I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Twenty-one school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?
Weekend photos in review, old school edition. Cont Weekend photos in review, old school edition.
Context: 1) Lola has zero chill in the car, 2) fulfilling request for Chicken Parm Penne with Vodka Sauce, 3) Sunday vibes 4) my favorite porchetta sandwich 5) from @butlerandtheboard 6) affirmations, 7) the sun was out today
Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what phase you’re in. ✨ Got this one back in September and it’s one of my favorites. I sometimes forget it’s there until I get a random flash of it.
Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!
Weekend photos in review, old school style. Contex Weekend photos in review, old school style. Context: 1) saying goodbye until Easter, 2) sending him back with good bagels, 3) sunlight charging station, 4) the sun was out all day yesterday and it was glorious, 5) hitting the farmers market for my favorite garlic butter, 6) make a wish, 7) sun patterns, and 8) my sous chef
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

New (to Me) Blogger on the Block Thursdays

December 30, 2005 · Narrative

Before I get to this week’s nod for New (to Me) Blogger on the Block Thursdays, first a dinner report.

As I mentioned yesterday, I’m adding a new, regular segment to my Thursday posts, Rediscovering My Library. Tonight, I broke out Food & Wine’s FAST: Over 150 Quick, Delicious Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less. I bought this one over the summer and haven’t used it yet. From it, tonight I made Quick Thai Beef Salad and served it with Miss Leslie’s Ham Salad with Biscuits, which I’ve made before. I first made the Ham Salad about a year-and-a-half ago for one of our Supper Club gatherings, and then last month, for the Summer in December theme, one of the Supper Club members resurrected it. It’s originally a Rachael Ray recipe … delicious and simple to make.

The Quick Thai Beef Salad was good. With it having fish sauce in it, it is probably going to be an acquired taste for some, as that tends to be a very strong flavor, but again, very simple to make. Dinner was on the table in about 20 minutes and full of veggies: cucumbers, celery, and tomatoes. Not bad, and not even ARF/5-a-Day yet! One caveat for those trying this recipe. It ended up having a LOT of extra sauce, so I’d halve those ingredients next go ’round. I made some modifications to the recipe, as I’m wont to do, and the recipe below includes those changes.

Quick Thai Beef Salad


Ham Salad on Biscuits

After dinner, Nicholas and I made a quick treat to bring into the office tomorrow, Pear Custard Bars. Another new recipe, they certainly look and smell good. We’ll have to wait for a taste test until tomorrow as they have to be in the fridge for 2 hours.

My Little Helper


Pear Custard Bars

This week’s nod for New (to Me) Blogger on the Block Thursdays goes to Just Braise, a blogger I “discovered” last week. I think, so far, she is the closest (geographically speaking) blogger for my regular Thursday feature — always nice to “meet” a local. :) I was drawn into her site immediately by her banner: warm, inviting and captivating all at the same time. Check out her Gourmand Cheeseburger, loaded with goat cheese, garlic and wine, it sounds like a great combination and we love our goat cheese here. She waxes rhapsodic about tuna fish sandwiches, allowing you a peek into her childhood, and I know Clare will appreciate the kitty picture in that post — love the little white feet propped up! Hopefully Stacey will start participating in Weekend Cat Blogging over on Clare’s site. I haven’t seen a mention of a dog yet, but if there’s one over there, we’ll have to drag her into Weekend Dog Blogging. I also just printed her recipe for White Bean Bruschetta (scroll down on that post for the recipe) and think it might make an appearance either for New Years’ Eve pre-dinner munchies or for our next Supper Club event. I love the stories she tells … enough about my favorite posts of hers — go off and find your own. ;)

All for tonight. Tune in to find out what hits the table for the kids’ Friday Night Date Night and what’s on tap for the weekend and New Years’ festivities. Until then…

P.S. And in the “hey, at least she’s trying category,” The Neighbor calls me tonight and wants to know what The Husband (since he’s a volunteer firefighter) thinks about using a microwave after a small fire. Is it safe? And, oh yeah, there’s a bit of peeling paint inside it now… is that ok? OK, in her defense, at least she’s TRYING to cook. She usually uses her microwave and stove for storage (yes, you read right) and apparently when she emptied it out to use it, she missed something in the back, went to nuke something, and the microwave promptly caught fire. Sigh. Good News: No one was hurt in the dinner making effort, ‘cept, of course, the microwave. Bad News: We might have scared The Neighbor from ever cooking again. Better News: We’re just a stone’s throw away, and there’s always plenty of good eats here. Kudos to her for trying though. Gotta give her some props for that.

Quick Thai Beef Salad
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon Asian fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 pound thinly sliced rare roast beef
5 small scallions, diced
3 medium shallots, thinly sliced
5 plum tomatoes, diced
1 cucumber, diced

In large bowl, mix the lime juice, Asian fish sauce, and sugar; stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the beef, scallions, shallots, tomato, cucumber and celery leaves; toss gently and serve.

