Hounds In The Kitchen » Events

Handmade Chocolate Truffles {Recipe}

Rachel — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:12:06 +0000

Chocolate is a classic Valentine’s gift. It’s a special decadent treat that nearly everyone loves.

But there are problems with modern chocolate manufacturing: it often exploits the land and native peoples. Also, many big name companies use artifical flavorings and additives.

Treat your love like a king or queen and seek out fair trade, all-natural chocolate from an honest manufacturer. We like Dagoba, Equal Exchange, and Theo brands.

For an extra special gift, consider hand rolling truffles. This recipe is simple to put together and can be customized to a wide variety of tastes by changing the liquid flavoring and outer coating.

Lil and a friend made these truffles for holiday gifts. Their versions more closely resembled truffle mushrooms than a candy store confection, but they tasted fantastically gourmet. If distractable kindergarteners can make these, you can too.

Handmade Valentine’s Chocolate Truffles

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 30-40 tablespoon sized chocolate truffles

Combine four ingredients to make your own hand rolled chocolate truffles - so easy children enjoy it!

Ingredients

16 ounces fair trade chocolate pieces (any combination of semi-sweet to dark)
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon extract (vanilla, almond, or peppermint) or espresso
4-8 ounces coating ingredients (cocoa powder, powdered sugar, finely chopped nuts or coconut)

Instructions

Melt chocolate in a double boiler or bowl set inside a pot of simmering water.
When chocolate is mostly melted, pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Stir together and continue cooking until the mixture comes together with a smooth texture.
Remove from the heat and stir in extract or espresso.
Chill in the fridge for two or more hours.
Roll tablespoon portions into spheres. Finish these by rolling in your choice of powdered sugar, cocoa, finely chopped nuts, or coconut.
Store truffles in individual candy cups in a covered container.

As these truffles rely on only a few ingredients, use the highest quality chocolate and sweetened condensed milk you can afford.

Google Recipe View Microformatting by ZipList Recipe Plugin

Added to Hearth and Soul blog hop 2/7.

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Handmade Chocolate Truffles {Recipe} is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!

200Columbus Food & Arts Events {Friday Five}

Rachel — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:14:45 +0000

Our fair city is celebrating its 200th birthday in 2012!

Bicentennial events are planned all around Columbus, OH. Below is a curated list of my top five. Thanks to travel plans, we will not be able to attend many festivities but we will celebrate in spirit.

200Columbus Best Bicentennial Events

One of our cities most beloved institutions, the Columbus Metro Library, will host birthday parties at all 21 locations at 3 pm on Saturday February 11. Nosh on some cake in your favorite reading spot.

Columbus 2012 Bicentenial Artists’ Informal – Saturday, February 11, 7 – 10 PM – The Columbus Cultural Arts Center, 139 W. Main St. A *free* ball celebrating Columbus’ history and future as a home for artists.

Shop North Market Spices with a 20% off coupon during 200Columbus Days February 11 – 15. Franklin Park Conservatory, a favorite photography spot pictured at right, is offering $2 off admission. Other shops and activities are discounted too; download a flyer with all the details at the 200Columbus Days website.

Finalists in the Columbus in Song contest will appear on the 200Columbus website February 14. I can’t wait to hear how the talent of this city speaks for our home.

Bicentennial State of the City Address – Wednesday, February 29, 6 pm at The Ohio Theater. Join Michael Coleman for the State of the City Address and The Harmony Project who will close the event with an original song “I Call Columbus Home”.

Happy Birthday Columbus!

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200Columbus Food & Arts Events {Friday Five} is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!

Homestead Bartering

Rachel — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:47:27 +0000

Me cooking yakitori at Double Happiness bar

It sounds like a bit of a crazy hippie idea, but bartering is an important part of homesteading.

Cash is sometimes hard to come by because many homesteading families like ours choose to live on less income. In a city, everyone doesn’t have the space to make everything a homestead can produce so we share. In lieu of real money, I can trade the use of tools, home canned goods, produce in season, writing and social media services and private cooking classes for things I want.

How We Barter

Sometimes I send out a call for things we need via Twitter, Facebook, or friends. Other times, I notice people with a need and make an offer.

We negotiate a little bit to be sure that everyone feels that they are entering into a fair deal. Barter is casual for me; thus far I’ve only relied on personal communication as a contract.

