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
I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I’m going to make it count. Doo Wop Eats opened a few months ago in downtown Denville and their fries are LEGIT. They are hand cut and taste the way fries should … like potatoes! I add a sprinkle of salt and dunk them in a side of their special sauce and they are pure perfection. You can order a small bucket or a large one (better for sharing!), or as a side item with one of their other delicious menu items like their cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches or cheesesteak. I do believe they’re the best fries in town. I said what I said. Doo Wop’s menu celebrates all your favorite Jersey shore boardwalk treats, including Fried Oreos, clam strips and milk shakes and has a fun vibe for kids and families. 😍
The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that takes all of your favorite ingredients from a grinder (or sub) sandwich and makes it into a delicious chopped salad. It’s as easy as putting everything in a bowl and chopping it up. Perfect for busy days and lazy nights, light meals and warm weather choices. Ingredient list below. Enjoy!

One bag or arugula
One container of cherry tomatoes 
Quarter pound of hard salami
8 Oz of fresh mozzarella
One small red onion
1/3 cup banana peppers 
Handful of fresh basil
Half cup Italian salad dressing
3 T Kewpie mayo
2 T red wine vinegar 
Sea salt and black pepper

Chop it all up, add a half box of ditalini pasta, cooked. Mix to combine.

Recipe from GrilledCheeseSocial.
We had a fun little board party this week and the We had a fun little board party this week and the delicious whipped Brie I shared earlier was front and center. If you haven’t heard of board parties, it’s when every guest makes a different type of food board and brings it - so much fun noshing ensues! With toasted baguette slices, cornichons and local honey, this was mostly a French-inspired board. So simple to pull together and totally my kind of meal.
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Weekend Dog Blogging #35

May 22, 2006 · Narrative

Chefs and cooks use an expression in the kitchen … “in the weeds.” It basically means you’re getting slammed left, right and center. Tonight I can totally relate.

I had planned to make this one pork chop recipe, but for reasons best left unmentioned, I had to dump the whole marinade and find a new one. I went to go make rice and found just b-a-r-e-l-y enough because SOMEONE forgot to tell me we needed more. Then I went to make the salad dressing, I find I didn’t have enough mayo to make this homemade dressing recipe I found (forget the fact that I was in the grocery store this morning and got TWO, yes TWO, grocery deliveries yesterday). I quickly find a new recipe, and The Husband fires up the grill and, of course, the chops are done way before the rice is, while I’m trying to juggling the six trays of cookies I decided to make RIGHT THEN and shoo the two dogs (did I mention we’re dogsitting Beau?) out of the kitchen, wrap presents, set the table … and … and … yup, in the weeds it was.

Yesterday was The Stepdaughter’s 12th birthday, and since The Husband took her and Nicholas to Hershey Park this weekend, we celebrated her birthday tonight. She could literally eat rice three times a day for the rest of her life and be very happy, so, of course, rice had to hit the table in some form or fashion. I created a new recipe for it, Sweetnicks’ Tomato Red Rice. It’s very simple to make and has tons of flavor. For the main course, another new recipe, this one I found on AllRecipes, Chinese Pork Chops. I’m not really a big fan of pork chops, to tell you the truth, but The Husband is, and he was very happy with these. I didn’t let them marinate ahead of time and they were still very flavorful, and cooked up in no time on the grill. While I was making dinner, I whipped up a Banana Smoothie for everyone. Nicholas downed two small glasses before coming up for air — guess it’s a winner. Recipes are all down below.

If anyone has a deepfryer and are looking for recipes for it, I just put a few cookbooks up for sale on Amazon, The Fearless Frying Cookbook, The Ultimate Fryer Cookbook and lastly, Fry Light, Fry Right. And if you need a deepfryer, I have one of those available too, first $30 takes it. A Bravetti I bought it last year from QVC, and it’s still in its box, never opened, never used. Drop me a line if you’re interested.

Tune in tomorrow to find out what is going to the office for treats. Until then… if you’re a fan of sriracha, you can check out my latest article over at The Paper Palate.

A year ago today… deja vu.

P.S. Angel Chef: I replied to your question, but in case you didn’t see it, the recipe you’re looking for is here. Hope you like it.

