OUR TOWN COOKS!

Doug Tanner, the new pastry chef at The Harmony Spot Cafe & Conservatory uses the words of his idol Sylvia Weinstock, New York's famous cake diva to describe his role in helping people chose the right cake for the right occasion. “I'm an artist, a translator, an advisor and sometimes even a little bit of a psychologist.”
A 2000 GlenOak graduate, Tanner studied at the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute in Pittsburgh where he earned a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. “I love to bake, it's something that I've always wanted to do,” he said. His passion? Wedding cakes. “I do everything I can to make the day even more special.” He specializes in going way beyond the traditional white cake with white icing. White chocolate, blueberry chip, pumpkin spice, and raspberry cheesecake are a sampling of flavors in his repertoire.
Donna Rasicci, owner of The Harmony Spot is tickled about the new addition to her kitchen staff. “We're getting phone calls and thank you notes from people who, after their event, want to let us know how much everyone loved the cake,” she said. “Doug's desserts and cookies are barely out of the oven before customers get their hands on them. “We try to keep our desserts table stocked with cookies and other desserts, but they go so fast!
Rasicci said the new featured Dessert of the Day has been a hit with customers. “People just love it. It gives them a chance to try something different,” she said, adding some of the recent featured items included homemade cinnamon rolls, strawberry shortcake, banana split pie, and chocolate caramel cheesecake. Breads and individual plated desserts are created fresh daily. Tanner's already made a name for himself at The Harmony Spot with his best-selling French silk pie. “People love it because it's sweet, but not heavy,” he said, adding that the 15 minutes of whipping is what makes the pie so light.
Tanner was kind enough to share his recipe for Homemade Granola Bars. The bars are not found on the menu at The Harmony Spot, but “it's good for summer snacks or for picnics, plus it's healthy, easy to make and even the kids can help.”
Call 330-305-1466 to place a cake/dessert order or stop by The Harmony Spot Cafe & Conservatory (across from the North Canton Post Office) to indulge in Tanner's home-made creations.

HOMEMADE GRANOLA BARS

1 lb. rolled oats
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1 cup peanuts
1/2 cup shredded coconuts
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup chopped cashews

1/8 cup vegetable oil
4 oz. butter
1 Tbsp. molasses
1/2 Tbsp. vanilla
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup maple syrup

Combine the oats through cashews in a large bowl, set aside.
In a medium sauce pan combine the vegetable oil through maple syrup. Bring the liquid mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully pour the liquid over the dry mixture. Let the mixture set 5 minutes before mixing to cool. Using a spoon, mix the granola until it is completely combined. Spread onto a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees until golden, about 25 minutes depending on the oven. Let cool, and cut into desired size. The granola can also be crumbled to use as cereal or topping for yogurt.