I work hard to hold up my end of the deal and then some. I always try to exceed the expectations of people I trade with because I hope to maintain good relationships.

What We Barter

The cider press is something I frequently offer to others. I’ve been paid in good company, excess cider, and laundry detergent.

I will almost always work for food. Occasionally I trade blog post reviews for food samples (always disclosed, of course). Last spring, I staffed the Swainway booth at the Clintonville Farmer’s Market for a flat of someday-food: produce seedlings. I trained on Section 8 Yakitorium‘s grill in exchange for boats of delicious Japanese food.

I traded homegrown and homemade food for the new Hounds in the Kitchen logo design by Allie Lehman. Cliff Adams of LinKen Web Development is assisting with the design of the new site in exchange for cooking lessons. I can’t wait to show you all this bartered work!

Wanna barter?

Make me an offer! Trading is more personal and fun than cash retail.

PS. Happy Martin Luther King Day. Today we’ll do our usual creating, living and eating with Dr. King’s message of peace and tolerance in mind. We’ll read our copy of My Brother Martin and listen to this, my favorite protest song for kids:

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Homestead Bartering is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!

Y’all Come!

Rachel — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:46:38 +0000

I know I always brag about how many cool things are going on in Columbus. Tell me if it’s getting old. But seriously, one can never be bored here!

Here are a few events coming up for those who enjoy life, food, and gardening:

Nurtur the Salon Makeover Contest – Nominate someone deserving to receive a full makeover at Aveda salon Nurtur in Upper Arlington. I am a judge so I can’t nominate or be nominated but I can think of tons of people who deserve special treatment. Entries are low and you only have until January 25th to nominate.

Central Ohio Food Forum meets again on this Monday at Wild Goose Creative for eat by Sassafras Bakery at 5:30 and discussion at 6:30 pm.

Trio of Trucks class – Hills Market is holding a class with cooks from Hot Pita, Pitabilities, and Kolache Republic this coming Tuesday at 6:30 pm. An hour of instruction plus 3 courses and beer for just $25? I secured my ticket today! Call 614.846.3220 to do the same.

Fresh Street Festival pop-up - FreshStreet and Section 8 Yakitorium are two of my favorite restaurants in town because they serve absolutely unique food. James Beard chef Jonathon Sawyer agrees and he invited the Fresh Street team to come up to Cleveland for a one-night-only restaurant. I am thrilled to be heading up there to work the yakitori grill with them on February 2. Tickets to the event, which include Thunderkiss coffee, crepes, yakitori, and more, are only $42 and selling fast. Find all the details and order tickets online.

Art in the Garden – Local Matters is hosting an amazing series of gardening workshops starting with Art in the Garden Jan. 21st from 12-2pm at Godman Guild. Are you interested in adding some art to your gardens? Join talented local artists, Melissa Vogley Woods and Elena Harvey Collins and start your projects, meet other growers/artists and share a delicious lunch. RSVP to these free events to Trish@local-matters.org.

What other awesome events are going on in January and February?

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Y’all Come! is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!

Week of Awesome Eats November 6, 2011 {Meal Plan}

Rachel — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:55:25 +0000

Before I make a meal plan, I always look ahead on my calendar. This week is particularly full of local events that I hope to attend:

It’s Dine Originals Restaurant Week! Enjoy original prefix menus for just $10/20/30 November 7 -13 and support Local Matters at the same time. I think I’ll treat Lil to lunch at Katzingers or tea at Mozarts.
This Tuesday is election day! We suggest voting No on Two but the most important thing is to participate in our democracy.
Thursday November 10, 2011 is Columbus Foundation’s The Big Give. For 24 hours, donations to 600 nonprofits will be at least partially matched by a $1 million pool. Many of our favorite foodie organizations are participation including Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resource Center, Local Matters, Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association, and Wild Goose Creative. If you have a spare dollar or two, visit The Big Give website between 11 am Thursday and 11 am Friday and choose your favorite nonprofit(s) to double your money.
The November Too Many Cooks at Wild Goose Creative promises to provide food for thought as well as a tummy-full of tastes. Matthew of Good Idea Cooking is presenting six recipes featuring native Ohio foods in a presentation of ‘What if the Pilgrims Landed in Ohio?’ $10 at the door, 7 pm Sunday the 13th.
It doesn’t happen until next Tuesday but I would guess that the Off the Menu: Flavors of Autumn dinner put on by Slow Food Columbus will sell out this week. The Refectory will treat adventurous eaters to a game-centered five course meal and wines for $75/member, $85/nonmember on Tuesday the 15th from 6:30-8:30 pm. Sadly, we will be out of town for this dinner.
I will talk turkey and other birds on Sunday in a Whole Bird Cooking class at Franklin Park Conservatory. Students will learn by doing when they stuff, truss, carve, and eat a whole bird. $30 (members), $35 (nonmembers), 4-6 pm November 13, register by calling 614.645.5923.
Speaking of the tom, don’t forget to make your reservation for a fresh local turkey for Thanksgiving.

