621 Dana Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45207

20 draft beers and a dog-friendly taproom make Listermann Brewing Company an awesome place to gather with friends and family.  Listermann's beers have won several local and national awards dating all the way back to 2014. Not only do they have a great taproom, but you'll also find a growler station and a home brewing supply store. The taproom and store are open 7 days a week.

Talk About a Hoppy Hour

Where will you find your new favorite style of beer around Ohio?

August
25

Food Tours - Explore Ohio - Cutler Real Estate

One of the best ways to discover new places to eat is to take a food tour. Some of these tours focus on restaurants. Others also visit grocery stores, breweries, specialty shops, and even farms. Thankfully, there are plenty of fun and engaging food tours around Ohio. Here are a few tasty options to try.

Canton Food Tours

555 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44702

If you're looking at homes for sale in Northeast Ohio, be sure to make time for a tour with Canton Food Tours. This company offers a few different food tours in and around the city of Canton. Their Afternoon Hall of Fame City Food Tour takes you to four restaurants in the Canton Arts District, and their Evening Hall of Fame City Food Tour features small-plate entrees, desserts, and more.

You can book your tour on Canton Food Tours' website. Prices start at $58 per person, and most tours take about 3 - 4 hours. If you have dietary restrictions, they can be accommodated as long as you let Canton Food Tours know in advance.

Relish City Food Tours

Cleveland, OH

Relish City Food Tours promises to give you an inside look at Cleveland's vibrant food scene. Their Ohio City Food Tour takes you on a walk through historic neighborhoods. You'll stop at the West Side Market, the Ohio City Farm, and several unique restaurants, sampling seasonal goodies along the way. The guides share local stories and insights into Cleveland's culture.

Tickets range from $50 to $87 per person and can be purchased on Relish City Food Tours' website. There is the option to include drink pairings for an extra fee.

Cleveland Cycle Tours

2061 Gehring Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

If you want to get some exercise and enjoy great food, Cleveland Cycle Tours is a great company to book with. They offer several different tour routes, each winding through a portion of the city with stops at two different pubs for drinks and snacks.

The Tremont Outing Tour is an especially good choice. With a small group, you'll pedal through this artistic neighborhood, stopping to sample some locally brewed beer. The tour guides are really upbeat and engaging.

Columbus Food Adventures

Columbus, OH 43215

Columbus Food Adventures offers a few different food tours in the city of Columbus. You can choose a van tour for convenience or a walking tour if you'd like a bit more exercise. 

One of the top tours through Columbus Food Adventures is their German Village Tour. At a price of $62 per person, it lasts 4 hours and takes you to 6 different tasting stops. The Old Worthington Tour is another great choice, especially if you're interested in history. It introduces you to Old Worthington, its farmers' market, and its top restaurants. Of course, the All Desserts Tour and the Brewery District Walking Tour have plenty of fans, too.

Columbus Craft Cocktail Tour

Columbus, OH 43215

If you're looking at Columbus homes for sale, this is a tour you can't miss. Cocktails are not exactly food, but they are definitely culinary works of art — and well worth sampling! This tour company charges $75 per person, which includes bartender gratuity. Tours are only open to those ages 21 and up.

The Columbus Craft Cocktail Tour visits three premier cocktail bars. Options include The Citizens Trust, Denmark on High, and Mouton, among others. At each bar, you'll enjoy a signature drink and light appetizers. Participants also get a mixology lesson.

Columbus Ale Trail

Columbus, OH 43215

Perhaps a self-guided tour is more your speed. If so, you should consider touring the Columbus Ale Trail. The trail consists of more than 50 craft breweries in and around Columbus, Ohio. Visit your first brewery to grab a copy of the map, and then follow the map to visit as many breweries as you wish. At each stop, you can sample a beer and get a stamp on your map. Turn in your map with four stamps for a patch and sticker.

Breweries along the Columbus Ale Trail include 1487 Brewery, Antiques on High, The Brew Brothers, Brewdog, Galena Brewing Co., Land Grant Brewing, and Outerbelt Brewing, among others. 

