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

Recipe: Sauvignon Blanc-Steamed Mussels with Garlic Toasts

September 9, 2008 · Narrative

MusselsSeriously.  Start swooning now.  Because if you don’t do it now, you will be after you try out this recipe.  I thought we already had an OMG mussel recipe under our belt, but this one is giving that one a ridiculous run for the money, courtesy of the newest issue of Food & Wine magazine.

Even with 70+ magazine subscriptions, every now and then, I still manage to get through a current issue when it’s still current.  (People and Us magazine are exceptions though.  While a Cooking Light or Country Living might be able to wait, People and Us cannot.  If I don’t read them right away, people who just got married are already divorced). 

Tonight’s recipe comes from the October issue of Food & Wine magazine.  Because I already have such love for this Emeril recipe, I’m usually hesitant in pulling out new recipes to try for steamed mussels because, really, how different can they be?

Well to think I almost missed out on this one…

Although it may sound fancy and stuck-up, Sauvignon Blanc-Steamed Mussels with Garlic Toasts is anything but.  The recipe notes that it takes 20 minutes, and for what it delivers, it’s 20 minutes well spent.  Even with the dog, the baby, Nicholas AND The Husband underfoot,  I managed to do it in 15 minutes, so if I can handle it, so can you.  And aside from the mussels, odds are that you have most, if not all, of the ingredients already on hand, so no more excuses.

Like mussels?  Give this one a try.  Love mussels?  Don’t pass it by.  The sauce that is produced is mouth-wateringly good and so buttery smooth, you’ll die a little inside when you try it.  Only thing I changed was to nix the parsley.  Slurp away!

P.S.  Forgive the picture … camera so not behaving and is going to be shipped away to reform school (otherwise known as Kodak Customer Service) soon because it is now producing very faint and fuzzy pictures.

P.P.S.  What we’re reading … Book #3.

Hungry for more mussel recipes?
Mark Bittman of the New York Times offers up a Mussels and Potato Salad dish.
The Perfect Pantry puts a jar of red curry paste to good use with her Red Curry Mussel Stew.
And Jaden, who has a sense of humor like no other, serves Steamed Mussels in Lemongrass Coconut Curry.

Sauvignon Blanc–Steamed Mussels with Garlic Toasts
Recipe courtesy of Food and Wine magazine, October 2008

TOTAL TIME: 20 MIN

SERVES: 4

  • 4 thick slices of white peasant bread
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • 2 garlic cloves—1 left whole, 1 thinly sliced
  • 1 medium shallot, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 4 pounds mussels, scrubbed
  • 1-1/2 cups Sauvignon Blanc or other dry white wine
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley (I skipped)
  1. Preheat the broiler. Brush the bread with olive oil and transfer to a baking sheet. Broil the bread a few inches from the heat, turning once, for 2 minutes, until golden and toasted. Lightly rub the whole garlic clove over the toasts.
  2. In a large, deep pot, heat the 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add the shallot and sliced garlic, season lightly with salt and pepper and cook over high heat, stirring, until the garlic is softened and lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the mussels and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the wine, cover and steam the mussels until they open, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the mussels to 4 deep bowls, discarding any mussels that do not open.
  3. Add the butter and parsley to the broth, swirling and shaking the pot until the butter melts. Slowly pour the broth over the mussels, stopping before you reach the grit at the bottom of the pot. Serve the mussels with the garlic toasts.

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Posted In: Narrative

Comments

  1. Sarah says

    September 9, 2008 at 11:38 pm

    OMG. That is all I can say about this. OMG.

    If we were to ever have a supper club-ish meeting, I would require you to bring this.

    YUM.

    Reply
  2. The Neighbor (Wife) says

    September 10, 2008 at 9:00 am

    That’s a great theme for a next Supper Club. SEAFOOD!

    Reply
  3. jan says

    September 10, 2008 at 9:34 am

    I used to make mussels in much the same way. Super easy, super good! If you have a cat, it’s guaranteed that the cat will try to be your best friend while you eat. (bigsmile!) Thanks for sharing your new-found recipe!

    Reply
  4. Patsy says

    September 10, 2008 at 12:31 pm

    I’ve never made mussels, but since I do happen to have that issue of F&W handy… I may just have to give them a try… sounds amazing!

    Reply
  5. Jaden says

    September 10, 2008 at 12:38 pm

    I love mussels so much! It’s like the easiest dinner ever, isn’t it!
    Will try this version next.

    xoxo, jaden

    Reply
  6. katie says

    September 13, 2008 at 3:43 pm

    Mussels in white wine…. my favorite way!
    Now, does the sauvignon blanc make a difference? I normally use Sancerre. It would probably worth it to make it several times – you know, to test it….
    Next time, I’m adding the garlic toast – that’s just what it needs!

    Reply
  7. Cate says

    September 13, 2008 at 5:08 pm

    Katie – I’m all for very rigorous quality control. ;) I think any wine would do. I used a Pinot.

    Patsy – no mussels? Then you must try!

    Jaden – easy is great with kids, and this one is perfect for a busy weeknight.

    Sarah – I’m there.

    The Neighbor Wife – seafood is a great theme. Still trying to decide what to make for our next one. :)

    Jan – would you believe our cats are never around looking for people food? Only time one will come beg is when he smells roast chicken. Go figure.

    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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