Archives for 2011

On Baking and Boys (Recipe: Tuscan Lemon Muffins)

May 4, 2011 · Narrative

I can sometimes be a brat, especially when it comes to guys. And, for some reason, that’s when you can’t get rid of them. I don’t do it purposely, but as nicely as possible, I just can’t be bothered. When The Ex-Husband and I first met, I barely gave him the time of day. I was fresh out of a terribly bad relationship and was thoroughly enjoying being single. My best friend was single at the same time as well, and we were great co-conspirators, relishing in typical single-girl adventures in our early 20s. Because of that enjoyment, I didn’t chase my ex. There was no sitting by the phone. There was no wishin’ and hopin’ and wonderin’. And I ended up married. There is a new guy that I’ve been randomly talking to for a really short period of time. I think I’ve done my best to express very little interest and darn it if he hasn’t become the girl, always there whenever I turn around. I feel like I’m not being fair, and I’m likely not, but damn, a girl’s got to breathe. It makes me feel like a brat when I internally get exasperated. Apparently, though, that is quite the potent pheromone. Ladies, act as disinterested as you can, I’m telling you, you’ll be golden.

I am also a total brat when it comes to baking. Somehow, I’m lucky enough that it all comes out completely edible and even delicious some 90% of the time. Dumb luck, methinks. I don’t measure flour by weight. I don’t level off properly when measuring. I don’t use different measuring cups for liquids versus solids. I don’t soften butter the “correct” way. Total and stinkin’ brat. But yet, it all seems to work out a-ok. Life, whether it be boys or baking, shakes out the way it should be.

And such is the case with these Tuscan Lemon Muffins. When I hear the word Tuscan, it reminds me of two things. The first is Diane Lane in Under the Tuscan Sun (great chick flick if you need something to add to your running Netflix queue). And the second is a new show on the Cooking Channel called Extra Virgin. It features Debi Mazar (the Brooklynite actress bestie of Madonna from way back when) and her real-life Italian husband, Gabriele. Filmed in their own kitchen, featuring their own Tuscan recipes, it’s good tv.

And these are good muffins. The recipe comes from the May issue of Cooking Light magazine and given my brattiness when it came to the ingredient list, I’m pretty darn lucky that they were edible. Using what I had on hand, I used full-fat ricotta instead of part-skim, extra lemon juice instead of lemon rind and I certainly didn’t measure the flour by ounces or do any sort of leveling. I also didn’t have turbinado sugar in my pantry, but did happen to have a few packages I swiped borrowed from Panera, and three of them were just about perfect. You know, because I didn’t measure that out either. The muffins? They’re moist. Slightly creamy. A teensy hint of lemon. And the perfect treat for day four of Teacher Appreciation Week.

Hungry for more reviews? Just noticed these Tuscan Lemon Muffins have been making the rounds. You can check out more pictures and reviews at:

Project 365
May 4, 2011, Photo #122
I could eat caramelized mushrooms every day. They make everything better.
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Finding Her Filter

May 3, 2011 · Narrative

What? You mean wearing a soccer cone on your head is not the latest fashion? Someone might need to break it to Madeline because she spent a good portion of Nick’s soccer practice tonight walking the grass runway. Girl needs an agent.

Madeline, what did you say to that little girl?

“I said she wasn’t pretty.”

Nick was shocked. I wasn’t. I’ve been dealing with Princess Bossy Pants’ lack of filter for a few months now. Asked me, within earshot, if a cashier at the grocery store was a boy or a girl. While I needed to think of the answer myself, I would have rather done it without his/her eyes on me. Followed that up by shouting out to a customer on the bench, “Be quiet, old man!” The list is long, I’m afraid, and we’re a work in progress.

Maddie, you can’t just say everything that’s in your mind. Sometimes you just have to think it, close your mouth and keep it to yourself.

“But Nick, she wasn’t pretty!”

Oh Maddie.

Oh Maddie, indeed. Luckily, although Madeline’s new friend Grace definitely heard what she said, I don’t think she understood it. This time, I think Madeline was jealous. Grace, age 4, had befriended me. Her Dad later told me I made the mistake of making eye contact with her. We talked about planting strawberries, her older brother and sister, her dance class, potty words, her preschool, the planes in the sky, where her school was, what she liked to do on the playground and that Madeline should be listening to her Mommy more. Can I get an amen? Madeline then told her she talks too much. Pot meet kettle.

In other news, can I tell you how proud I am of my other kid? This is his fifth year of soccer and he is really coming in to his own. Getting in the middle of the pack. Not being shy with the ball. Looking forward to it coming his way. Passing it. Kicking. Running. So proud. It almost makes up for my filterless child. Almost.

