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

Straight from the Cookie Jar: Extra-Special Chocolate Chip Cookies

January 11, 2010 · Narrative

Cookies in Jar

It seems like the quest to find the elusive “perfect” Chocolate Chip cookie is much like my ongoing quest to find the best macaroni and cheese.  So many recipes, so little time.  Since I don’t have a terrible sweet tooth, I don’t try a million chocolate chip cookies to find “the” one, but every now and then one intrigues me enough to hit our oven.  Such is the case with these Extra-Special Chocolate Chip Cookies.  What’s so special about them?  The potato chips.

The recipe comes from Woman’s World magazine, and I promise you won’t readily pick out the fact that there are potato chips in the cookies.  You do notice a slight crunch here and there, and the tiniest taste of salt, but just enough to force your hand back in the cookie jar again and again.  Trust me.  And hey, it’s the perfect way to finish up some dregs of potato chips that are lurking in the pantry.

I noticed this recipe made larger sized cookies, a little too big for the kids to grab for a snack, so when I was making the recipe, I made some larger and some smaller, perfect for little hands.  Don’t do that.  When the cookies were cooled, I tried one of the small ones and was very “eh” about it.  Then I went back later and had a larger one.  Nothing “eh” about it.  So good, and soft, and crispy, and, well, extra-special, just like the recipe says.  Even better when warm from the oven.  I get roughly 16 cookies when I make this recipe, and we made it twice last week.  I’d say it’s a keeper.  No doubt.

Extra Special Chocolate Chip Cookies

When it came to last week’s menu plan, I was pretty proud of myself.  I only missed one recipe, the omelet.  I did need to rearrange the days a bit because things came up, but since I shopped on the weekend for the groceries, it was easy to be flexible since I had everything on hand already.  I did have to nix the meal for Saturday since we ended up having company over (a friend I haven’t seen in 23 years – how cool is that?!), but that’s still like an 80% success rate, so I’m pretty happy with that.

This week’s a little screwy with Madeline being sick and us being housebound.  I made a plan over the weekend, but haven’t made it to the grocery store yet.  Hopefully I can go tomorrow and stick with the plan.  If not, then I plan to work on the freezer and make a dent in it.  I don’t know how it gets so full so fast!

Monday: Dinner out

Tuesday: Raid the Fridge and Pomegranate Martinis (new WW recipe)

Wednesday: Company over: Artichoke Bread (new TOH recipe), Roasted Cauliflower (new WW recipe), Meatloaf (new Martha recipe), Toffee Topped Fudge Brownie Tarts (new Ultimate Cookies recipe)

Thursday: Lunch – Mushroom and Swiss Panini (new WW recipe), Cranberry Shortbread Bars (new TOH recipe), Raid the Fridge for Dinner

Friday: Marilyn’s Mac and Cheese (new Country Living recipe), Sherry Bleu Cheese Spread (new GH recipe)

And lastly, today’s daily photo.

Project 365
January 11, 2010, Photo #11

Too Much Time on My Hands

One would think I have OCD or a little too much free time on my hands.  It could be both.  Some days neither.  Free time?  Seriously?  This is what happens when HP keeps you on the phone for a ridiculous amount of time but is still unable to fix your printer.  Moreover, they make it worse.  Hey, at least the pens in the pen cup, one of four on my desk, are now color-coordinated.  I love this pen cup.  I originally used them as “goody bags” for Madeline’s first birthday last year, a find for $1 at Wal-Mart.  Good recycling, I’d say.

Extra-Special Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipe courtesy of Woman’s World magazine

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
10 tablespoons butter, room temperature
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups potato chips with ridges, about 3 oz
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, about 6 oz

Preheat oven to 350.  In large bowl, combine flour and baking soda; reserve.  On medium-high speed, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 1-2 minutes.  Beat in egg and vanilla until combined.  Add flour mixture; beat until just combined.  Beat in potato chips until broken into small pieces and dough forms.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Drop by 1/4 cupfuls, 3″ apart, onto ungreased baking sheets; gently press to flatten to 3″ diameter (I didn’t press).  Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden.  Cool 5 minutes on pans.  Transfer to rack; cool completely.

Cate’s note:  Truth be told, I put all the ingredients in one big bowl, mix by hand and put it in the oven.  Easy peasy.

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: Extra-Special Chocolate Chip Cookies, Menu Planning, Project 365, Woman's World magazine

Comments

  1. Casey says

    January 11, 2010 at 11:14 pm

    I can’t wait to try the cookies. The potato chips have me curious!

    Reply
  2. Jess says

    January 11, 2010 at 11:20 pm

    Sounds yummy. I am always up for a new cookie recipe!

    Reply
  3. sharon says

    January 12, 2010 at 12:32 am

    I can never have too many chocolate chip cookie recipes so will definitely be trying this soon. I’m a sweet ‘n salty fan so this sounds quite perfect!

    Reply
  4. Sarah Caron says

    January 12, 2010 at 1:24 am

    Love artichoke bread! Can’t wait to hear about the new recipe you have for it … And those cookies. Mmm. Sound delish with the potato chips

    Reply
  5. Joanne says

    January 12, 2010 at 7:15 am

    These sound delicious! I am continually intrigued by the use of savory items in chocolate chip cookies..bacon for instance. And obviously now potato chips. Delicious.

    Kudos for sticking to the menu plan. That can be hard to do, even in the best of situations – let alone when your daughter is sick!

    Reply
  6. Natasha - 5 Star Foodie says

    January 12, 2010 at 9:55 am

    What a unique recipe for chocolate chip cookies – the addition of potato chips is very intriguing, gotta try it!

    Reply
  7. Kris #40 says

    January 12, 2010 at 11:24 am

    mmmmm! I’m coming for cocktails and cookies

    Reply
  8. debbie says

    January 12, 2010 at 12:58 pm

    Yum, I LOVE potato chips in cookies! At a cafe where I used to work the baker did a sort of pecan sandie-potato chip mashup and they were insanely good. Must try these.

    Reply
  9. Kate @ Savour Fare says

    January 12, 2010 at 8:44 pm

    I’m skeptical, but willing to try it! Do you think it adds a lot that just some extra salt wouldn’t add?

    Reply
  10. Josie says

    January 12, 2010 at 10:23 pm

    Oh man. I’m gonna have to buy potato chips now.

    Reply
  11. Cate says

    January 13, 2010 at 9:05 am

    Kris – any time!

    Joanne – bacon in cookies? Haven’t seen that one yet, but now I’m intrigued!

    Kate – Having the chips (as opposed to salt) definitely gives the cookies something texturally different, in addition to a little extra oomph.

    Debbie – did you manage to make out with the recipe? My mom loves Pecan Sandies.

    Reply
  12. Ramona says

    January 13, 2010 at 5:09 pm

    Hubby loves chocolate chip cookies. I have to say it again, they are not my favorite.

    Reply
  13. Miriam says

    July 7, 2010 at 1:10 am

    I remember reading an Amelia Bedelia book when I was little in which she made some chocolate “chip” cookies, which had potato chips in them. (If you aren’t familiar with the books, they are about this girl who takes everything to mean something other than what it really does and is very prone to mistakes). I always imagined her chocolate chip cookies to be just like this! I never thought to find an actual recipe for them!

    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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