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

Cuban Black Beans

June 7, 2010 · Narrative

Ding Dong Dinner

Tonight was one of those nights where I totally appreciate the neighborhood that I live in, and exactly why I haven’t been able to bring myself to leave for 8 years (which is the longest I’ve lived anywhere!).  When we got home from the gym, The Neighbor Husband came down bearing a gift.  Grilled Bratwurst with sauteed green peppers and melted cheese in a roll.  Enough for all of us, even Jamie.  Is that not the best ever?  And it was absolutely perfect since my slow cooker had been humming away all day, making Cuban Black Beans and Rice, so I could return the favor and send him back with a side dish (including some Cheesy Rice Fritters I made last night) and dessert.  Teamwork at its best.  And the taste?  So good.

As soon as we came home tonight, the house smelled amazing.  And it should.  The black beans had been in the slow cooker since about noon, and it was all we could do to wait for our portions to cool off before inhaling.  Years ago, we used to do potluck lunches at my office.  I totally miss them.  Everyone would bring something different in, and it was a great way to get new recipes and try out things we might never have tried before.

One of our engineers and I used to exchange recipes all the time (he doesn’t come in nearly as often anymore, and I work largely from home now), and this recipe for Cuban Black Beans was one of the things that he brought to a potluck.  As soon as I had the first bite, I asked for the recipe, knowing that The Ex would like it just as much.  It’s hard, though, to compete with the memory of recipes from The Ex’s mom and grandmother, so the first time I made it for him, I likely held my breath.   He gave it the highest praise, saying it tasted just like his grandmothers’.

Cuban Black Beans

Both Nick and Madeline are crazy for black beans, but I don’t make them too often, figuring I won’t intrude on The Ex’s “food territory.”  He has his specialties, I have mine.  But I happen to like black beans too, and have had a hankering for them lately.  I remembered this recipe from the office potluck and went digging through my files over the weekend to find it.

It takes just a few minutes to throw everything into the crock pot, and given the heat and humidity of summertime is nearly upon us, it’s the perfect time to dust off your appliance and get busy.  I waited for Nick to take the first bite and asked him how he liked it.

“Is it as good as Daddy’s?”

“No.  It’s better.”

“I think we should call Daddy and tell him that.”

Nick, playing the neutrality of Switzerland, wouldn’t go for it.  Such a good son.  But don’t think I’m not going to tell him myself.  I’m pretty proud of that.  I will say, however, on the outset, that some of the ingredients are decidedly not traditional to a serving of Cuban Black Beans.  I totally get that, but the end result is in the taste, and the odd ingredient here or there somehow magically comes together to make a forkful taste just like it’s supposed to.

You can serve these alongside some yummy bratwurst sandwiches if you’re lucky enough to have good neighbors like us.  It’s also pretty delish over a small pile of white rice.  I read a suggestion somewhere about putting an egg over the top of the beans.  The Ex, I’m sure, wouldn’t approve, but any excuse for a messy egg and I’m there.

Project 365
June 7, 2010, Photo #106

Breakfast

Breakfast.  Egg white omelet.  Total deliciousness.  The melted cheese sure doesn’t hurt.  Melted cheese is like bacon.  And messy eggs.  And perhaps chocolate.  It makes everything instantly better.

Jack’s Cuban Black Beans

1 pound dried black beans (2 cups), sorted and rinsed
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
2 large stalks of celery, chopped
1 large bell pepper, chopped (1-1/2 cups)
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 bay leaves
1 can (14-1/2 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups water
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
4 teaspoons ground cumin
1 4 oz can chopped chiles
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 lb fat back (I used 1/3 lb)
1 beef bouillion cube
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon oregano

Skin fat back.  Cut off excessive fat and cut into cubes.  Fry pepper, onion, celery and fat back until well softened in oil (I sometimes skip this step).  Mix everything together in crock pot and cook six hours on high.  Add water as needed if it begins to dry out a bit towards the end.

Serve over rice.

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: Cuban Black Beans

Comments

  1. Karen says

    June 8, 2010 at 1:06 am

    My mom used to make us black beans and rice from a recipe she got from a Dominican friend. I am going to have do some searching for that recipe. It didn’t seem exactly like this Cuban version, but yours look heavenly too!

    Reply
  2. Joanne says

    June 8, 2010 at 6:16 am

    I love Nick’s neutrality. Such a good kid!

    I’m a black bean fan as well and I don’t know that I’ve had real good Cuban black beans. Ever. These are going on the to-try list.

    Reply
  3. Ramona says

    June 8, 2010 at 9:08 am

    LOL…you know the newlywed joke, if the new hubby won’t eat it – put cheese on it.

    The beans look good. I need to dust off the crockpot. By the time we get in from the barn I can promise you I don’t want to cook over a stove.

    Reply
  4. Mellisa W. says

    June 8, 2010 at 11:39 am

    This with some rice and sour cream will totally be in my meal plan for next week! Thanks!

    Reply
  5. Stephanie says

    June 8, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    Those beans look fabulous! Do you have any suggestions on a substitute for fatback? I have everything else on hand but that.

    Reply
  6. Cate says

    June 8, 2010 at 3:54 pm

    Stephanie – honestly I think it would be absolutely fine without it. Ham hock would also work well though.

    Mellisa – Hadn’t thought of sour cream on it – yum!

    Ramona – cheese really does make everything better. :)

    Joanne – filling, healthy, sign me up!

    Karen – would love to see that 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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