Thick slices of sweet potato drizzled with butter and baking spices. A half hour in the oven. What do you get? Delicious Sweet Potato Stacks, a side dish with earthy undertones, a bit of natural sweetness, and an aroma that can’t be beat. It’s a perfectly simple side dish for ham and poultry which comes together quickly, leaving you free to mingle with your holiday dinner guests.
Ditch that traditional casserole made with canned green beans for Jackie’s Green Bean Casserole. This recipe uses all fresh ingredients and is presented in a more deconstructed manner. Its vegetable crunch and scratch-kitchen flavors elevate this traditional dish to an all time high. It’s a holiday side you can feel good about offering your guests, and one you’ll make for yourself after the holidays wind down.
Music? Check. Driving companion? Check. Destination? Well, we’ll see about that.
The humble state of Ohio has always held a special place in my heart. I spent my four, glorious collegiate years in what I still lovingly refer to as “Middle of Nowhere,” Ohio. While I was surprised to find myself in a town of 5,000 residents, guarded by miles and miles (and miles) of cornfields, I discovered that life lived at a slower place has its own charm.
Taking a road trip through Ohio is about the journey, not the destination. It’s about eating at hole-in-the-wall-diners, meandering through backroads dotted with barns, and (safely) overtaking horse-drawn buggies.
If you hop in the car and let chance take you on a tour of the state, you’ll probably discover that getting lost without cell service turns new friends into best friends; “Service with a Smile” isn’t just a phrase, but a mantra for how business is conducted; and even ice cream tastes sweeter when enjoyed at a slower pace.
Centralized in the Northeast corner of the state, all of these spots are easily accessible from Cleveland, Columbus, and Pittsburgh.
This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it bakery is located on a small dirt road (off another small dirt road) in Millersburg, Ohio. Follow the hand-painted signs, and enter a world of freshly-baked bread and apple fritters the size of your head. Everything is prepared in the adjacent kitchen, which perfumes the shop with the sweet smell of Amish-made baked goods. After just a few minutes in the shop, you’ll inevitably stumble up to the checkout counter laiden with an armload of treats. Just be sure that the cheese pies, cream bread, and local popcorn kernels are included in the bunch.
Reason enough to visit, Ohio’s Amish Country is dotted with local cheese shops. Located inside a charming European-inspired chalet, Guggisberg is one of our absolute favorites. Nationally renowned, Guggisberg is famous for their award-winning “Baby Swiss” cheese, developed to satisfy American palates with smaller holes and a creamier taste. Arrive hungry, as samples are plentiful, and it’s impossible to leave empty-handed. And if Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite, be sure to try the Amish Butter cheese.
Considering I’d eaten breakfast a mere hour before, I never thought I’d be able to finish my meal at Schlepp’s. But the food is just that darn good. This textbook ma-and-pa establishment in Belmont hits classic diner fare out of the park. Two customer favorites are the Hot Roast Beef Sandwich and the Liver and Onions, but I’m partial to the colossal Ham and Cheese Sandwich. Either way you slice it, do not walk out of the restaurant without trying Schlepp’s homemade bread.
Settle down at Der Dutchman and get ready for some homestyle Amish cooking. This is the spot in town to get your fix of Cornmeal Mush and Homemade Biscuits (breakfast), or Broasted Chicken and Dinner Rolls (lunch and dinner). The charming dining room overlooks the sprawling Goose Bottom Valley, so you can enjoy the view as you fill your plate at the generous buffet. Attached to the restaurant is the legendary Der Dutchman Bakery. Be a hero by bringing your loved ones some of their cream-stick donuts, or perfectly baked chocolate chip cookies, which I personally had to gift to my neighbor because I couldn’t stop eating.
Like any respectable small town, Granville, Ohio has a beloved ice cream shop. However, Whit’s is no ordinary shop, as it serves the best custard you’ll ever have the pleasure of devouring. Once you’ve tasted this glossy custard, nothing else will compare. The menu at Whit’s is simple and straightforward. There are two mainstay flavors (chocolate & vanilla), and a rotating Flavor of the Week. If you get the chance, be sure to try the extremely elusive (and extremely popular) Black Raspberry Chip. And just like any respectable custard shop, if the weather is nice, expect a line out the door.
