#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛
Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged photo, but Lola just has ZERO boundaries and Clifford is exceptionally patient. 😂
I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s so good for you), so when I saw that a local patisserie has a smoked salmon croissant available (weekends only), I added it to my list of things to seek out. I popped into @chocolatinenj early on Mother’s Day and was rewarded with this deliciousness. Layers of soft flaky croissant dough, tender smoked salmon, light whipped cream, thinly sliced red and green onion slivers and dotted with capers… it was every bit as amazing as you’d imagine it would be. If you’re local, don’t sleep on this one. 😋
Weekend photos in review, the belated edition. 1/ Weekend photos in review, the belated edition.

1/ hit up a few yard sales and snagged this beautiful pasta dish from Italy with my favorite color for a buck, 2/ and one of these printer trays came home with me too, 3/ pre Mother’s Day celebrations with 30 local moms, 4/ finished the weekend supervising furniture assembly
Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd bir Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd birthday. Unfortunately she’s not here to celebrate because she died suddenly at age 49. I think of her often … every Mother’s Day because we spent most of them together since her husband worked weekends … when I discover a new food adventure (we once did a day long donut crawl) … when I’m sharing a special time with my kids knowing that her then-11 year old is growing up without her. Before she passed, I always appreciated every day, but since then, even more so. You never know what the next day can bring, so relish in the sunshine, surprise rainstorms, making wishes over railroad tracks and all the wonderful randomness life can throw your way. Don’t waste a single second, say yes, live on the outskirts of your comfort zone, laugh often, tell people you love them, give eight second hugs, and squeeze every ounce of joy you can out of life. Do it for the people who can’t. ✨
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Drive Your Neighbors Nuts Grilled Chicken

August 30, 2005 · Narrative

Growing up, I remember loving Coke Floats… a perfect summertime treat combining the cold refreshing taste of soda and the decadent creaminess of ice cream. Happened to stop by my parents’ house today and as I was leaving, I remembered that their McDonalds has Coke Floats. Didn’t need to think twice to make the decision to swing through the drive-thru and get one, and better still, I was alone, so I didn’t have to share. ;) Not sure why all McDonald’s don’t have them (the two near our house, only 15 miles away from this one definitely don’t), and this one doesn’t even advertise that they have them, so it’s a well-kept secret. The order-taker laughed when I requested mine with Diet Coke. What can I say? I hate the syrupy sugary taste and smell of Coke, and I suppose it’s a bit of an oxymoron to ask for a Diet Coke Float, but it certainly hit the spot and was good to the last drop.

No rain today, so The Husband was able to grill tonight — yay! I made the rub for Drive Your Neighbors Nuts Grilled Chicken and had the dish for the first time tonight. You wouldn’t believe how juicy and moist the chicken was! It sat macerating (can it macerate with a rub? I know it can’t marinate) in the fridge overnight, which probably helped even more so. Can’t say any neighbors rushed over because the smell drove them nuts, but we definitely enjoyed it and will keep it in rotation.

All for tonight. A short one, I know, but tune in tomorrow to find out all about MaryJane Butters and why you might want to know about her. Until then, show me some love and talk back to me – I love your comments.

Drive Your Neighbors Nuts Grilled Chicken
Cate’s Note: The rub makes enough for 2 whole chickens. I used it for about 10 chicken thighs instead. I also made a few slight changes to the rub mix.

Cut chickens in quarters, leave the skin on.

Mix together:
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons mild chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon coriander
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper

Loosen the skin on the chicken pieces, and put a generous amount of the combined spices under the skin, then sprinkle generous all over the chicken, both sides. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hrs, the longer the better. Start up the grill and cook until done. Also good on pork.

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Posted In: Narrative

Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    August 30, 2005 at 1:50 am

    Mary Jane Butters…she’s royalty in my neck of the woods! Can’t wait to hear what yummy news you have to share!

    Reply
  2. Joe says

    August 30, 2005 at 2:49 am

    Never heard McDonalds having coke floats… is that one of them “east coast things?” =P

    I would of asked for Diet coke too! I really liked the Diet Pepsi slurpies that 7-11 used to carry but none of them in our area have them anymore. I guess they are too difficult to maintain.

    I keep meaning to make that chicken since I see it so often on the boards – but we pretty much only use b/s chicken breasts. Maybe we’ll just have to buy a whole chicken sometime and try it out!

    Reply
  3. Jeff says

    August 30, 2005 at 2:56 am

    No fair! I’ve never heard of McDonald’s carrying coke floats either! I’d go visit The Parents more often. And always alone. Very smart move :)

    Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    August 30, 2005 at 3:16 pm

    Mom was a real Coke Float fan… something The Husband might not remember.

    The Sister In-Law

    Reply
  5. Ruth says

    August 31, 2005 at 11:53 am

    I remember A & W root beer floats when I was growing up. mmmmmmh

    Love your posts, they’re always delicious and delightful.

    Reply

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#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛

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#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛
Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged photo, but Lola just has ZERO boundaries and Clifford is exceptionally patient. 😂
I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s so good for you), so when I saw that a local patisserie has a smoked salmon croissant available (weekends only), I added it to my list of things to seek out. I popped into @chocolatinenj early on Mother’s Day and was rewarded with this deliciousness. Layers of soft flaky croissant dough, tender smoked salmon, light whipped cream, thinly sliced red and green onion slivers and dotted with capers… it was every bit as amazing as you’d imagine it would be. If you’re local, don’t sleep on this one. 😋
Weekend photos in review, the belated edition. 1/ Weekend photos in review, the belated edition.

1/ hit up a few yard sales and snagged this beautiful pasta dish from Italy with my favorite color for a buck, 2/ and one of these printer trays came home with me too, 3/ pre Mother’s Day celebrations with 30 local moms, 4/ finished the weekend supervising furniture assembly
Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd bir Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd birthday. Unfortunately she’s not here to celebrate because she died suddenly at age 49. I think of her often … every Mother’s Day because we spent most of them together since her husband worked weekends … when I discover a new food adventure (we once did a day long donut crawl) … when I’m sharing a special time with my kids knowing that her then-11 year old is growing up without her. Before she passed, I always appreciated every day, but since then, even more so. You never know what the next day can bring, so relish in the sunshine, surprise rainstorms, making wishes over railroad tracks and all the wonderful randomness life can throw your way. Don’t waste a single second, say yes, live on the outskirts of your comfort zone, laugh often, tell people you love them, give eight second hugs, and squeeze every ounce of joy you can out of life. Do it for the people who can’t. ✨

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