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These Pumpkin Pie Recipes Will Have You Reaching for Seconds

October 28, 2014 by

Warm soups are great and Thanksgiving turkey is tasty, but when it comes to favorite fall foods, pumpkin pie is typically at the top of the list. There’s just nothing better than this rich, flavorful pie come autumn, whether you prefer to top it with whipped cream or to eat it warm out of the oven. Here are three of our favorite recipes for pumpkin pie.

Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie [verybestbaking.com]
Since it requires only 15 minutes of prep time, this pie will be emitting a delicious scent from the oven with plenty of time to spare before the arrival of your last-minute guests. Canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, and a pre-made pie crust make this one of the easiest pumpkin pie recipes you’ll find.

The Ultimate Pumpkin Pie [epicurious.com]
This elaborate recipe from Epicurious is ideal for the experienced baker who wants to add a bit more spice to the usual pumpkin pie. Whipping cream and sour cream make it extra thick and creamy, while the generous helpings of spices add major flavor in every bite.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie [pickyourown.org]
Pick Your Own’s homemade pumpkin pie uses real pumpkin instead of canned to offer the freshest taste possible in your seasonal dessert. Although it may seem intimidating, the results are more than worth it.

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Simple Projects for New Crocheters

October 21, 2014 by

With its relaxing, repetitive process and its beautiful end results, crocheting is a craft that’s just as functional as it is fun. Even if you've just learned the basics of crocheting, there are a number of projects that you can complete with very little experience. Here are four of the best novice crochet projects:

Baby Hippy Hat [lotsofnicethings.com]
Make a new baby look sweet and stylish with this simple hat that’s inspired by hippie-chic styles. The multicolored stripes can be customized to any color scheme, and the warm ear flaps will keep a little guy or girl’s ears from catching a winter chill.

Easy Crochet Bracelet [craftaholicsanonymous.net]
Create a handmade bracelet for yourself or a friend with this impossibly simple crochet tutorial. Worsted weight yarn provides a sturdy texture, while a large wooden button creates a matching closure for easy removal.

Crochet Stars [rubyandcustard.com]
This simple crochet project creates adorable stars that can be incorporated into blankets, used as coasters or simply to help you hone your crocheting skills.

Infinity Scarf [finecraftguild.com]
Infinity scarves are some of the easiest types of scarves to make, and lucky for new crocheters, they’re also perfectly on-trend. This pattern creates a chunky, warm infinity scarf in any color of your choice.

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Pub Dog: Pizza And More

October 15, 2014 by

What goes better with beer than a big cheesy pizza? Nothing, if you’re a regular at Pub Dog. This locally-owned business first owned in historic Federal Hill before opening the Columbia location, and regulars have been flocking there to eat great pizzas and drink the house-brewed craft beer.

The pizzas come in a variety of combinations, with strong flavors predominating. Some favorites include the Atomic Dog, which packs serious heat with hot sauce, cherry peppers, smoked gouda, bacon, mozzarella, and pepperoni, as well as the excellent Veggie Dog for non-carnivores. Salads are also made fresh and very satisfying, and the bar’s fresh-made pretzels make a great snack. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, go for the “Dog Deal,” which gives you two mugs of beer for one low price.

Pub Dog
8865 Stanford Boulevard
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 872-0364
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pub-dog-columbia

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Pet a Goat, Ride a Pony at Clark’s Farm

October 7, 2014 by

Part petting zoo and part functioning farm, Clark's Farm plays a dual roles in Ellicott City. In the section dedicated to family fun, kids can pet itty-bitty goats and other farm animals or hop on in the bed of a trailer for a hayride. Or they can explore the Enchanted Forest's tree maze—a perfect place for a birthday party—and take a ride on one of the farm's ponies.

For adults, the retail part of the farm might hold more appeal. It's a seventh-generation family farm that provides the local community with fresh produce and meat that's never tainted with steroids or hormones. Chicken, lamb, pork, and eggs are all available. Best of all, the farm employs sustainable practices in its processes, helping to make sure that the farm's around for many generations to come.

Visit the Clark's Farm website to learn more!

Clark's Farm
10500 Clarksville Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 730-4049
http://clarklandfarm.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/clarks-elioak-farms-ellicott-city

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Headed to a Potluck? Here Are Three Easy Dessert Recipes!

September 30, 2014 by

A friend asked you to provide the dessert at an upcoming potluck dinner, but you’re drawing a blank about what type of sweet treat to prepare. If you want to make a creative, tasty dessert that doesn’t require a professional baker’s expertise, these three recipes can help.

Key Lime Whoopie Pies [Martha Stewart]
Martha Stewart’s Key Lime Whoopie Pies combine two classic desserts into one sweet and sour confection. The recipe makes individual whoopie pies for 20 people, and each one features cinnamon and sugar-flavored cake and a bright lime and cream cheese icing interior that tastes just like traditional key lime pie.

1 Pan Fudge Cake [Food.com]
If your friends or family are chocolate lovers, they’ll absolutely adore this simple 1 Pan Fudge Cake. It takes just 25 minutes to make, and the blend of rich cocoa, classic vanilla, and generous amounts of sugar give it a fudge-like texture that makes the perfect decadent dessert.

Angel Food Cake [Taste of Home]
Everyone loves angel food cake, especially when it’s homemade and served with fresh berries, thick whipped cream. and the company of good friends. This simple recipe has a much heartier texture than angel food cakes made from a mix, and it’s flavored with the signature almond extract that gives it its distinct taste.

