#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

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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#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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