Monday, August 25, 2014

Copycat Starbucks Recipes

I told you all about my new part-time job at American Greetings last year. I also mentioned about this great internal area they have called Town Square, which features a Starbucks smack dab in the middle of it.

Let me tell you, that place is extra super popular!

And I have to admit, even though I don't drink coffee or tea, I have been known to go there a few times (ok, a lot of times). Besides great hot chocolate and strawberry smoothies, they also have wonderful desserts (my personal weakness).

After dreaming about some of these delicacies for quite some time (I'm obsessed, I can't help it), I decided to find out if there was a way to make them at home myself. And lo and behold...there is!

So, without further ado, I'd like to share some of my own personal favorite copycat Starbucks recipes--plus a few extra for all you coffee and tea lovers out there. Enjoy! (You can thank me later.)

*Just click on each caption for the recipe.

Starbucks Lemon Loaf




Starbucks Raspberry Swirl Pound Cake



Starbucks Banana-Walnut Bread


Starbucks Carrot Cake

Starbucks Gourmet Brownies


Starbucks Cheesecake Brownies



Starbucks Salted Caramel Sweet Squares


Starbucks Oatmeal


Starbucks Strawberries & Creme Frappuccino



Starbucks Hot Chocolate



Starbucks Pumpkin Latte


Starbucks Hazelnut Mocha



Starbucks Iced Espresso


Starbucks Chai Tea


Starbucks Iced Green Tea

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

2 New Cleveland Food Shows, Coming Right Up!

I'm going to make two quick announcements...and I really think you're gonna love 'em!

Here goes:

1) Thursday, August 14, 2014 -- The world premiere of the locally produced culinary film entitled The Steel Fired Story of Chef Nowak will be screening at the Capitol Theatre on West 65th Street at both 7pm and 8pm.

Created by Cleveland-based Emerging Chefs, this film stars Chef Michael Nowak of The Black Pig in Ohio City, which specializes in French-inspired cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients and an innovative menu. Nowak’s entrepreneurial passion flavors every dish with gritty precision and authentic simplicity.

The film shares a “day-in-the-life experience” of an emerging chef and his growing family. It's a touching behind-the-scenes story of a talented chef and dedicated family man. 

Official trailer of "The Steel Fired Story of Chef Nowak"

Tickets for this film are free but are limited to 90 people per show. (It is recommended that you call first.)

“I am thrilled and humbled to be a part of this documentary,” says Chef Nowak. “It honestly portrays the challenging days all chefs and what their families must endure for the success of the restaurant.”

And...

2) Sunday, August 17, 2014 (9 pm ET) -- The Great Food Truck Race is back for a fifth season with a brand-new cast of food truck hopefuls, including Cleveland's very own "Let There Be Bacon" team, helmed by Matt Heyman, Dylan Doss and Jon Ashton! 


Chefs Matt Heyman, Dylan Doss and Jon Ashton always wanted to open their own restaurant, but Matt was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and the treatment left him unable to handle the rigors of daily restaurant life full-time. Now cancer-free, Matt is back in the kitchen with Dylan and Jon on the road to achieve their culinary dreams. Their menu is devoted to one of the major food groups in Northeast Ohio: bacon. These guys are funny, fearless, and ready to bring their bacon skills to streets across the country.

Each three-person team in the show is provided a vehicle for the race, but only the grand-prize winner gets to keep their food truck and a $50,000 cash prize to start their business. Hosted by Tyler Florence, the seven-episode series premieres on Sunday, August 17th at 9pm ET. 

Be sure to watch and support our local team. In the meantime, here's one of their signature recipes, just for you! Hope you like it!


Buckeye Bacon Pancakes
Yield: 8-10 pancakes
 
Ingredients:

3/4 cup milk
2 T white vinegar 
1 c flour
2 T brown sugar
1 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 T butter, melted
1 egg 
Nonstick spray 
1 handful of peanut butter cups, chopped
1 handful of bacon lardons (cooked slowly)

Directions:
  1. Combine milk and vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside for 3-5 minutes.   
  2. Combine dry ingredients.   
  3. In a separate bowl whisk melted butter and egg into milk mixture. Dump dry mixture into wet mixture and mix until lumps are gone.   
  4. Spray griddle with nonstick spray and place on medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake. Sprinkle on peanut butter cups and lardons to your taste preference – the Let There Be Bacon team suggests plenty of both!   
  5. Flip pancakes when bubbles appear around the edge. Cover with more lardons and peanut butter cups. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and garnish with candied bacon whipped cream, optional.

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