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Bird Is The Word at Columbia’s Grille Chick’n Pollo

September 23, 2014 by

Grilled chicken is one of the healthiest options that you have for protein, as it’s light on fat and heavy on nutrients. Unfortunately, if it’s not done right it can also be pretty bland. Thankfully, the chefs at Grille Chick'n Pollo know exactly what to do to wring the utmost in flavor out of the bird. Cooked in the Peruvian style over charcoal, chicken here is incredibly moist and tasty. Don’t take our word for it, though: If you stop in, they’ll give you a free sample. (Make sure to get the dark meat!)

The menu features some other options, including very delicious chicharrones (fried pork skins) and sides. Try the yucca fries. Made from a South American root, they’re a little denser than normal potatoes but have exceptional flavor. The antichuco, marinated sliced beef hearts skewered and grilled, are also super tasty. Make sure to leave some room for dessert, as the house-made flan here is creamy and delicious.

Grille Chick'n Pollo
6470 Freetown Road
Columbia, MD 21044
(240) 755-0079
www.grillechicknpollo.com
www.yelp.com/biz/grille-chickn-pollo-columbia

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Tropical Smoothie Café: Fresh Fruit Drinks

September 16, 2014 by

If you’re looking for something a little healthier, visiting the Tropical Smoothie Café is a fine idea. This national chain has several outposts in the Mid-Atlantic area (including one in Columbia, Maryland), and they work hard to deliver a high-quality menu made with fresh ingredients. As you’d expect, smoothies are the big attraction here, and regulars rave about the flavorful, nutrition-packed combinations.

Some favorites include the Sunrise Sunset, made with strawberries, pineapple, orange, and mango for an energy-filled blast, as well as the Blue Lagoon which is full of antioxidant-powered blueberries, strawberries, and banana. If you feel like having a solid meal, the Tropical Smoothie Café boasts a good selection of salads and sandwiches as well. Regulars rave about the toasted hummus veggie wrap, which is a heart-healthy collection of rice with corn, black beans, asparagus, onions, romaine lettuce, and salsa with pepper jack cheese and hummus in a toasted garlic tortilla, and the Ultimate Club sandwich is also exceptional.

Tropical Smoothie Café
6455 Dobbin Road
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 730-6564
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tropical-smoothie-cafe-columbia-2

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Coal Fire: An Ellicott City Pizzeria

September 9, 2014 by

Fresh mozzarella, house-made sauce, and thin crust pizzas make Coal Fire a popular place for a tasty lunch or dinner not far from Monarch Mills. A coal fired 900 degree oven bakes your pizza to sizzling perfection. You can adorn your pie with your choice of three different sauces – classic, slightly sweet, or spicy — and an array of toppings like sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, sausage, peppers, mushrooms, and more.

Other dining options include Oven Baked Wings, salads, and pastas. Hero sandwiches are also on hand, including the Ribeye with grilled steak, grilled onions, and melted provolone, and the Italian Cold Cut with sliced deli meats, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and oil & vinegar dressing.

Visit Coal Fire's website to find out more about this Ellicott City restaurant!

Coal Fire
5725 Richard's Valley Road
Ellicott City, MD 21043

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Frisco Taphouse and Brewery: 50 Beers on Tap

August 28, 2014 by

Frisco Taphouse and Brewery in Columbia features the potent ales and lagers of Maryland microbreweries. Regulars praise the extensive beer selection here. With 50 different brews on tap, along with a “beer engine” that pumps from a cask in the eatery’s cellar, you could sample for days and not get halfway through Frisco Taphouse's offerings!

Of course, you need snacks to go with your beer, and the menu here delivers well-esteemed bar bites. The “Ken’s Chorizo-Queso Obsession” is a popular choice, featuring melted cheese and sausage ideal for dipping chips. The fire-grilled wings with ancho chile glaze is also a good bet. For larger plates, the cornmeal-dusted chicken sandwich with pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayonnaise wins raves, as does the spicy steak sandwich brushed with Thai chiles.

Frisco Taphouse and Brewery
6695 Dobbin Road
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 312-4907
www.friscogrille.com
www.yelp.com/biz/frisco-taphouse-and-brewery-columbia

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Caffeine Hides in These Two Common Foods

August 26, 2014 by

Caffeine can give you a great boost of energy in the morning, but it can also cause headaches and annoying jitters when you drink too much. If you already cut out coffee but still feel the side effects of caffeine, you might be getting it from a different source altogether! Here are two surprising sources of caffeine that might surprise you.

  1. Decaf coffee. While you may think that switching to decaf is a solution to your caffeine problems, you still can’t go wild with your coffee intake. A cup of decaf coffee contains about five milligrams of caffeine, which is much less than a normal cup of regular, but it can still cause you to feel some side effects if you drink too much.
  2. Chocolate-flavored foods. Even if you opt for a plain old cup of hot chocolate instead of the espresso flavored truffles, many chocolate flavored foods contain a great deal of caffeine. Instant breakfast drinks can have about nine milligrams of caffeine, while powdered hot chocolate mix can also contain around nine milligrams. Be sure to check the label on any chocolate products that you purchase.

12 Surprising Sources of Caffeine [Health.com]
7 Hidden Sources of Caffeine [Eating Well]

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