Life moves pretty fast at Kennedy’s Bakery in Cambridge. From 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., the shop caters to a revolving door of customers getting their Kennedy’s Fix. The bakery has been serving the area (with a smile) since 1925. It’s hard to recommend anything specific, because everything is so delicious, so let your eyes and stomach order for you. If you’re stuck, you can’t go wrong with the Red Velvet donut. Yes: Red Velvet donut.
It’s time to start preparing a holiday feast that’ll keep the spirits of all your family high. While dishes like mashed potatoes and deviled eggs are a must, there are plenty of side choices that’ll give you a chance for something new while leaving room for the usual favorites. Anna Franklin takes us on a holiday side adventure featuring winter ingredient staples that’ll have your guests begging for the recipe!
Carrots are great in the cold weather, plus, they’re easy to store. But, they can also be a little bland when just steamed. Try something different by roasting carrots on a sheet pan in olive oil for that perfect texture. Then, add some zesty flavor with tahini, roasted pepitas, ground sumac, and lime juice.
Find your new favorite way to enjoy butter beans with a crispy outside shell and a creamy chèvre cheese accompaniment. This recipe is great for a last-minute addition to any meal, but it especially compliments a ham entrée.
Made of ingredients you probably have in your pantry at all times, these savory gems can bring a salty accent to poultry or a Seven Fishes main. These beauties are simple to make, too. Just take artichokes and dredge them in plenty of butter, panko bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese for a crunchy bit of deliciousness.
What makes this vegan-friendly side dish extraordinary is the chimichurri sauce you can make days ahead. This makes it so that you don’t have to rush the day of. The sauce’s well-balanced combination of herbs, heat, and acid transforms the staples of mushrooms and potatoes into something positively gourmet.
Here’s a side dish that’s savory, cheesy, and just plain delectable. These Roasted Pears make for an Instagram-worthy dish that your guests won’t be able to resist. And, don’t worry — if you have a blue cheese hater in the family, you can opt to use grated Manchego or Beemster Gouda with cumin seeds, instead.
Who doesn’t love the goodness of roasted garlic? This Cheesy Bread lets you scrape up every bit of gravy or sauce so you don’t miss a single drop. Not to mention, the roasted garlic can be added to bites of turkey or roast beef for extra flavor.
Story by Kylie Thomas / Recipes by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce
We took a long voyage to the back of the pantry today, with side trips to the fridge and the freezer. Of course, we unearthed forgotten treasures…and made a beautiful meal for the family. The result is our Bean Stew.
Cooking from the Pantry: Bean Stew
We started with the spice cabinet, hit the vegetable crisper, and fished a leftover lamb shank out of the freezer. Bags of rice and beans were easy pickings, too. It was easy and fun. Sitting around the table for a weekday lunch has never been more satisfying.
This stew is here to comfort you after a hard day.
Ingredients
Scale
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp celery seeds
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
2 tsp black mustard seeds
4 hot “green finger” chili peppers
2 yellow onions, large
4 carrots
1 can of tomatoes, 28 oz
4 cup dried beans (we used red beans)
1 lamb shank (substitute any soup bone or any fatty meat here)
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 qt water (more if necessary)
3 tbsp dried basil
3 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp Aleppo pepper
4 dried lemons (optional…some people like their salty tang and some do not)
Instructions
In an iron skillet, toast pumpkin, fennel, mustard, celery and fennel seeds. Set aside in a bowl when golden.
If your protein source is from leftovers, as ours was, no prep is necessary. If it is fresh, braise it now with a little oil over high heat, and set aside.
In a large soup pot, sautée at medium to high heat, peppers, onions and carrots until onions are translucent.
Add tomatoes, beans, basil, oregano, Aleppo pepper, bouillon, lemons, and water. Stir until well combined. Add your protein. Lower the heat to simmer. Cook covered for 45 minutes or until beans are tender.
Janis Cutler Gear studied at Carnegie Mellon University with ceramic artist Edward Eberle, who encouraged her to integrate sculpted and wheel-thrown ceramic techniques with her painting and drawing skills. She followed his advice, and a few decades later, her work continues to evolve in a rich mix of imagery, color, and texture.
The Ceramic Bowls of Janis Cutler Gear
Underpainting, incising, and layers of glazing make this work unique – – not to mention Janis’s fantastical sensibilities. She is as likely to put a portrait in the middle of a piece as she is to capture Hindu deity Ganesh, the mythical phoenix, or plants and animals observed in nature.
