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

Candyland Crafts

May 7, 2009 · Narrative

Sugars
This is the store where sprinkle and sugar dreams are made.  I had completely forgotten all about this place until a friend mentioned it on Facebook recently.  She’s another crazy baker like me and we’ve enjoyed swapping tips and sources back and forth.  You know, she gets it.  She made those adorable sparkly wedding dress cookies below.  I asked her where she was getting all the cool sprinkles and sparkles and she reminded me about Candyland Crafts.  We used to go to a fantastic Cuban restaurant that’s actually across the street from this place, but haven’t been there in ages and I had forgotten this baker’s heaven even existed.  Thank goodness for Facebook!

wedding dress

Sprinkle Heaven
I headed down there this past weekend with Madeline and as soon as I lugged her stroller up the three steps inside the front door and turned down the sprinkle aisle, I might have gasped.  Just a little.  Whatever sprinkle or sugar you need (or didn’t know you needed) is right there for the taking, and at bargain prices, most are $2 a bottle.  Madeline’s eyes opened up wide as she took in all the colors (not just a color, but several shades of each color), and she put out her hands to ask for one.  I gave her the ones that I was buying to hold and within minutes her lap was full, holding on to the bottles as tightly as she could.

Want sugars to decorate your cupcakes or cookies?  Coarse, fine or sanding?  Whatever color you can imagine is right there for the taking.  Sprinkles?  Only the most adorable ones.  I found a fun graduation cap one that will be perfect for cupcakes for the babysitter next week as her graduation day looms, just days away.  Dolphins sprinkles for Nick?  Check.  Mickey Mouse sprinkles?  Check.  It’s a good thing I set myself a budget before I even stepped in the door.

Candyland Crafts
I arrived at the store shortly before they were closing, so I only checked out half of one aisle, but I promised Nick I would take him back this weekend since he missed out on the first trip.  I can’t wait to check out the cookie cutter aisle – hold me back!

And for those that might be sad because you don’t live close to the store, don’t worry, they ship!
Aisle

Candyland Crafts
201 West Main Street
Somerville NJ 08876
Telephone: (908) 685-0410

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: Candyland Crafts, Somerville, sprinkles, sugar

Comments

  1. Claire says

    May 8, 2009 at 12:25 am

    Oh, wow! That is so much fun! I love that cookie you made. Wonder if we have something like this around here…I could spend hours in there. For now, it’s just Hobby Lobby…and their baking stuff is kind of pricey b/c it’s Wilton.

    Claires last blog post..O-reo, reoo-oh!

    Reply
  2. Culinary Wannabe says

    May 8, 2009 at 6:28 am

    Oh that store could be dangerous! Smart of you to set a budget!

    Culinary Wannabes last blog post..Roasted Pepper Guacamole

    Reply
  3. Sarah Caron says

    May 8, 2009 at 7:23 am

    Oooooh. That can’t be that far. Is it extreme to take a road trip to go to a decorating store?

    Sarah Carons last blog post..A Sweet Kick: Chipotle Cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries

    Reply
  4. Cathy says

    May 8, 2009 at 8:59 am

    I wish we had something like that up here in Canada! That looks like a lot of fun.

    Cathys last blog post..I want to go to Japan :(

    Reply
  5. Tyanne says

    May 8, 2009 at 10:00 am

    wow!! I wish they had that here. It would be so much fun.

    Reply
  6. noobcook says

    May 8, 2009 at 10:02 am

    wow, everything is so colourful and cute! ^o^ Thanks for visiting me, I’m glad to find your blog which is so nicely done up =)

    Reply
  7. Janet_Gourmet Traveller 88 says

    May 8, 2009 at 10:05 am

    I have to check if they will ship to Switzerland, it looks a heaven to me. I bought a cookie cutter online some time ago but still not used yet. It’s a high heel shoe shape : ) You triggered me to use that cutter soon to make some cookies! Thx for stopping by my blog, great to find yours.

    Reply
  8. paula says

    May 8, 2009 at 10:38 am

    We have an Amish store like that. I end up with sprinkle overload. Seriously, they are filling up my cupboards. I just brought three containers of sprinkles into my son’s preschool for their Mother’s Day cookies. I donated them generously because that gives me an excuse to buy more!

    paulas last blog post..No recipe today

    Reply
  9. Nerissa says

    May 8, 2009 at 10:53 am

    Oh dear… you’d have to tie me up or remove my wallet to get me to walk out of such a store without anything. My sister, the baker, would be pretty hardpressed to do the same, I’m sure.

    Reply
  10. Kris #40 says

    May 8, 2009 at 11:28 am

    Did you have to show me this website? Now I have to go there. I had just found a store in Cranford that I was going to try – but this one looks way better to sprinkles for my Cupcake bites.

    The Cranford store is

    sweetnfancy dot com

    Reply
  11. Patsy says

    May 8, 2009 at 12:58 pm

    Holy Cow! I have to go there! What a cool place!

    Patsys last blog post..Bunko Appetizer: Hot Artichoke Dip

    Reply
  12. Cynthia says

    May 8, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    Just the look alone inspires one to go into the kitchen and create.

    Cynthias last blog post..Tasting What You Eat

    Reply
  13. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

    May 8, 2009 at 8:47 pm

    Wow, look at the range of goodies there! I think I would go totally mad there :lol: Love the cookies you made, so chic!

    Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigellas last blog post..Look at what the Postman brought me…

    Reply
  14. Natasha - 5 Star Foodie says

    May 8, 2009 at 11:11 pm

    What a neat store! And the dress cookies is just adorable!

    Natasha – 5 Star Foodies last blog post..Guilt-Free Chocolate Milkshake for Maman and Gourmand’s Smoothie/Shake Recipe Contest

    Reply
  15. Kris #40 says

    May 9, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    We went there this morning – I had fun! $54 later (my limit was $50) got some good stuff. The dh, son and daughter came along to help pick out stuff.

    Reply
  16. Karin @ MadeByK says

    May 9, 2009 at 10:44 pm

    Wow! I had no idea such places existed! Amazing. I could stare at these photos all night, but before clicking over to read this whole entry, I saw another tantalizing photo below (mmm, steak and broccoli!) and I suspect there are more. Must go see. I’m so glad you left me a note this evening, which brought me here.

    Karin @ MadeByKs last blog post..The Start of Gardening Season

    Reply
  17. Keri says

    May 10, 2009 at 2:20 am

    What a fun blog you have!! Love those sprinkles! I have to really be on my best behavior when I go into our local cake decorating store. I could easily walk out with waaaay too much!

    ~Keri

    Keris last blog post..Fair Fun.

    Reply
  18. maris says

    May 10, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    This place sounds like my dream come true!

    Reply
  19. Heather says

    May 10, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    whoa! that place looks so cool!!!!

    Heathers last blog post..Mashed Potatoes with Ramps, Saffron and Smoked Paprika

    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!

Pinterest

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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