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.
Lunch date with one of my favorite people. 😍 We Lunch date with one of my favorite people. 😍 We popped into Cafe Crevier downtown and I finally got to try one of their burgers. It was thick and juicy and cooked to perfection. Love that the lettuce was shredded, and that the bun was toasted and slightly crispy. If you’re local, pop in and give them a try - don’t miss the fries!
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Bobby Flay Burger Cook-Off with Burgers, Fries and Shakes

August 23, 2010 · Narrative

Napa Valley Burger


The week after we visited Bobby Flay’s Burger Palace, we couldn’t get the burgers out of our mind.  I happened to have his burger cookbook in my collection, and a plan quickly formulated to have a Bobby Flay Burger Cook-Off.  Anything to have his Napa Valley burger again.

After leafing through the recipes in the cookbook, seriously each burger recipe looks better than the next.  Oh those toppings!  And then the onion straws.  And the milkshakes.  It was all we could do to cut the menu off where we did.  Beth’s commitment to our plan included buying a Cool Daddy to make the onion straws – such dedication to our cause!

We ended up going with the Napa Valley Burgers, the Cheyenne Burgers, Onion Straws, and Strawberry Milk Shakes, all from the cookbook.  Rounding out the meal were hot dogs for the kids, sweet potato fries, chips and guacamole and homemade coleslaw.  Oh yes, and, of course, grown-up drinks.

1.  The Burgers.  Even with toppings galore, the recipes are basic, easy to follow and deliver.  The Napa Valley burgers tasted as good as they did in the restaurant, and I love the warm goat cheese that sits on top of the ground beef.  The Cheyenne Burgers are topped with Cheddar, homemade Barbecue Sauce and the Onion Straws.  My mouth is seriously watering just thinking about the Onion Straws again.

Cheyenne Burger Getting Dressed

Love Madeline’s expression in this one. I have no idea what she was looking at that was so darn awe-inspiring.

2.  Those Onion Straws.  Using only one onion, the recipe made a crazy amount.  And that’s a good thing, because they are addictingly good.  Whether topping the burger or eaten by themselves, you can’t go wrong.  I bet they’d be fab dunked in a little Ranch sauce as well.  It makes me want a fryer too, but I’m going to be brave.  And just hope Beth puts hers to work again.

Recipe Worth Making

Onion Straw Station

Onion Straws

3.  The Milk Shakes.  Bobby’s recipes for the shakes use a fruit base that you make by simmering fruit for a bit.  I’m not a big milk shake girl to begin with, but I could definitely change my tune after tasting the Strawberry one.  It tasted like warm strawberry jam through and through, delivering a clear flavor that just couldn’t be beat.

Dogs for the Littles

If you like Bobby Flay, or burgers, pick up the cookbook.  There are serious taste-bud delights from cover to cover.

Project 365
August 23, 2010, Photos #149, #150, #151 and #152

Exhibit A

When I caught a glimpse of the inside of Beth and Roger’s kitchen cabinets, I had to take a picture. These might be the best organized cabinets I’ve ever seen.

Exhibit B

Exhibit C

Exhibit D


Napa Valley Burgers
Recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay’s Burgers, Fries and Shakes

Meyer Lemon-Honey Mustard
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 heaping tablespoon Clover honey
1-1/2 teaspoons grated Meyer lemon zest, or 1 teaspoon grated orange zest and 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1-1/2 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice, or 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Burgers
1-1/2 lbs ground chuck (80% lean) or ground turkey (90% lean)
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1-1/2 tablespoons canola oil
8 round slices fresh goat cheese, each 1/2 inch thick
4 sesame see hamburger buns, split, toasted
1 handful of watercress

To make the Meyer lemon-honey mustard, whisk together the mustard, honey, lemon zest, and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 6 oz each).  Form each portion loosely into a 3/4 inch thick burger and make a deep impression in the center with your thumb.  Season both sides of each burger with salt and pepper.

Cook the burgers, using the canola oil, and topping each one with 2 slices of goat cheese and a basting cover during the last minute of cooking.

Place the burgers on the bun bottoms, drizzle with some of the Meyer lemon-honey mustard, and top with watercress.  Cover with the bun tops and serve immediately.

Serves 4.