Cincinnati Food Tours

107 W. Elder St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

If you're shopping for a home around Cincinnati, then taking a tour with Cincinnati Food Tours is a good way to get your culinary bearings. This company offers a few different tours in and around Cincinnati.

One top option is the Beyond the Market tour. For $69 per person, this tour takes you through one of the city's most historic districts. You'll stop at restaurants, breweries, and wineries along the way, sampling appetizers, beer, wine, and desserts. Another good choice is the All-American Food Tour in Pendleton, which takes you through Ziegler Park, an artistic neighborhood. Here, you'll sample biscuits, whiskey, and more.

Riverside Food & Culture Tours

145 Second St. E, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Riverside Food & Culture Tours is another great tour company operating in Cincinnati. Their Cincy Top 10 Sites and Bites City Tour is a popular choice. It lasts three hours, and it takes you through the downtown area with stops to enjoy Belgian waffles, German goetta, Skyline chili dogs, and more.

If you'd rather ride than walk, then you may want to try the Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour instead. It takes a similar route through the Queen City of the West. You'll experience a little of everything, from traditional Indian restaurants to Scottish pubs.

Craft Connection: Cincinnati Brewery Tours

331 E. 13th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

With craft beer is a big part of Cincinnati culture, this brewery tour is the perfect way to experience the area. You'll ride on a bus, visiting three or four breweries with samples at each one. Wine and beer are allowed on the bus, too, so even the driving portion of the tour feels like a party.

The buses used on this tour hold 14 people. You can reserve your spot on the company's website. Typically, tours are offered on Fridays and Saturdays and last between 3 and 4 hours. The cost is $50 - $55 per person, depending on the day. This includes transportation and your beer samples.

Eat and Enjoy

Which of these food tours will you embark on? Get ready to embrace the deliciousness. 

August
20

Specialty Foods Made in Ohio - Cutler Real Estate

Tired of coffee mugs, t-shirts, and other standard Ohio-centric gifts? Treat family and friends to the literal and figurative flavors of Ohio with a unique gift of specialty foods. These tasty and delightful products made in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati are great on their own or use them to build your own gift basket.

Fred Hot

30022 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092

Fred Hot is a clever play on the name of the company's founder, who was in search of a spicy sauce that was more natural and flavorful than the brands already found on the market. He began experimenting with reductions of various peppers, coming up with sauces that were slightly different with each batch, but deeply satisfying. Fred even designed the humorous caricature found on all his products. Find Fred Hot sauces, seasonings, and pickled vegetables at Sweet Berry Fresh Market in Wickliffe.

Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce

2271 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

At the tender age of 15, Ethan Holmes had a vision of creating a business with his grandfather's applesauce recipe. Ethan went to work in the family kitchen, using raw materials he received as holiday gifts, and Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce was born. Over the past eight years, Ethan has used his passion and business acumen to grow his company with infusions of capital. The 100 percent natural applesauce comes in original, apple pie cinnamon, and strawberry peach flavors. Find Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce at The Wine Spot in Cleveland Heights.

Little Lakewood Pasta Company

15613 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107

Pasta is the perfect canvas for a wide range of sauces, making it a wonderful food for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Taste the difference in the fresh, handmade products from Little Lakewood Pasta Company. In addition to at least eight flavors of fettuccine each day, some of which are vegan, you'll find a selection of sauces, ravioli, and Italian meatballs. Owner Megan Manning has created a community kitchen where other entrepreneurs can rent space and sell their products in the retail store. Shop hours are noon - 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday.

