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

Chocolate Chip Dream Bars

February 9, 2010 · Narrative

Chocolate Chip Dream Bars


Sometimes chocolate makes everything better.  Or at least that’s what we’re sometimes led to believe.  And why not?  It can certainly make us feel good for a moment and take our mind off whatever is weighing heavy.  I promised a friend I’d keep her in chocolate on Monday, and had every intention of making a batch of cookies, using a new recipe I had found.  A typo in the recipe led to that batch being thrown away, and me scrambling at the last minute.  I had to follow through on my promise.  Chocolate.

I grabbed a cookbook off my shelf and started thumbing through it, looking for a delicious recipe.  With chocolate.  And ingredients I had on hand.  And something easy since I was a bit behind schedule.  I spied the picture for Chocolate Chip Dream Bars and was hoping it would do the trick.

Now even if you don’t cool the bars in the pan for an hour before refrigerating, these are good.  Even if you refrigerate them for way longer than the suggested hour, these are really good.  Let’s just say that it’s a good thing some of the directions are a bit forgiving, because I was in a rush and didn’t have time to follow it to the letter.  Once the dish came out of the oven, I quickly did the glaze, drizzled it on and popped the whole thing in the fridge for a few hours, hoping I wasn’t ruining it in the process.

A few minutes before I left the house, I took the bars out, cut them neatly and plated them up.  I stole one and ate it on the ride over.  You know, quality control and all that.  OMG.  Rich.  Chocolatey.  Slightly gooey and soft.  My first thought was that it’s a good thing I was taking 90% of these out of the house, because faint sweet tooth or not, I don’t think I would be able to withstand the temptation.  My second thought was that if a bite of these babies doesn’t momentarily transport you to your happy place, I don’t know what will.  I snuck one off the plate and shared it with another friend in the car pool lane.  The kids after school got some.  My mom got a few.   A neighbor too.  There are exactly six left on the plate in the kitchen.  I told the babysitter she better come and get her share.  Before they’re gone.  Go on and make them.  Please.  And find your happy place.

Project 365
February 9, 2010, Photo #39

Kitchen Windows

My apologies in advance to anyone who has these curtains.   I really don’t like them.  They’re just not me. And they are on four windows in the kitchen.  I bought them four years ago when we first put this house up for sale.  I had something a little darker in the kitchen, and went with a more neutral curtain to stage the house a bit.  They’ve been there ever since.  They need to go.  The kitchen is my next painting project and will soon be a pale ice blue, the same blue I did the living room ceiling in.  All the cabinets are white.  The countertop is beige, as is the floor.  I feel like I’ve looked everywhere to find the perfect kitchen curtains and I’m still coming up empty.  I want something light.  Bright.  Fun.  Everything I see is either too dark, too floral, too frou-frou or too predictable.  Open to suggestions – have you got one?  Please say yes.

Chocolate Chip Dream Bars
Recipe courtesy of Betty Crocker’s Baking for Today

Bars

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 bag (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Chocolate Glaze

  • 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  1. Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup brown sugar and the butter. Stir in 1 cup flour. Press in ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches. Bake 10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, mix eggs, 1 cup brown sugar and the vanilla. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour, the baking powder and salt. Stir in semisweet and milk chocolate chips. Spread over crust.
  3. Bake bars 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
  4. In 1-quart saucepan, heat all Chocolate Glaze ingredients over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted. Drizzle glaze over cooled bars. Refrigerate at least 1 hour until firm. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows. Store at room temperature.

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: Baking for Today, Betty Crocker, chocolate, Chocolate Chip Dream Bars

Comments

  1. Joanne says

    February 10, 2010 at 7:13 am

    Chocolate definitely transports me to a happy place. Especially chocolate with a brown sugar crust.

    Reply
  2. grace says

    February 10, 2010 at 8:34 am

    chocolate bars with a chocolate glaze? yeah, those’d take me to a happy place posthaste.
    and i won’t even try to make an interior decorating suggestion to you–i’m completely inept at it. :)

    Reply
  3. Ramona says

    February 10, 2010 at 10:56 am

    Definately a chocoholics dream come true. Glad they turned out so good fudging (yes, pun intended) on the directions……

    Reply
  4. Debbie says

    February 10, 2010 at 12:30 pm

    I LOVE the recipe and think I will make that since we are all snowbound. Not a good thing because I will eat more than I want to but they look soooo good! I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the curtains!!!! They are cute and since my blog is Mocha Me…how could I possibly not like them! They may not be you but they scream me!!!! lol…..

    Reply
  5. Cate says

    February 10, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    Debbie – they’re all yours if you want them! Maybe it’s because I don’t drink coffee. ;)

    Ramona – love the fun pun!

    Grace – I’m all for quick trips to our happy place. :)

    Joanne – and the crust is a little bit shortbready to boot, which means they cut neatly, something I’m a little fanatical about.

    Reply
  6. Amy says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    Oh, I so could use a trip to my happy place! I’ve had my mail forwarded there, but can’t seem to find a regular time to visit! :-) The bars look scrumptious!

    Reply
  7. Dan Johnson says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    I can never have enough chocolate! Dark chocolate is my favorite though, and it’s healthy too! :)

    Reply
  8. 5 Star Foodie says

    February 10, 2010 at 3:11 pm

    The bars look fantastic, I love the chocolate glaze!

    Reply
  9. Aimee says

    February 10, 2010 at 6:19 pm

    Just looking at the photo of the bars made me HAPPY!

    Reply
  10. Jen says

    February 10, 2010 at 6:32 pm

    If I had the ingredients in the house, I would make these right now! I would love to find a happy place – preferably where there is no snow :)

    Reply
  11. Bridgett says

    February 10, 2010 at 8:26 pm

    Oh wow, a pale ice blue sounds so peaceful for a kitchen. I love to paint but some some reason the kitchen always puts me off! These dream bars look wonderful and I could definitely use one today since chocolate can cure just about anything. Wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s Day.

    Reply
  12. susan says

    February 10, 2010 at 8:56 pm

    those bars look divine! i love chocolate, makes me really want to go bake something :) thank you for visiting! susan

    Reply
  13. Rebekah Williams says

    February 10, 2010 at 9:41 pm

    Mmm, chocolate dream bars.

    If I’m dreaming, please don’t wake me!

    Reply
  14. Betsy says

    February 10, 2010 at 10:21 pm

    These look great. And, I measured yesterday that I have one measly cup of flour on hand. So bingo.

    Do you think it would be ok to just use semisweet choc on hand.

    I’m guessing they use both for a bit of contrast? To me they taste pretty similar. I have semi sweet chips on hand but no milk.

    Thanks!!

    Reply
  15. Cate says

    February 10, 2010 at 11:14 pm

    Betsy – I’m sure it would be fine. I think I actually used all milk chocolate. Honestly, I tend to gloss over that stuff and use what I have on hand. ;)

    Reply
  16. Merry120 says

    February 11, 2010 at 12:06 am

    Those look awesome! I need to wear a bathing suit in 2 weeks and these will NOT help. Oh well….at least they’ll be yummy!

    Reply
  17. mandy says

    February 11, 2010 at 12:24 am

    Chocolate always helps me find my happy place. Thanks for the warning about how addictive they are though. I know not to make them in the next few days while I’m basically snowed in. I am heading out of town to visit some college friends in a few weeks, these will be the perfect thing to bring along!

    Reply
  18. My Delicious Blog says

    February 14, 2010 at 8:13 am

    Love chocolate and love this recipe!

    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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