Project 365
May 3, 2011, Photo #122
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. For today, I sent in a batch of Banana Chocolate Chip Espresso Muffins. For tomorrow, I made this Roasted Asparagus, Mushroom and Shallot Tart. So amazingly good. Recipe coming.

Eat. Live. Be. #17: Bad Habits are Hard to Break

May 2, 2011 · Eat. Live. Be.

I have a long list of bad habits I’m sure those that know me will be all to happy to share. I like to think of them as personality traits, or quirks. A bad habit just sounds so negative. Who needs more negativity, right? Someone who I just met recently called me “nice” and “exciting.” I told him to give it time, he didn’t know me and my habits well enough. Can you guess what today’s Eat. Live. Be. topic is? Bad habits that we need to break. Fairly certain whoever came up with this topic meant it pertaining to health and fitness, so my bad habit of rolling my eyes won’t be much help. I had to dig a bit, dig deep, to find a bad habit that might work for this week’s topics because although I might have a few, they’re totally not on topic.

And then I thought of one that might work. Ruts. I get in them all the time, mostly because I hate change. So says the girl who has moved five times in the last 13 years and threw in a divorce to boot. But, that being said, ruts are evil when it comes to health and fitness especially. You need to continually change things up and keep everything fresh in order to have your body respond to what you’re doing. Especially if you’re trying to lose weight. As much as I love Zumba, I have learned that my body will not respond to Zumba alone. The five classes a week I take quickly become “routine” and “maintenance” and no longer exercise. While that sucks, it highlights how important it is to keep things revolving and evolving. I do some weight training, some pilates, walks and hikes, bike riding, anything and everything. But because I can quickly fall into the rut, I have to force myself to be aware of it and get out of it, which is a constant battle.

I actually quit my membership to the Y recently, for a few different reasons. The end result will certainly force me to think more outside of the box in terms of getting my regular exercise in and bust through that pesky rut bad habit of mine. And with the weather getting nicer every day, it’s the perfect time of year to do it.

Now for other bad habits that my fellow ELBers are trying to break, visit them at the links below:

Sarah from Sarah’s Cucina Bella
Joanne from Eats Well with Others
Chris Arpante – Melecotte
Jenna – Stop, Drop and Blog
Casey – The Starnes Family
Patsy – Family, Friends and Food
Claire – Cooking is Medicine
Jen – NJ Epicurean
Rivki Locker – Healthy Eating for Ordinary People
Jennifer Schulz – Lick-a-Plate
Sarah Rogers – Sarah’s Sweet Creations
Gwen – Simple Healthy Family

Project 365
May 2, 2011, Photo #121
These Japanese erasers are popular with the kids. Although they don’t erase especially well, they are too cute for words. I would really love to steal them all and put them on display in a clear glass jar on a shelf in the kitchen. Madeline got these four at the communion party yesterday. Maybe she won’t notice if they disappear.

Weekend Photos in Review

May 1, 2011 · Photos

The weekend was such a blur. I don’t think we could have packed more into it if we tried, and thank goodness we didn’t. I can’t remember a more enjoyable weekend, though, especially my time with the kids. They totally know how to fill me up when I need it the most. We ended up going on a mini road trip, spur of the moment, after Nick’s soccer practice on Saturday. A picnic at sunset, punctuated by the most random, yet heartfelt, conversation with the kids on the long ride home. I could not possibly love these two kids more. Hope your weekend was equally awesome!

Project 365
April 29, 2011, Photo #118

*photo by Nick, love that he made sure to get both their feet in the shot

Mystery shop at the movie theater, which means a company paid me to go see a movie. Love that. Even better that Kevin James has a new movie coming out. Love him.

Her brother wouldn’t share his ball, you know, because he was PLAYING with his team, so she did the next best thing – went and stole someone else’s.

Project 365
April 30, 2011, Photo #119

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Recipe: Caponata

April 28, 2011 · Narrative

I am a big fan of appetizers.

And finger food.

Which doesn’t always line up well with clean eating.

Luckily I recently became a bit obsessed with making caponata.

So I was able to get a finger food that is pretty close in terms of clean eating.

Another Charlie Sheen moment, but this time, it’s an epic win.

Slightly sweet.

Slightly salty.

And just this side of guilt-free eating.

I mean, look at all those vegetables you’re eating!

Good stuff, people, good stuff.

I didn’t measure how much it made in total, but I can tell you this…

It makes this much:

I gave two containers away and kept one for us here.

Go ahead and make some. And share. With your neighbors. They like that sort of thing. Be a good neighbor! Or share with your kids’ teacher. Just because. She liked that sort of thing. But keep some for yourself too.

I mean, charity begins at home, right?

I might pop in here between now and Sunday night. And surprise you. I might not. I am so behind on posts. Nutella brownies. Jam bars. A kid field trip. Pizza reviews. Oyster crackers review. An upcoming craft night. So much. But not tonight.

