ohio

Ohio Buckeye Candy

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Grocery List Ideas: Ohio Buckeye Candy. In case you’re not familiar with an Ohio Buckeye, it’s a shiny, dark brown seed from one of their native trees. It features a light brown “eye” which resembles the eye of a deer. Although the actual seeds from the tree are poisonous to humans when eaten raw, this bakery version is all about permission granted. The homemade candy became super popular back in the 1960s. Like most iconic treats, it was created by accident when a woman didn’t get the confection completely covered in chocolate. Oops. Thanks to her, now anyone can sweeten their day. 

OHIO BUCKEYE CANDY 

Ingredients: 

1 cup butter, room temperature 

1 cup creamy peanut butter 

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

12 ounces special dark chocolate chips 

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions: 

In a mixing bowl, use electric beaters to cream together the butter and peanut butter. Slowly add the powdered sugar until you get a smooth consistency. Add the vanilla extract and mix completely. Scoop 4-5 dozen small peanut butter mounds, rolled into balls, onto a baking sheet. Place in the freezer for one hour. Once cold, they are ready for dipping. Meanwhile, pour the chocolate chips and vegetable oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Melt on 50% power in the microwave oven at 30-second intervals. Stir in between to make the chocolate smooth, without lumps, until all the chocolate is melted. Use a toothpick or skewer to dip and coat each peanut butter ball in chocolate, leaving an open circle of peanut butter to show through. This will resemble an Ohio buckeye. Allow excess to drip off. Transfer buckeyes to parchment paper. Allow candy to set before serving. 

Sam and Ethel’s Restaurant in Tipp City, Ohio

Dining Outside the Home: Sam and Ethel’s Restaurant in Tipp City, Ohio! If buildings could talk, this 1868 longtime shoe repair shop turned ice cream parlor turned breakfast diner could fill volumes. It’s always been about family service and preserving history in the community. Sam and Ethel’s serves old-fashioned comfort food at affordable prices. The cozy atmosphere provides small talk with staff members, regular customers, and first-time guests. There may be a line at the door, but be patient. Check out the decor. You’ll see hanging on the wall a framed newspaper article with a faded photo of longtime comedian and actor, Jonathan Winters. He actually dropped by for a meal at Sam and Ethel’s. See? It’s definitely worth the wait.

Dining Outside the Home: Morton’s The Steakhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio

Dining Outside the Home: Morton’s The Steakhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio! With a stunning view of Fountain Square and a wait staff that aims to please, it’s easy to see why Morton’s Steakhouse on Vine Street sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. For starters let’s try a modern “Mortini” like Pimm’s Cup. Oh, my! A peek at the extensive menu, known for their aged prime beef and signature dishes, leaves one already planning another visit. But for now, relax and enjoy the anticipation of lavish delight. Perhaps a nibble or two of Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, engulfed in a misty fog of dry ice as it makes a grand entrance to the table. Sublime. Prepare to share generous side portions for the ultimate dining extravaganza. After all, the grande finale is Soufflé for Two. 

Red Brick Reunion Porsche Show in Oxford, Ohio

Red Brick Reunion Porsche Show in Oxford, Ohio!  There’s something about a classic car that makes my heart flutter. Don’t ask me why. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been told I possess an “old” soul. Or perhaps it’s because I’m a hopeful romantic. Whatever the reason, I gazed upon this olive green 1950s Porsche Speedster, with its top slicked back, like it was unrequited love. Its muscled body, atop the red brick surface of High Street, alluded to the mental apprehension of power beneath the hood. The live band captivated the crowd playing familiar tunes from the wisteria-covered stage in Oxford’s Memorial Park. What an unexpected pleasure! The next time you come across a car show, take a few minutes to stroll hand-in-hand with someone special. You never know if you’ll run into a good-looking old flame. 

Dining Outside the Home: The Merchant House in Greenville, Ohio

Dining Outside the Home: The Merchant House in Greenville, Ohio! Centuries ago in the town where the famed sharp-shooter Annie Oakley lived, an 1880s merchant building was the hub of all activity providing supplies and groceries for its patrons. Today that historical building still stands and has been transformed into the town’s newest eatery, The Merchant House. Much of the building’s character has been a labor of love. Decorative tin tiles adorn the ceiling, majestic architectural columns divide seating areas, and antique brick walls boldly offset black and white murals. The menu features smoked barbecue, deep dish pizzas, specialty salads, two-handed sandwiches, gourmet desserts, and local craft beers. Farm-to-table ingredients are a plus. For casual family dining and live entertainment, The Merchant House is spot on.