Smart Cookie...dough!

Remember that deep craving for cookie dough you had when you were a kid? A grandma, a parent, or responsible older sibling cracking eggs and mixing flour and sugar while you waited for the go ahead to devour that dough-covered mixing spoon. But don’t eat too much they would say, you could get sick. Think it had something to do with the raw egg, maybe, who knows?

As adults, we still get that same mad rush and I think it’s time I introduce you to Cleveland Cookie Dough Co.

Vicki Kotris and her team have been hard at work slinging edible cookie dough for your eating pleasure. Leaving all notions of eating just a little bit behind, you can have as much of this stuff as you want. And trust me, you will not want to stop.

You’ll find these guys around town in their very own dessert truck, aptly named, Chip. He’s the perfect shade of pink, with touches of deeper pinks and hues of blues - exactly how you pictured your cookie dough traveling about.

As far as flavors go - you can get your standard chocolate chip (just like grandma made), or try brownie batter with fresh pieces of brownie in every bite. If you really feel like a walk down memory lane, get the Campfire S’more - it’s exactly what you think it is!

Where to find these fine people - First, follow along on their instagram page, @clecookiedough. Secondly, they’re opening up a new ice cream experience in the Edgewater neighborhood in August. So exciting!

As soon as they’re allowed, Chip will be in full swing again. You can locate his whereabouts on their website www.clecookiedough.com

Contact: 216.816.0970 or clecookiedough@gmail.com

Sugar, anyone?

As most of us are isolating at home, we keep dreaming of new days to come. Social events we’ve all been craving will, once again, be taking up space in our calendars. I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! 

Before all of this corona crap went down, I was in the planning phase of my very first “client appreciation” party. That’s when I stumbled upon the sweetest instagram account and delicious small business right here in Akron.

If there is one mission behind Art of Sucre, it would be to bring a sweet touch to an important moment in your life, at least that’s what founder and Head Cotton Candy Spinner (best title award goes to her, btw) Emily Harpel has created with her gourmet cotton candy cart service. If you don’t believe me, just ask Ariana Grande, Travis Scott, Elton John, and any one of the Cleveland Cav’s or Browns players. Have I caught your attention yet?

Emily’s initiative started out after planning her own wedding in 2016. She wanted her guests to have a unique experience beyond the typical wedding day bash. She quickly realized there weren’t many creative options. After scrolling endlessly through Pinterest for wedding ideas, cotton candy caught her eye…and basically the rest is history.

“Every event should have a touch of whimsy”

No matter the event or theme, all the flavors of cotton candy are completely customizable since all of the sugars are made in-house. You can choose from classic flavors like peach or Sugar cookie, but why not go for a more adult themed with champagne or orange bourbon.

My mouth is watering now, is yours?

Each pretty little cart comes with an expertly trained candy spinner who will whip up yummy cones on the spot - don’t forget to ask for toppings like edible glitter, sprinkles, or even Nerds candy. You can also request pre-spun containers for your guests to take home.

Trust me, your guests will be talking about it forever!

- Supporting local business is even more important than ever -

The first thing I ask of you, head on over to @artofsucre on instagram and start following. Second thing, and even more essential, is to reach out and plan to have cotton candy at your next event. It will not only be the hit of the party, but you’ll be supporting businesses that keep Akron thriving.

Plant the Seed

I was listening to the radio on a drive a few days ago and because of the virus they keep playing all these advertisements. One that shocked me, for some reason, was that people are starting to garden even more than ever. I don’t really know why I was surprised by that. It only makes sense.  

As a kid, I have really fond memories when my parents grew a huge garden in our backyard. One of my favorite meals my mom would make was wilted lettuce with this bacon and oil dressing. God dang was it delicious! What made it extra special and taste even better is that all the ingredients (minus the bacon and oil) came straight from the garden, bibb lettuce, onion and tomatoes. 

Maybe with all this downtime, it’s time to get back to basics? If you’re up for it. I’ve done a little research and will share some links as well. And don’t worry, your garden doesn’t need to look like Chip and Joanna Gains, all perfect with pea gravel paths. Just go for it and enjoy the “fruits AND vegetables” of your labor.

Garden Design 

This goes for anything really - start out with a plan. Determine how big of a garden you can handle with how much space you have available. Doing so will help you determine the number of crops you can grow. Sketch it out on paper if It helps!

Remember to allow for enough room for paths to be able to tend to the plants, use trellises fencing to for vining crops, and plant crops closer together to help retain soil moisture and control weeds.

Succession planting 

Extend your harvest by planting in intervals. Staggering your planting schedule will ensure that crops ripen at different times, rather than all at once. Creating a continuous harvest by planting a group of crops every two weeks will keep fresh fruits and vegetables on the dinner plate while avoiding an excess of produce.

(i’ve provided a link an discuss this furhter, when and what you should plant)

Staying Organized

Keeping a garden journal is essential to successful garden planning. Track the dates of planting, it doesn’t have to be anything crazy. Find a notebook, the physical calendar that you never look at or Use your Iphone if that works for you.

Actually, thanks to technology…there’s an app for that. Here are a couple to look up - Veggie Garden Planner, Gardenize, Garden Plan Pro.

According to USfeeds.com Ohio is primarily a Zone 6…you’ll understand what that means when you click the link. There they show you when and where to plant all season long. I’ll post instructions here for you too.

• March: Begin beets, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, spinach and tomatoes inside.

  (march is over with obvi, so start with April)

• April: Plant beets, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, peas and spinach outside. Begin carrots outside.

• May: Begin beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, corn, cucumbers and squash inside. Plant carrots, onions, peppers and toamtoes outside

• June: Plant squash, beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, corn and cucumbers outside.

• July: Begin beets, broccoli and spinach inside.

• August: Plant beets, broccoli and spinach outside. Begin carrots, kale, lettuce and peas inside.

• September: Plant carrots, kale, lettuce and peas outside.

If you decide you’re going to start a garden…share with me your tips and tricks that make your garden successful. Also, I wouldn’t mind if you shared some of the things you grow. Keep in mind I love tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers (not hot), basically anything would due just fine! Good luck and happy gardening!

Where to buy locally -

suncrestgardens.com, Instagram: @suncrestgardens

daytonnursery.com, Instagram: @dayton_nursery

bremec.com, Instagram: @bremecgardencenters

Helpful websites:

https://files.ufseeds.com/uploads/Ohio.pdf

https://www.hunker.com/13427434/when-to-plant-vegetables-in-ohio

https://simplay3.com/newsfeed/tips-for-starting-your-garden-in-northeast-ohio/