With her smallest ceramic dish starting at $35, you might want to visit her website.
Story and Styling by Keith Recker Photo by Erin Kelly
Easy to make as a holiday side dish or as a weeknight main course, this stuffed butternut squash recipe is rich with flavor. Cranberries and pecans bring a bit of winter sparkle to a base of squash and sausage. Feta adds a hit of umami. Served piping hot with a glass of rosé, the overall flavor profile is greater than the sum of its parts.
You might even try this truly effortless recipe on the evening after a holiday feast: the sausage could be replaced by two handfuls of chopped turkey, or chopped ham. If you take this route, consider a teaspoon each of black pepper, rosemary, and sweet ground chili powder. You’ll love the results.
Stuffed Butternut Squash Recipe
Ingredients
1 butternut squash
2 mild Italian sausage links
10 oz of spinach
1/2 cup of dried cranberries
1/2 cup of chopped pecans
1/4 cup feta
2 tbsp of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions
Cut butternut squash in half lengthwise drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper place on a parchment lines cookie sheet cut side down and roast for 40 minutes at 350°.
In a skillet drizzle a little olive oil and pan and add your Italian sausage and chop up so it’s crumbly. When it’s almost fully cooked add your spinach, cranberries and pecans.
When you remove the butternut squash from the oven, scoop out squash, add to sausage mixture, and add feta.
Stuff mixture into the squash, and bake for 10 minutes 350°.
Consider a crisp, mineral-rich rosé wine to enjoy with this stuffed butternut squash recipe. It will elevate your dinner experience!
If you’re a serious fan of winter squashes, choose one of our best squash recipes for your next dinner menu.
Recipe by Chef Jackie Page / Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce
Brunch is arguably the best meal of the day, and a Christmas brunch should impress just as much as the dinner. Brunch’s combination of savory and sweet, breakfast and lunch, inspires dishes that’ll start your day off in an extraordinary way. We’ve put together a menu of recipes that’ll bedeck your table with a crowd-pleasing bit of everything wonderful.
Imagine warm, aromatic Maple Chai Cinnamon Rolls presented to your family on Christmas Day. What could be more magical? The combination of warm baking spices and sweet maple syrup is perfect for those whose nostalgia recalls mornings in great-grandmother’s kitchen, perfumed with cinnamon…and love.
The ease of preparation makes this recipe a good choice for last minute brunchmeisters. It is, however, versatile enough to be prepared ahead of time. This Easy Breakfast Bake contains everyone’s brunch favorites: eggs, prosciutto, sun-dried tomatoes, and plenty of cheese.
Embrace the flavors of fresh vegetables and handmade cheese with our Roasted Cherry Tomato Cheese Bread. If you’re looking for a light brunch to leave room for the Christmas feast, have a slice of goodness that’ll keep you satisfied till later.
Dippy eggs with their warm runny yolk, combined with rich spinach, make for a delightful and nutritious bite. This addition to your brunch menu is simple and quick, but elegant in its flavor and presentation.
Looking for a healthy side to your brunch? The earthy sweetness of Carrot and Beet Latkes beautifully complements the salty goodness of smoked salmon. This recipe makes for a fun meal, where everyone is free to try the garnish combination of their choice.
Savory, sweet, and creamy: nothing expresses comfort like this homemade biscuit recipe. It will be the star of your Christmas brunch. The biscuits can be served as part of a cornucopia of pastries and breads, or it can be the foundation of a main dish when topped with a poached egg and drizzled with a bit of hollandaise.
Kick this classic British appetizer up a notch with some spice. In this version, Mexican chorizo is used to swaddle the eggs for phenomenal results. Impress yourself and your friends with this unique Chorizo Scotch Eggs with Chimichurri recipe. (Don’t tell anyone, but this is a TABLE staff “breakfast for dinner” favorite.)
The flaky, buttery puff pastry sprinkled with spices and topped with a soft-cooked egg is a recipe you’ll want to make for Christmas and every day after. It’s bright, earthy, and somehow turns an already lovely day into something even better.
Those who prefer a savory brunch over a sweet one need look no further than this light and fluffy egg casserole. Made with roasted grape tomatoes, our luxurious Breakfast Strata recipe will be a family request for many Christmases yet to come.
