Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
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. Thirteen 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!
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Houston, We Have a Winner … Times Two

October 19, 2006 · Narrative

I had a hard time deciding what to write about tonight, because I have a few topics floating around my head, and couldn’t choose. So even though I think tonight’s two topics are SO good they each deserve their own post, I’m going to combine them.

First up, my beloved Oprah. I love Oprah. And when Oprah says she loves something, she’s usually right on target. Now unfortunately, sometimes the things she loves are $3,000 watches and cashmere sweaters, but she also loves things that are cheap too, and tonight is your lucky night.

Recently, Oprah declared Dale and Thomas Popcorn as her favorite popcorn. As first, I didn’t pay much attention, since I don’t usually care for canned or bagged prepopped popcorn. But then I saw an offer where they were giving away 2 small bags as a “get to know us” offer this month (pay only shipping and handling). I succumbed and they arrived while we were on vacation. One is Chocolate Drizzle Popcorn, and the other, Peanut Butter. Now, not only do I typically not care for canned or bagged prepopped popcorn, I’m not a big fan of the sweet and salty mix either. I know, picky, ain’t I?

I decided to save the chocolate one to bring as a treat to my Mom, who’s recovering in the hospital from surgery, and grabbed the peanut butter one to try this afternoon. Well, the bag is empty. Oh.My.God. So, so good. The popcorn is soft and fresh and the peanut butter is oh so creamy. I’d tell you to go order yourself some now (and now I have to as well since I finished my bag!), but you’ve got to finish reading here first … then GO ORDER YOUR FREE POPCORN NOW – that’s an order.

Now tonight’s dinner … the weather the past few days has been chilly and the air conditioners have finally been turned off. At long last, it is time for one of my favorite things about the Fall season – soup weather! So, of course, I buy the ingredients to make soup and today it’s in the low 60s. Murphy’s Law and all that. But I forged ahead, making a new recipe from Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Get Real Meals: Cream of Cheddar Soup. Again, Oh.My.God. Velvety smooth and creamy, it went down nice and easy. So quick to make, and you must, just must, make it. The Husband, who is pretty particular about soups, loved it. Definitely making it many times this Soup Season.

Enough about my discoveries … what’s got YOU saying Oh.My.God these days?

Until tomorrow…

A year ago today … I didn’t post.

P.S. Thanks a million for all the well wishes for my Mom and Nicholas. She had her surgery and is resting in her room, exhausted from a long day. I’m going to pop in tomorrow for a little while with the Dale & Thomas popcorn. And Nicholas is doing better today, so we’ve survived another ear infection.

Cream of Cheddar Soup
Recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray
Serves 4

2 tablespoons butter
1 large yellow onion diced
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons flour
1 quart chicken broth (that’s four cups for other non-math whizzes)
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups good quality aged Cheddar cheese, grated

Heat a soup pot over medium heat with the butter. When the butter melts, add the onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and cumin. Cook for 3 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute more. Whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bring up to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. To finish, turn the heat off. While whisking, add the grated Cheddar cheese in 3 additions. Serve the soup immediately.

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Posted In: Narrative

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    October 19, 2006 at 10:37 am

    Glad to hear everyone is well and on their way to recovery.

    I had Dale & Thomas a year ago (gift from a friend) and like you not a fan of the bagged popcorn. 2 hours later no popcorn left. BTW they have a store in Teaneck.

    The Sister In-Law

    Reply
  2. Anonymous says

    October 19, 2006 at 12:43 pm

    I loved the popcorn too.

    They are opening a store closer to use. Remind me to tell you later.

    The Neighbor (wife)

    Reply
  3. Alysha says

    October 19, 2006 at 1:01 pm

    Oh, you’re tempting me with that soup! I’m all set to make a cheddar soup from the November CL, but that looks really good and I happen to have some cream. But no! I need to eat lighter tonight, so I’ll try the CL and file this one away for later. :) Mmmm….

    Reply
  4. Sara says

    October 19, 2006 at 7:57 pm

    What’s got me saying Oh My God is Nutella. I had it for the first time last weekend and holy cow is that stuff gooooood.

    Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    October 20, 2006 at 2:50 am

    Cate,
    I made the soup tonight and it was “yummo” – thanks!

    Reply
  6. Cate says

    October 20, 2006 at 10:13 pm

    The Sister-in-Law – Glad I’m not the only guilty one who polished off the bag so quickly. ;)

    The Neighbor Wife – can’t wait to visit it, but that might be very dangerous.

    Alysha – You’ve got to make it!

    Sara – wow, all this time without Nutella? You poor thing! Nutella Cake, Nutella Cupcakes, Crepes with Nutella – you better get going! ;)

    Cheryl – isn’t it great?! I think it’s the chicken broth that gives it that surprise flavor layer.

    Reply
  7. Maddie says

    October 23, 2006 at 6:24 am

    I’ve been hankering for these for a while now…
    http://store.everlastboxing.com/hp-training-gloves-pink.html

    (I did a little OMG when I first saw them, because? Pink!!)

    Reply

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Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
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. Thirteen 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.

Pinterest

Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
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. Thirteen 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!

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