Go for the Gold

Another week. Another snowstorm. During this winter that never ends, it's nice to break up the monotony with the Winter Olympic Games.
I've always been a fan of the Olympics. After watching Jean-Claude Killy tear down the mountain in 1968, I wanted to ski. After seeing Peggy Fleming spin like a top, I wanted to skate. Inspiration aside, I lived in the Midwest, not the Minnesota/Wisconsin part of the country with mounds of snow and frozen lakes; but rather, I lived in the Mississippi River Valley near St. Louis, where, for kids, a few inches of snow was cause for celebration.
The winter that stands out in my mind must have been a lot like this one. We got snow, and more snow, the kind that was so deep it snuck over the top of my boots. Nevertheless, I couldn't wait to get outside to play in it. The highlight of each week was when my parents took us to the local golf course to go sledding on hills that seemed like mountains to me.
Several other families joined us, and each Sunday afternoon became a big winter party. Up and down the hills we went, pretending to be Olympic bobsledders or crashing like out-of-control skiers. Finally, exhaustion and wet socks caught up with us, and we retreated to the golf course clubhouse for a big burger, a bowl of soup, and a hot chocolate.
As I watch the Olympics this year, I know the athletes are inspiring the next generation. Kids who are watching may not turn out to be the next Bode Miller or Gracie Gold, but maybe they will be inspired to go out and play in the snow. Maybe they will share family fun on a make-believe mountain followed by good food and warm conversation. Memories like that are golden.

Why Wait for Oktoberfest? Let's Do Febfest!

Welcome to February, surely the grayest and dullest of months in Cincinnati. The holidays have past, the Super Bowl parties are over, and it's still a few weeks until the Reds head for spring training. Some years ago, we decided we needed a way to break up the boredom of winter. Mr. Daisy Mae suggested we get together with friends who also have cabin fever and share traditional German food like we all love during Oktoberfest. We'd call it "Febfest" and share some Gemütlichkeit when we really needed it…during the blah days of February.
Twenty years later, the tradition continues. We get most of what we need from Findlay Market including cheese from Gibbs or Krause's, and sausages from Kroeger & Sons. We use Daisy Mae's own potatoes for homemade potato pancakes, and finish off the meal with an apfelstrüdel baked with crisp Granny Smith apples. Of course, no Febfest is complete without German-style beer so we support our neighbors at Christian Moerlein brewery or Rhinegeist right here in our Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. For those who prefer wine, we pick up a bottle or two from Market Wines at Findlay Market.
It's really easy to have a German celebration with the help of local Cincinnati small businesses. You should try it! Shop locally, celebrate internationally, and have fun with good friends, good food, and good drink.

5 Super Bowl Treats for the Vegetarian Fans

If you're hosting a Super Bowl party this year, don't forget the vegetables. Whether you are preparing for bona fide vegetarians or just trying to supplement the chili and burgers, you'll need something besides chips and pretzels.

Include one or two of these favorites and then just veg out and enjoy the game!

1. Guacamole (of course)
2. Baked Potato Bar
3. Roasted Vegetable Tapas
4. Pico de Gallo
5. Veggies and Dip