On to our meal plan!

Monday – salmon cheeks, rice, peas

Tuesday – squash, onion, and cheese tart, romaine salad

Wednesday – swiss chard lasagna, salad

Thursday – pad thai with tuna nuggets

Friday – dinner with friends

Saturday – CMH Dinner Club (we’re bringing an inventive ‘sweetheart’ recipe)

Sunday – dinner with family or Too Many Cooks or both

What are you eating and doing this week?

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Week of Awesome Eats November 6, 2011 {Meal Plan} is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!

Open House at OSU Equine Center {Silent Sunday}

Rachel — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:17:20 +0000

A friend alerted us to the OSU Equine Center Open House today. It was not crowded, highly educational, free, and fun. They have historically offered an open house every fall, so stay tuned next September to their website for dates.

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Open House at OSU Equine Center {Silent Sunday} is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!

Where to Pick Pumpkins {Friday Five}

Rachel — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:56:58 +0000

Me and my sisters next to Dad carrying pumpkins.

Several readers and friends have asked me where I recommend going to pick pumpkins.

The truth is, I don’t have a farm that I love. All I’ve visited are too crowded and pushy with extra purchases and sugary sweets. I wish I could find somewhere reminiscent of my childhood where the focus was on the pumpkin picking, not the extraneous stuff.

Here are five choices:

1) CRC Pumpkin Patch – The Clintonville Community Resource Center hosts a fall festival every year where families can receive a local pumpkin for a three-can donation to the food pantry. They have fall themed snacks and entertainment available too. 14 West Lakeview Columbus OH 43202

2) Circle S – This if the farm we usually hit up with a playgroup. Circle S has the hay barn, the snacks, the petting zoo, and hayrides to the field to pick your pumpkin. It is rather crowded on the weekends, expensive, and offers foreign cider, but those looking for agri-tainment will be pleased with Circle S. 9015 London Groveport Rd. Grove City, OH 43123

3) Pigeon Roost Farm – We happened upon Pigeon Roost one day after a fall hike. It is picturesque and offers a playground, pumpkin displays, and petting zoo among other activities. I’ve heard it gets extremely crowded on weekends. 4413 National Rd SW Hebron OH

4) Jacquemin Farms – We stopped at Jacquemin once before pumpkin season. It is well thought out and small, which might limit crowds. Read CbusMom’s review of their pumpkin offerings. 7437 Hyland Croy Rd. Plain City, OH 43064

5) Circleville Pumpkin Show – This is the big one, a huge street fair with pumpkin growing contests, displays, crafts, food, entertainment and more. I remember going as a kid and being overwhelmed by the crowds. The Circleville Pumpkin show website lists all the fun available today and tomorrow from 10 am -10 pm. 159 East Franklin Street Circleville, Ohio 43113

Where are you going this year?

PS. Wherever you find your pumpkins, don’t forget to roast the seeds!

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Where to Pick Pumpkins {Friday Five} is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!

Charcuterie Class {Birthday Giveaway}

Rachel — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered how to make bacon? Why nitrites/nitrates are sometimes used? Do you enjoy making meat jokes?

I will cover all this and more in my Charcuterie Class on October 18 at Wild Goose Creative, the last of my Preserving Series. Participants get to go home with tasting samples in their belly and a few fresh sausages to boot.

One lucky reader can win a place at the meaty table! Just leave a comment below with your favorite cured meat product.

Giveaway Details

The winner will receive free entry to the October 18 Preserving Class at Wild Goose Creative in Columbus, Ohio. Class time is 6:30-8:30 pm, value $35. Transportation to and from class is the responsibility of the winner.