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Posted In: Narrative

Comments

  1. ann says

    December 30, 2005 at 4:35 am

    you know, that’s a great idea. i’ve been spending a lot of time thinking i have nothing to make, when in reality i have a ton of cookbooks old and new that need revisiting. once a week sound like a good idea to me. ann

    Reply
  2. Stephanie says

    December 30, 2005 at 4:41 am

    Nicholas looks adorable in that picture!!!

    Reply
  3. Alicat says

    December 30, 2005 at 5:33 am

    Rediscovering my library sounds a lot like the weekend cookbook challenge. ;) got to give props to sara from i like to cook – it has generated a ton of spin offs for people to get cooking from resources they already have. :o)

    Reply
  4. robwonton says

    December 30, 2005 at 6:16 am

    Thai Beef Salad is one of my favorite Thai dishes. Will have to try yuor recipe this weekend.

    Reply
  5. Cate says

    December 30, 2005 at 1:33 pm

    Ann- thanks, hope you’ll join in the fun!

    Rob – I loved how easy it was to throw together. Let me know how you like it.

    Thanks, Stephanie! :)

    Alicat – didn’t even make the connection. It’s something I try to do on my own, just not as much as I’d like too. I figured if I made it a weekly event, I’d have no choice. ;)

    Reply
  6. Alicat says

    December 30, 2005 at 2:59 pm

    i think its great — use what we have already to be creative! :)

    Reply
  7. Nic says

    December 30, 2005 at 3:38 pm

    Those pear bars look simply delicious!

    Reply
  8. WhiteTrashBBQ says

    December 31, 2005 at 1:16 am

    Does the neighbor ever read this blog?

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    December 31, 2005 at 2:27 am

    Yes I read the blog. Every morning with my coffee. It’s no secret,I don’t enjoy cooking. BUT sweetnicks has gotten me to try some recipes. Some have even been a success.

    The Neighbor

    Reply
  10. Cate says

    December 31, 2005 at 4:08 am

    Nic – there WERE delicious; hope you try them!

    WhiteTrashBBQ – every morning! ;) She’s now a pro at making my Cranberry Conserve. Now if only we can get her to stop using her oven as storage… We gave The Neighbors a Panini Maker for Christmas; maybe that will give them some inspiration. ;)

    Reply
  11. Cyndi says

    December 31, 2005 at 5:40 am

    You’ve inspired me to start my own blog. I’ve loved reading yours, and hope you’ll enjoy mine. I love the photos–eventually I’ll get that skilled.
    I would like to try the Thai Beef Salad, but really can’t stand the thought (or taste) of fish sauce. Do you think there could be a suitable substitute (beef broth?) that wouldn’t destroy the dish?

    Reply
  12. Cate says

    December 31, 2005 at 1:25 pm

    Cyndi – Beef broth wouldn’t do it, but you might try a little bit of soy sauce. I’d start with a tablespoon and go from there. Fish sauce is a very salty ingredient, so you’d get nearly the same flavor from soy or tamari. Let me know how it turns out. Glad to hear you’re starting your own blog – can’t wait to read it!

    Reply
  13. Clare Eats says

    January 6, 2006 at 1:52 pm

    I think the dresssing for the thai beef salad needs more sugar, preferably palm sugar or dark brown sugar? That might be why the fish sauce taste was abit strong? It shouldn’t taste salty or fishy or acidic just perfec :) the flavours should all be in perfect balance, sounds hard but I promise it’s not!plus the brand of fish sauce makes a HUGE difference to the taste. Squid brand is a reasonble brand and the 3 crab vietnamese brand is pretty good too. I like some finely chopped garlic and chilli in my nam pla too :)

    Reply

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I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Twenty-one school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?
Weekend photos in review, old school edition. Cont Weekend photos in review, old school edition.
Context: 1) Lola has zero chill in the car, 2) fulfilling request for Chicken Parm Penne with Vodka Sauce, 3) Sunday vibes 4) my favorite porchetta sandwich 5) from @butlerandtheboard 6) affirmations, 7) the sun was out today
Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what phase you’re in. ✨ Got this one back in September and it’s one of my favorites. I sometimes forget it’s there until I get a random flash of it.
Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.

Pinterest

I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Twenty-one school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?
Weekend photos in review, old school edition. Cont Weekend photos in review, old school edition.
Context: 1) Lola has zero chill in the car, 2) fulfilling request for Chicken Parm Penne with Vodka Sauce, 3) Sunday vibes 4) my favorite porchetta sandwich 5) from @butlerandtheboard 6) affirmations, 7) the sun was out today
Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what phase you’re in. ✨ Got this one back in September and it’s one of my favorites. I sometimes forget it’s there until I get a random flash of it.
Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!
Weekend photos in review, old school style. Contex Weekend photos in review, old school style. Context: 1) saying goodbye until Easter, 2) sending him back with good bagels, 3) sunlight charging station, 4) the sun was out all day yesterday and it was glorious, 5) hitting the farmers market for my favorite garlic butter, 6) make a wish, 7) sun patterns, and 8) my sous chef

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