And now the round-up for this weekends’ Weekend Dog Blogging:

The perfectly-poised Nigel from La Mia Cucina:

Two charming newcomers from Acme Instant Food drop by, Janet and Harpo:

Shhh…. be very, very quiet, lest we disturb a napping Simba from Up a Creek without a PatL:

Another newbie, it’s Riley. His owner has him posted up on Dogster. Love the smile!

I figured I’d give Eli a break this weekend and let my parents’ dog, Beau, take the spotlight:

Another sleepy one checks in, it’s Ziggy from Soul Fusion Kitchen:

Bear from Farmgirl Fare enjoys a slurp from Mother Nature’s faucet:

And last, but not least, the tired troop from Dispensing Happiness:

Sweetnicks’ Tomato Red Rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup canned diced tomatoes, with a little bit of the liquid included
pinch of salt to taste

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and pepper, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Mix rice into skillet, stirring often. When rice begins to brown, stir in chicken broth and canned tomatoes. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed. Serve.

Banana Smoothie
1 cup sliced banana
1 cup ice
1 cup milk

Blend and enjoy.

Chinese Pork Chops
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
6 boneless pork chops

In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, vegetable oil, ginger, and garlic powder. Set aside some of the mixture in a separate bowl for marinating during cooking. Pierce the pork chops on both sides with a fork, place in a large resealable plastic bag, and cover with the remaining marinade mixture. Refrigerate 6 to 8 hours. Preheat the grill for high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate. Discard marinade, and grill pork chops 6 to 8 minutes per side, or to desired doneness, marinating often with the reserved portion of the marinade.

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Posted In: Narrative

Comments

  1. sher says

    May 22, 2006 at 6:42 pm

    LOL!! Oh, I know what it’s like to be “in the weeds”. Sometimes that happens and I feel like I don’t know how to cook or manage a kitchen at all. And, you made cookies too!!!!!

    Reply
  2. Cate says

    May 22, 2006 at 11:12 pm

    Sher, I totally wanted to yell “in the weeds!” but I know a) I would have gotten strange looks a la “Mom’s nuts!” and b) no one would know what I was talking about. ;)

    Reply
  3. Ruth says

    May 23, 2006 at 1:47 pm

    I only recently heard the expression “in the weeds” but that doesn’t mean I haven’t lived it many a time myself!

    Looks like you done good in spite of everything.

    Thanks for sharing

    Reply

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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!

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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
I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I’m going to make it count. Doo Wop Eats opened a few months ago in downtown Denville and their fries are LEGIT. They are hand cut and taste the way fries should … like potatoes! I add a sprinkle of salt and dunk them in a side of their special sauce and they are pure perfection. You can order a small bucket or a large one (better for sharing!), or as a side item with one of their other delicious menu items like their cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches or cheesesteak. I do believe they’re the best fries in town. I said what I said. Doo Wop’s menu celebrates all your favorite Jersey shore boardwalk treats, including Fried Oreos, clam strips and milk shakes and has a fun vibe for kids and families. 😍
The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that takes all of your favorite ingredients from a grinder (or sub) sandwich and makes it into a delicious chopped salad. It’s as easy as putting everything in a bowl and chopping it up. Perfect for busy days and lazy nights, light meals and warm weather choices. Ingredient list below. Enjoy!

One bag or arugula
One container of cherry tomatoes 
Quarter pound of hard salami
8 Oz of fresh mozzarella
One small red onion
1/3 cup banana peppers 
Handful of fresh basil
Half cup Italian salad dressing
3 T Kewpie mayo
2 T red wine vinegar 
Sea salt and black pepper

Chop it all up, add a half box of ditalini pasta, cooked. Mix to combine.

Recipe from GrilledCheeseSocial.
We had a fun little board party this week and the We had a fun little board party this week and the delicious whipped Brie I shared earlier was front and center. If you haven’t heard of board parties, it’s when every guest makes a different type of food board and brings it - so much fun noshing ensues! With toasted baguette slices, cornichons and local honey, this was mostly a French-inspired board. So simple to pull together and totally my kind of meal.

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