Author: Melanie Behrens

Grandsons and grandfathers have a special relationship. Many times they get into conversations even while watching cartoons together. At least that is happening at our house. This following conversation between a grandson and grandfather didn’t happen in our family, but it certainly could have taken place in our home: The grandson asked his grandfather, “What was your favorite fast food when you were growing up?” The grandfather answered, “We didn’t have fast food when I was growing up.” Grandson – “C’mon, seriously … Where did you eat?” Grandfather – “It was a place called home. My mom cooked every day…

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I enjoy desserts … try these. ___ Chocolate mousse cake For crust: cooking spray, for pan 24 Oreos, crushed 6 tbsp. butter, melted pinch kosher salt For chocolate mouse: 2 tsp. gelatin 2-1/2 tbsp. cold water 2-1/4 C chocolate chips 3 C heavy cream, divided 1/2 C powdered sugar 2 qt. strawberries, stems removed For ganache: 2/3 C heavy cream 2 C semisweet chocolate chips chocolate shavings Grease a springform pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine crushed Oreos, melted butter and salt. Press mixture into pan and set aside. In a small bowl, combine gelatin and water…

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These are three really different recipes. Hope you enjoy them. ___ Garlic shrimp 4 tbsp. unsalted butter 4 tbsp. honey 1 tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 tbsp. soy sauce 3 cloves garlic, minced 21 oz. shrimp, peeled and deveined lemon wedges and fresh chopped parsley for garnish Heat butter in a non-stick pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Melt, swirling pan and stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes, or until foam settles; butter begins to change in color to golden brown and has a nutty fragrance. Add honey, lemon juice, soy sauce and garlic; stir well to combine all…

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Having a pet of any kind in your home is an adjustment, at first. But, once you to lay down the rules with them, it can be a tremendously loving relationship and the companionship of a dog is fantastic. We had two little miniature poodles in our lives, both of which eventually came to control the house. First, we said, no dogs on the furniture. But then when we left, there was an indentation in the sofa when we came back, which was obvious evidence they had paid no attention to that. Then we said, no dogs in the bed.…

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If you have ever been to J. Alexander’s restaurant you must have ordered the carrot cake. Here is the wonderful recipe. It is served warm. ___ J. Alexander’s carrot cake 2 C all-purpose flour 1 tbsp. baking soda 1 tbsp. cinnamon 2 C sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 3 large eggs 3/4 C canola oil, plus more for pan 3/4 C buttermilk 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 8-oz. can crushed pineapple, drained 2 C julienned carrots 3 oz. shredded coconut, about 1 C 1 C pecan pieces 1 recipe cake syrup (see recipe below) 1 recipe cream cheese frosting (see recipe…

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When we received a note from Alexandra (she didn’t want her last name used) of the United Kingdom on the Journal-Tribune Facebook page, we wondered what could we do with it. I decided to see if you could help us locate the family of Charles Montgomery. An old postcard was addressed to him. He was alive in 1910 and lived in Marysville, Ohio. Here’s how the story goes. The person who brought the story to us, Alexandra, was born and lived in the United Kingdom. She apparently moved to Coral Springs, Florida, with her family. While there, she became a…

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Here’s a shock for your blood sugar! All these recipes are wonderful. The first one is my new favorite apple cake. ___ Cinnamon apple crumb cake For cinnamon streusel crumb: 1-1/2 C flour 1/2 C brown sugar 1/4 C granulated sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 C butter, melted 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1 large (or 2 small) tart apples, peeled and chopped For the cake: 4 tbsp. butter 1/2 C granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 C sour cream 1 C flour 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking…

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You may have been asking the same question I was when I drove by Linscott Salt and Wellness, located on Stockdale drive in Marysville. I wanted to know more about it, so I spoke with the owner, Michelle Linscott. She quickly started my education on salt therapy. It is a natural alternative, complementing traditional medicine to improve general wellness, respiratory issues, skin conditions, and athletic performance. Her interest began when she suffered from sinus/allergy headaches, and noted that every time she was at the beach, in the salt air, she improved. So she began researching to find out if salt…

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Since we had desserts last week, this week we have low carb food to balance that! ___ Low carb frosty 1 C heavy whipping cream 1 tbsp. almond butter 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder 5 drops liquid Stevia 1 tsp. vanilla extract Mix all ingredients together using eggbeater until stiff peaks form. Place in freezer for about 30-60 minutes until barely frozen. Place frosty in a plastic freezer bag, cut one corner, and pipe into separate small cups. ___ Low carb chicken Parmesan 5 C cubed cooked chicken 1 C no-sugar-added marinara sauce 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes 1 oz.…

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What was it like living in 1918, 100 years ago? 1918 was the year my mother was born. It was also the year that World War I ended. Unfortunately, It was the year of the Spanish flu epidemic (an unusually deadly strain) that infected about 500 million people and resulted in the death of 50 to 100 million people around the world. It was the H1N1 virus, as we know it now. Overcrowded medical facilities and poor hygiene increased its effect on the population of the world. One hundred years ago, almost 95 percent of all births took place at…

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For all the bakers among us, it’s dessert week. Enjoy! ___ Banana cream pie Crust: 2 C graham cracker crumbs 6 tbsp. butter (melted) 1/4 C sugar dash of salt 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 2 tbsp. water Filling: 2 C heavy whipping cream 3 tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 3.4-oz. box of instant vanilla pudding 1 C milk 8 oz. cream cheese 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk 4 bananas (divided) 1/2 C coconut (toasted) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine graham cracker crumbs, salt, sugar and cinnamon. Combine with a fork. Add melted butter and water and continue to…

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Most of us have experienced the “thrill” of being checked out by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) when flying. It’s one of the parts of flying that now delays us and sometimes infuriates us. There is no doubt that the people who work for TSA (part of Homeland Security) are necessary and I am sure most do a great job. I have had a variety of experiences and I’m thinking about it now because soon I’m off to the airport. We’ll see what TSA has for me now! I have made one-hour trips and nine-hour trips on a plane. All…

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A big game is tomorrow between the Buckeyes and Penn St., so use these recipes for a pregame snack. ___ Best queso dip 1/2 lb. pepperjack cheese, cubed 1/2 lb. American cheese (white), cubed 1 C whole milk (maybe more for thinning the dip later) 8 oz. cream cheese 1/2 C regular sour cream 1 can Rotel 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. chili powder Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring every so often. Or, in a medium size saucepan, combine all ingredients and…

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In the fall, football is king, especially in this part of the country. Not only is high school football important, but also the Buckeyes of Ohio State are very popular. Head coach Urban Meyer will be back this week. Many football coaches in years past have not only been smart and adept at coaching, but also have had a great sense of humor. Here are a few chosen words from the good old boys. “Gentlemen, it is better to have died a small boy than to fumble the football.” John Heisman made this statement many years ago and is the…

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This is the time for the high carbohydrate goodies. ___ Carmel apple drizzle 2 C granulated sugar 1-1/2 C vegetable oil 2 tsp. vanilla extract 3 large eggs, room temperature 3 C all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. salt 3 medium Granny Smith apples – peeled, cored and chopped Caramel glaze: 1/2 C butter 2 tsp. heavy cream 1/2 C packed brown sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9-in. Bundt pan. In a large bowl, beat sugar, oil, vanilla, and eggs with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.…

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