Contest entries close at 12:01 AM EST on Friday, October 14, 2011. One winner will be selected with random.org. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to email notification to claim their entry. Only one comment per person please.

Disclosure: I am personally sponsoring this giveaway.

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Charcuterie Class {Birthday Giveaway} is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!

Celebrate Local Pop-up Shop {Profile}

Rachel — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 02:54:33 +0000

Combine interest in the inaugural Easton Farmer’s Market, an empty store front, and a community of local producers and what do you have? Celebrate Local, a pop-up holiday shop of all-Ohio goods.

Celebrate Local opens October 1 and will continue sales through the winter holidays at Easton where Harry & David’s previously resided. The shop offers frozen, refrigerated and fresh local foods, handmade pantry items, and locally made crafts. Customers can select items from around the store to build a personalized custom gift basket.

A project of the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI), Global Gallery, and the Easton Community Foundation, Celebrate Local seeks to showcase Ohio food producers and artisans to shoppers searching for local gifts. A generous vendor agreement will feed the economy by returning much of the sales to the small businesses and entrepreneurs of central Ohio.

I spotted Hound favorites Snowville Creamery milk, Stinky Bomb soaps, Ohio Bison Farm, and Made by AmyD aprons in the shop. More vendors are coming; several fresh produce vendors from the Easton Farmer’s Market will house their wares at Celebrate Local and Jenny from Purely Simple Raw told me she will stock healthy snacks like kale chips and caramel apples. When the liquor license is issued (permit inspection happened this week), the store will also carry Brother’s Drake mead and Ohio wines.

Stop in to shop for daily meal ingredients or gifts for the holiday season. Celebrate Local has the best of Ohio waiting for you.

Celebrate Local Store
October 1, 2011 – January 2012
4030 The Strand, Easton
Columbus OH 43219
614-596-1303

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Celebrate Local Pop-up Shop {Profile} is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!

Bites October 2011

Rachel — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 01:24:51 +0000

Dig in with your knife and fork – early October serves up a full plate of Columbus food news!

1. Local Foods Week starts Friday with a happy hour at restaurants around the city benefiting Local Matters. Festivities continue October 1 – 8 with events as diverse as an urban farming forum at the Wex to local drink tasting at House Wine to the culminating Harvest Dinner and Ball and Market to Market ride. Head over to the Eat Local Ohio site to find the activities that match your calendar and budget.

2. Local radio station WCBE turned 55 on Monday. Happy Birthday 90.5! A documentary about their history will be screened on Monday October 10 from 5:30-8:30 at Shadowbox. Notable for promoting local music and events, WCBE is also host to Foodcast, a radio show about all things edible in Columbus. Tune in at 2:01 on Saturdays or listen to archives and read notes on the Foodcast website.

3. Carole at ChopSizzlePop is seeking interview questions for her newest blog feature, “Ask the Chef”. The first “chef” (who claims he is just a home cook) is Cleveland native Michael Ruhlman. I submitted my question; head over to the ChopSizzlePop page to ask yours.

4. Columbus Underground celebrates their 10th anniversary of being the go-to source for independent online news this October. Walker and company have scheduled a slew of celebratory events including new flavor launches from Sugardaddy’s and Vienna Ice Cafe listed on the 10th anniversary messageboard thread. Huge kudos to the CU team for featuring the best of Columbus every day!

5. Franklin Park’s Hungry Planet exhibition and events continue in October with a Live-fire demo October 2, food truck court on October 9 and Wednesday ‘Food for Thought’ lecture series.

6. The latest art exhibition at Brother’s Drake is Yummy! an explosion of food and art. The opening reception is this Saturday, October 1 from 7-11 pm featuring nosh from local and independent folks and a raffle benefiting Mid Ohio Food Bank. The exhibit will continue through October 23.

7. Celebrate Local, a pop-up holiday shop featuring Ohio produced foods and gifts, opens Saturday. The non-profit store will be located in the former Harry and David store at Easton. Tomorrow, I’ll post a preview of the Celebrate Local.

I must apologize in advance for light posting over the next week. I am teaching four classes in the next seven days and will celebrate my own birthday on the 9th. You can see me in person at the Family Pasta and Sauce class this Sunday or the Applicious Culinary class on Thursday October 6. Contact me to register for either.

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Bites October 2011 is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.
If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!