Strawberry Milkshake

1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup fruit base made with strawberries (see below)
10 oz premium strawberry or vanilla ice cream
whipped cream
fresh strawberries

Combine the milk and strawberry base in a blender and blend for 5 seconds.  Add the ice cream and blend for 5 seconds.  Add the ice cream and blend until smooth, about 10 seconds.  Serve immediately, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream and with strawberries.

Makes 1 16-oz milkshake or two 8-oz milkshakes

Fruit Base
1 lb fresh strawberries
4-6 tablespoons sugar (depending on the sweetness of the berries)
3 tablespoons strawberry jam
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Put the berries in a bowl (hull strawberries), add 3 tablespoons sugar, and gently stir to combine.  Let the berries sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or until they start to soften and release their juices.

Transfer the mixture to a medium nonreactive saucepan, add the jam, and cook over medium-high heat until slightly softened.  Coarsely mash the berries using a potato masher or the back of a fork and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 20 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.  Taste the mixture and add the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, if needed, stirring to dissolve.  Transfer to a bowl and let cool.  Cover and refrigerate until cold and thickened, at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.  The fruit base can be frozen for up to six months.  Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before using.

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: Bobby Flay, Bobby's Burger Palace, Napa Valley Burger, Onion Straws, Strawberry Milkshake

Comments

  1. Merry120 says

    August 24, 2010 at 12:01 am

    Oh my goodness! This looks like a fabulous meal! I love, love, love onion rings so I’m going to have to try the onion straws!

    Reply
  2. Joanne says

    August 24, 2010 at 6:21 am

    I made a Bobby burger recently and LOVED it. I really need this cookbook! Don’t know if you know her, but Reeni of the blog Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice is having a blog event this month where that revolves around Bobby’s burgers. You might want to check it out and submit this!

    I wish my cabinets looked like that…

    Reply
  3. MariaV says

    August 24, 2010 at 6:24 am

    Cate: You should write adds for Flay. I added this one to my wish list.

    P.S. Does Beth happen to hire out as a professional organizer?

    Reply
  4. Sarah Caron says

    August 24, 2010 at 7:32 am

    I am drooling. Those onion rings are enough to make a girl swoon.

    Reply
  5. beth says

    August 24, 2010 at 9:09 am

    fyi – the onion straws were still crunchy on MONDAY, a full two days after the original fry.
    and when i made the fruit base, i used 2T sugar, not 4-6. that seemed like a ridiculous amount of sugar considering the recipe also calls for jam. i think 2T was the right amount.

    Reply
  6. Kris #40 says

    August 24, 2010 at 9:15 am

    That’s really mean posting such yummy looking photos!

    Trying to stay on weight watchers is getting harder whilst reading your blog!

    Reply
  7. mandy says

    August 24, 2010 at 9:52 am

    Everything sounds (and looks) wonderful. Onion straws would be my downfall. Seriously.

    Reply
  8. Ramona says

    August 24, 2010 at 10:05 am

    I always order the onion rings if they are home made! All of it looks great. Beth must not have kids or any hobbies to be that organized……

    Reply
  9. Eliana says

    August 24, 2010 at 11:56 am

    Not that I need another cookbook in my collection but you just convinced me that I must add this burger book to it. That burger looks fantastic! (as do those cabinets…I’m jealous)

    Reply
  10. beth says

    August 24, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    nope, no kids. just a slight case of organizational ocd in my (miniscule) kitchen. we tried housing the insanely large collection of tupperware in 3 other locations … this one works the best for us. i go in there weekly and re-organize because if i don’t the lids are all just shoved into their container and i can’t find anything and it makes me crazy!

    Reply
  11. The Food Hunter says

    August 27, 2010 at 4:46 pm

    I want a bite of that burger right now.

    Reply
  12. Laura says

    August 31, 2010 at 5:42 pm

    I am that organized and I do have kids!

    Reply

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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

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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.
Lunch date with one of my favorite people. 😍 We Lunch date with one of my favorite people. 😍 We popped into Cafe Crevier downtown and I finally got to try one of their burgers. It was thick and juicy and cooked to perfection. Love that the lettuce was shredded, and that the bun was toasted and slightly crispy. If you’re local, pop in and give them a try - don’t miss the fries!

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