Al's Delicious Popcorn

1500 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220

Honestly, is there anyone who doesn't love popcorn? The Bairds compare the product at their shop, Al's Delicious Popcorn, to their own family: rooted in tradition, but full of different personalities. More than 65 flavors cover both the sweet and savory ends of the spectrum, including gluten-free and vegan varieties. For a true taste of Ohio, try the Cincinnati-style chili and buckeye flavors. Individual portion bags can be customized for showers, birthdays, and other special occasions. Al's Delicious Popcorn is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Stauf's Coffee Roasters

1277 Grandview Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

Thanks to a seemingly endless variety of types from around the world, coffee is more popular than ever today. In pursuit of crafting a gourmet level cup of coffee, Stauf's Coffee Roasters uses the best green arabica beans available and roasts them by hand on gas-fired drum roasters. For a truly exceptional drinking experience, try their micro-roast batches from Rwanda, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Colombia. The true caffeine addict on your gift list will love a subscription to Stauf's Coffee of the Month program. Shop hours are 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.

Ridiculously Good Salsa

508 Cassady Ave., Columbus, OH 43209

As famously declared in a Seinfeld episode two decades ago, salsa surpassed ketchup on the list of popular condiments in the U.S. This can likely be attributed to brands like Ridiculously Good Salsa, whose name says it all. But for the company's founders, it goes beyond taste. After their son recovered from critical injuries after an accident, they wanted to create a food that would be shared by friends and family during special moments. Ridiculously Good Salsa is made in small batches using locally sourced vegetables and fresh herbs, with three levels of heat for all tastes. Find Ridiculously Good Salsa at Bexley Natural Market in Columbus. 

Taste of Belgium

1135 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Ohio meets Continental Europe at Taste of Belgium, where "elegant cuisine is served with a down-to-earth attitude." When founder Jean-François Flechet brought a 120-pound cast iron waffle iron back from his native Belgium, it launched an empire of food establishments. The hand-held Liege-style Belgian waffles, so tasty they don't need any syrup, are still the crown jewel of the company's offerings. Stop by their restaurant in Over-the-Rhine or order online.

Hen of the Woods

4450 Eastgate S. Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45245

At one time, Nick and Kimberly Marckwald dreamed of opening their own restaurant. Nick used his culinary expertise to make red wine vinegar potato chips for use as salad croutons, which they sold to raise funds for their venture. The chips were so wildly successful that the couple pivoted to the new opportunity, calling their new company Hen of the Woods, which was the chosen name for their restaurant. The original red wine vinegar flavor is still available, along with white cheddar jalapeño, sea salt, everything bagel, buttermilk and chive, and Carolina BBQ. Find Hen of the Woods snacks at Jungle Jim's International Market in Cincinnati.

Donna's Gourmet Cookies

10796 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242

Who could resist a cookie that's bold enough to have the words "ooey gooey" included in its name? These delights are an XXL version of the delicacies from Donna's Gourmet Cookies, which come in classic chocolate chip along with other decadent flavors. Additional treats include brownies and Donna's signature pecan pie bars. Can't decide? Go for the Favorite Things box, which includes a generous sampling of all products. Donna's Gourmet Cookies is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday. Watch the website for online ordering, which is coming soon.

Food, Glorious Food!

You're offered a free lifetime supply of any food you choose. What's #1 on your list?

July
21

Custom Cookies Around Ohio - Cutler Real Estate

Few foods have the universal appeal of cookies, which are a comforting treat for kids and grown-ups alike. It's no surprise that people are turning to cookies to celebrate birthdays, weddings, graduations, and other life events. Make your special occasion even more memorable with custom cookies from these talented bakers around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Sepsi Sweets

Julie Sepsi wants everyone to have a sweet day. The home-based baker started Sepsi Sweets to do her part in achieving that goal. One of Julie's signature creations is a treat box made from sugar cookies and vanilla royal icing. The covered container is ready to be filled with M&Ms, Hershey Kisses, or any other small surprise. Julie has also used her popular sugar cookies for an updated take on the holiday gingerbread house. If you prefer cake, Julie is equally creative with cupcakes, including her custom-made DIY cupcake kits.  

