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

Pigs in a Blanket, Version 2.0

March 31, 2009 · Narrative

Posh Piggies

When The Husband and I got married, I asked him what types of food he wanted to see at the reception.

“I don’t care what it is, as long as there are Pigs in a Blanket” came the answer.

What is it about men and Pigs in a Blanket?

The Sister-in-Law was over for dinner this weekend and I was looking for a new appetizer recipe to make, so when I saw this recipe for a more elegant, updated version of Pigs in a Blanket, I knew it would be perfect.   It’s from the February 2009 issue of Ladies’ Home Journal and was crazysimple to make.  The platter didn’t even make it out of the kitchen before Nick had polished off four.  I take this as a considerable victory since if I just sliced up the sausage and put it in front of him, I guarantee you he would make a plea for leftovers from the fridge.  That’s his newest way to avoid eating something I make that he thinks he won’t like.  “Mom, I’ll have leftovers.  It helps you out to clean out the refrigerator.”  Right.

Whether you’re looking for a quick starter that is family-friendly, or something different for your next dinner party or soiree, these Posh Piggies are sure to please.

Posh Piggies (although a cute name, I’m sticking with Pigs in a Blanket, Version 2.0)
Recipe courtesy of Ladies Home Journal

Cut 1 lb sweet Italian sausage links into 36 half-inch slices.  Brush a sheet of thawed frozen puff pastry with a beaten egg and cut 36 circles of pastry using a 1-1/4 inch fluted cutter.  (I used a small cookie cutter that I had in the shape of a tulip; perfect for Spring).  Top each sausage round with a pastry circle and sprinkle with sesame seeds.  Skewer each stack with a toothpick and place on a baking sheet.  Bake in a 400 degree oven until pastry is golden, 18 to 20 minutes.

Serve with Apricot Mustard Dip: stir together 6 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons mayo and 1/4 cup apricot jam.  (I used the general idea, but instead used about 3T Dijon,  1 T mayo and 2T orange marmalade – yum.  I nuked the marmalade for a few seconds in the microwave first, to make it easier to mix).

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Comments

  1. Sarah Caron says

    March 31, 2009 at 9:09 pm

    Cate, who’s husband are you talking about? Because my husband and I had pretty much the Very. Same. Conversation. when we were getting married. Freaky.

    Hey, should the sausage be precooked? Or do you slice it up raw?

    Sarah Carons last blog post..Simple Pleasure: The Easy Tuna Salad

    Reply
  2. Cate says

    March 31, 2009 at 9:17 pm

    Sarah – LOL, too funny. They are definitely cut from the same cloth. No, the sausage isn’t precooked. Because it’s just a small piece under each piece of puff pastry, it cooks in the time it’s in the oven. It’s the regular sausage that you would use to make sausage and peppers…

    Reply
  3. Chrissy says

    March 31, 2009 at 10:12 pm

    That’s too funny about the Pigs in a Blanket at the reception. Come to think of it, every guy I know loves them too. Although in my family we prefer Drunken Weiners. :-) This recipe looks great! And, of course, now that I’m in the mood for them, I’ll probably be making it soon.

    Reply
  4. Sara says

    March 31, 2009 at 11:55 pm

    My husband wanted finger sandwiches at our wedding. They got vetoed :). These look so good!

    Saras last blog post..Apple and pomegranate tart tatin

    Reply
  5. Elyse says

    April 1, 2009 at 1:32 am

    I love these jazzed up piggies! How perfect. I’m always the one who polishes off appetizers like this. I can’t wait to make these!! Thanks for this simple, yet ELEGANT appetizer tip!

    Reply
  6. jan says

    April 1, 2009 at 10:03 am

    Flashback to the 80s: ‘Back in the day’ we went to some potlucks. Someone always posted that they were making “finger salad” and I managed not to prank it. I carved a carrot to look like a finger and wanted to slip it in with the “veggies and ranch dip.”

    Reply
  7. Natasha - 5 Star Foodie says

    April 1, 2009 at 10:39 am

    These are so adorable and sound really delicious! I like the sesame seeds.

    Natasha – 5 Star Foodies last blog post..Are you going to Scarborough Fair?

    Reply
  8. Stacey Snacks says

    April 1, 2009 at 10:41 am

    Funny, when we got married at The Manor (you know where it is in NJ), the fancy pants hors d’oevres did not include weenies……..so, at special request, along with the duck, rabbit, crepes and lobster, we had a silver tray with those “have to have” pigs in blankets for my husband! They were the first thing to go!

    Stacey Snackss last blog post..Roasted Cauliflower Salad w/ Freekeh & Fried Prosciutto

    Reply
  9. Paula says

    April 1, 2009 at 2:05 pm

    I don’t know what it is but men adore them! My husband and brother-in-law went crazy over them at Christmas claiming they were the best thing I made..unbelievable;)

    Paulas last blog post..Lasagne of Emilia-Romagna, The Daring Bakers go Italian

    Reply
  10. The Sister In-Law says

    April 1, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    These were great!!! I must try them at home real soon.

    SIL

    Reply
  11. Tracey says

    April 1, 2009 at 11:03 pm

    Wow, that’s my husband too! The ONLY thing he cared about related to the food at our wedding – “I need my pigs in a blanket.”

    Traceys last blog post..Buttermilk Fantails

    Reply
  12. Tonia says

    April 2, 2009 at 8:36 am

    Oh, that’s my husband too. Pigs in a Blanket had to be at our reception & everyone ate them up. I think I’ll surprise Mike with these on Saturday. The dipping sauce sounds great.

    Tonias last blog post..Cracked Potatoes

    Reply
  13. Ashley says

    April 9, 2009 at 6:55 pm

    These are adorable! Men just LOVE pigs in a blanket!

    Ashleys last blog post..Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles

    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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