Chef John Sedlar conceived this preparation as a lighter version of the traditional hearty Southwestern dish. Add it to your selection of meats and cheeses for a special touch. Serving the huevos mixture in the egg shells takes a bit of fiddling, but is so worth it for the presentation’s wow factor.
The adrenaline rush of doing something spontaneous is unbeatable. Maybe you decide to go see a movie by yourself on a weekday afternoon. Or you decide to take you and your significant other to dinner dressed in your fanciest outfits…followed by the ballet afterwards. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust hosts plenty of events and with so much happening, you could spend any moment you wish at the theater, enjoying a great show. Do something spontaneous with your day and purchase a last-minute ticket to any performance in Pittsburgh. You might just find your new favorite production.
Finnish filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki presents his latest dark-comic romance to the city of Pittsburgh. Grocery clerk Ansa (Alma Pöysti) and construction laborer Holappa (Jussi Vatanen) take on the journey of their lives while running into each other along the way. They search for stability and happiness in a world that seems to be falling apart.
Join 3WS Radio for a night of musical performances to ring in the holiday season by 25 local music icons. The event coincides with the release of the Christmas album A Very Yinzer Christmas Volume 1 which features many of the performers. Proceeds from the concert benefit Band Together Pittsburgh, a local organization that creates music programs for people on the autism spectrum.
This one’s for all the book lovers out there. Dive into the world of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice in this play by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, directed by Kyle Haden. Follow the Bennets, Darcys, and Bingleys, for a Christmas at Pemberly when an unexpected guest makes an appearance.
Back by popular demand, this holiday hit may just become your newest yuletide tradition as Ralphie Parker and company (leg lamp and all) make their triumphant return to the O’Reilly Theater stage. If you loved the movie, you’ll love the play just as much in this family-friendly comedy adventure.
Live out your Pitch Perfect dreams with this suave male acapella group. The nine men bring their magnificent voices together to create every bit of music with only their mouths. This isn’t your college acapella group, instead, it’s a symphony from some of the top vocalists in the world.
Local saxophonist and flautist Lynn Speakman brings her band together for a night of music and fun, all for free. Musicians James Moore, Joe Sheehan, Paul Thompson, and Tom Wendt join her on stage to present a chorus of jazz music.
This holiday tradition for the whole family takes high spirits and combines them with your favorite yuletide songs. Join Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim for a true Christmas journey filled with special effects and plenty of charm.
This comedy holiday show inspired by The Grinch is for adults only so leave the kiddos at home and grab a group of friends. Cindy Lou is grown up now and is experiencing all the fun parts of adulthood, especially the drinking. You’re sure to leave with a belly full of laughter.
We’re seeing visions of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Marie, and her Nutcracker Prince, dance in our heads. Don’t miss this holiday tradition for the city of Pittsburgh by the awe-inspiring dancers of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.
You can’t spell the most wonderful time of the year without Highmark Holiday Pops. Well, maybe you can. But it’s more fun to experience this musical Pittsburgh holiday tradition featuring all your favorite holiday songs.
Not every event of December has to revolve around the holidays. We have a mix of events around the city, and a smidgen of holiday cheer. Want to make your own Taylor Swift cardigan? How about immersing yourself in the flavors of Pinot Noir from across the world? No matter your preferences, Pittsburgh has you covered.
Try some of the finest selections of Pinot Noir from countries all over. Be ready to wine and dine as you try four different varieties of wine accompanied by a charcuterie snack board. You won’t want to miss this chance to add a very special wine to your holiday table.
Celebrate your favorite pop star Taylor Swift’s birthday by customizing your own cardigan to live out your Folklore dreams. Sewing machines, patchwork, embellishment materials, and a walk-through by instructor Mandy Wilson will be provided alongside all of Taylor Swift’s jams.
Photo courtesy of the Hill Community Development Corporation
Prepare to celebrate Kwanzaa by learning about the history of the holiday and its traditions. This family-fun event includes lots of food and activities to keep the kids busy while learning along the way. There will also be vendors available for any of your holiday supplies needs.
Immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of the winter solstice. Enjoy a gently heated room, cozy blankets and bolster, along with slow movement and guided meditation. Refreshments will be provided and cats from Conquer the Colony rescue will be available as little yoga companions.
This holiday tradition for the whole family takes high spirits and combines them with your favorite yuletide songs. Join Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim for a true Christmas journey filled with special effects and plenty of charm.