Cookies by Courtney

As an ER nurse, Courtney spends her days helping people heal. During her off-hours, she puts a smile on people's faces with Cookies by Courtney. Her delightfully designed treats look more like keepsakes than edible items. Courtney's cookies have taken the whimsical shapes of basketball shoes, cassette tapes, and Margaritas to commemorate everything from showers to book releases. All cookies are individually heat-sealed in cellophane bags.

NV Sweets

Visit the Instagram page of NV Sweets and the first thing that leaps out is the array of vivid colors. Baker Nikki Vordem Esche goes beyond the standard palette of pastels to use primary colors and other bright hues on her eye-catching cookies. Recent creations from Nikki include "apples" for the teacher, strawberry cookies for a first birthday, watercolor volleyballs, and Mickey and Friends cookies that look like they were created at the Disney studio. In a truly inspired move, Nikki used her chocolate brownie cookie dough to make a box of chocolates that could have come from Godiva. 

Six One Four Sweets

Want to add a little international flair to your celebration? Choose some elegant and delicious French macarons from Six One Four Sweets. Macarons are delicate, perfectly round creations with filling layered between two meringue cookies. Dating back to the Renaissance, macarons lend themselves to a wide range of colors and flavors. Baker Alicia Perkins takes full advantage of the versatility of macarons, making them in a number of pastel colors with yummy fillings such as salted caramel, red velvet, strawberries and cream, funfetti, and buckeye. Traditional sugar cookies designed to fit your theme are also available.

AMAEzing Sweet Shoppe

Want your sweets disguised as savory treats? Ashley Combs of AMAEzing Sweet Shoppe recently created an entire cookie BBQ, complete with grills, hot dogs, burgers, oven mitts, and spatulas. Her other crossover designs include a cookie pizza and six-pack of beer. This past spring, associates from Proctor & Gamble ordered cookies from AMAEzing Sweet Shoppe to celebrate a five-year work anniversary. Ashley came up with a set featuring impeccable replicas of the logos from Pampers, Crest, Puffs, and other P&G brands. 

Poppy's Custom Cookies

No, Poppy's Custom Cookies does not bear the name of its owner, but poppies do symbolize the vibrant visual appeal of their products. Arielle developed her love of baking during high school, when she began making cakes and cookies for family and friends. Today, Arielle's hobby has grown into a successful business that allows her to stay home with her two daughters. Arielle recently thrilled someone else's daughter with birthday cookies incorporating the youngster's own artwork. Local businesses have ordered cookies with their logos to use as unique giveaways for customers.

SOHO Sugar Co.

When you want some sweet treats, you can't go wrong with a business that has "Sugar" built right in their name. SOHO Sugar Co. is an abbreviated version of the original name, "South of Home Cookies," reflecting the addition of candy and cakesicles to the offerings. During the pandemic, Jordyn Diebler used the time to meld her love of art and baking into a home-based business baking custom-made cookies for all occasions. Double the fun with themed candy boxes or a design-your-own "charcuterie board."

Cristy's Cookie Creations

While Cristy Bowles modestly refers to herself as a "hobby cookier," Cristy's Cookie Creations have been a big hit around Northeast Ohio. Her showstopper piece is an edible "flower arrangement," featuring incredibly intricate detail right down to the individual petals. Even kids too young to remember are charmed by her cookie-based recreation of the Muppet Babies Star Wars characters. Even Cristy's "regular" cookies, such as pumpkin spice latte, are a big hit.

Sugar & Icing Cookie Co.

If Stephanie Rosselot of Sugar & Icing Cookie Co. looks familiar, it may be because she was featured in the summer issue of Sweet & Saucy Living, an online magazine devoted to cookie-making. Stephanie finds that creating her edible works of art provides a welcome balance to her full-time day job as a high-school math teacher. Both jobs complement each other in Stephanie's beginning and intermediate cookie decorating classes, held at Share Cheesebar and McHarper Manor. 

That's the Way the Cookie Crumbles

Whether it's milk or coffee, are you a dunker? Or do you prefer your cookies as is?

⇦ Newer PostsOlder Posts ⇨

Login to My Homefinder

Pixel