Food Lovers' Guide: Clover Road Cream Cheese

While the bond between bagel and cream cheese is strong, the smooth schmear doesn’t have an exclusive relationship with its doughy darling. Stray from the breakfast staple and use Clover Road Cream Cheese in burgers, on sandwiches and even as a cake frosting. Crafted by twin sisters Rachel and Sarah Gross, the tempting toppings are made with Ohio-raised, grass-fed cow’s milk and cream, and blended with an alluring array of ingredients. “There’s no added junk or unnecessary ingredients,” says Rachel. The cinnamon, sugar and cayenne spread ($6) may appear all innocent, but the bit of unexpected heat has us smitten — especially when coupled as a syrup with buttermilk pancakes. But for those who still carry a torch for the tried-and-true, the everything bagel ($6), a mix of onion, garlic, poppy and sesame seeds will keep the passion alive. Use It At Home: Top latkes with a few dollops of the Parmesan and truffle cream cheese ($8) and sauerkraut. 216-331-2897, cloverroadcreamcheese.com