Project 365
April 28, 2011, Photo #117
Madeline loves the odd occasion when her big brother can pop into her school, and since today was Take Your Child to Work Day, and he went with me, today was one such occasion. She loves showing him off. I can’t blame her.

We do this a lot in our family, lying on the ground, looking up at the sky. Watching the clouds drift by. Picking out different shapes. Listening for animals. Enjoying the sky as the sun sets and the colors shift to dusk and eventual nightfall. It’s an awesomely free activity. As soon as the weather is warm enough, we’re popping the tent and camping outside one night. Another awesomely free activity. Heaven help us. Alone. Outside. In the dark. With everything else that lives outside. And the kids. I think I can. I think I can. I think… yes, I can.

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Pinterest, Sweetnicks Sponsorship and More

April 27, 2011 · Narrative

Forgive me, folks, but we’re going to go a bit random tonight. Not every posting has to be all neat and orderly, right?

First order of business… have you discovered Pinterest yet? It completely satisfies my inner magazine clipper. I have files and files of clippings I’ve culled from magazines over the years, featuring ideas on everything from centerpieces and party decor, to Valentine’s Day party ideas and BBQ food. Pinterest takes all that and organizes it online. It’s the coolest thing ever, and I daresay, quite addicting. The photos are beyond gorgeous, each one breathtaking in its own way. When you see a photo you like, just pin it to your virtual bulletin board. You can have boards organized by any category that you want, so when you’re looking for a great craft to keep the kids busy this summer, for example, just go to your board with all your pins and find one that’s fits your current need. La la love it. Are you already on Pinterest? Drop me a line or follow me – love getting inspired by what other people are finding.

Second … sponsoring Sweetnicks. Sponsoring is a kinder, gentler way of saying “advertise here!” Over the years, I have added a few well-placed ads on the sidebar, but have kept it limited to a select group of larger corporations or networks. The times, they are a’changing. Like many other blogs and sites out there, I will be carving out a spot on the sidebar to include small ads that are perfect to advertise your own web site, your Etsy or Big Cartel shop and the like. For my readers, I promise it won’t interfere with your enjoyment of my site, but it just may introduce you to a fun new artisan or site that you might not have otherwise discovered. For those crafters, Etsy addicts and alike, this is the perfect, inexpensive way to get the word out about you, your site and/or your store and advertise here. Do drop me a line for more information and a rate sheet. And tell your friends. And thank you.

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Recipe: Griddled Goodness Sandwich

April 26, 2011 · Narrative

There is this little tiny lunch place in downtown Madison (New Jersey) that I used to go to a lot when I lived and worked in the area. It’s called, aptly enough, Lunch. More specifically Central Lunch, because it’s on Central Avenue. It’s in a little railroad car and maybe it seats ten on a good day. Like the famed Cheers Pub in Boston, the kind of place where everyone knows everyone when they walk in. One little booth and the rest are bar stools. The bar stools being the best spot because then you can watch Joe, chief cook and bottle washer, make all the food right in front of you. Love that.

They have the best grilled cheese ever, and I was determined to learn Joe’s secret. He finally told me (and I also started paying closer attention when he made them too). He puts the cheese right on the griddle. Not on the bread to protect it. Right in the line of fire, so to speak. Now, because you’re putting it right on the heat, it’s really on and off very quickly. One second too long and it’s worthless. But I promise you this, it makes the best grilled cheese ever.

Beyond that, Lunch is also known for their Klondike sandwiches. Many varieties are available, but it is a sandwich stuffed with diced, cooked potatoes and cheese. I haven’t had one in a good ten years and now that I’m telling you about it, I want one. Now. Forget the amount of hours (and scale obsessing) it would take me to reconcile it. It matters not. John F. Kennedy, Jr. used to stop in for a Klondike sandwich on his way to Caldwell Airport, and he even carved his initials into one of the bar stools. The Klondike he ordered was named after him (if memory serves me, it includes lettuce and tomatoes). Lunch was the perfect little spot where he could go in quietly and feed his appetite, escaping before people started finding out he was ever there.

Putting the cheese right on the heat is one of the secrets to this Griddled Goodness sandwich I’ve been making. It all started when Sarah posted about her inside out onion roll. What a fun idea, I thought, and instantly bought some the next day. But what to do inside? I started playing around with mushrooms, onions, the gorgonzola right on the heat, and then some honey ham. Put it all together and although it’s the teensiest bit messy, it’s worth every drip.

A little inspiration from Joe at Lunch + a little JFK, Jr. trivia + an inside out onion roll courtesy of Sarah = Griddled Goodness. The same says it all.

PS – A few more of my recipes have gone up at Betty Crocker; be sure to check them out when you get a chance!

Project 365
April 26, 2011, Photo #115
When both kids were out of school today, they immediately mentioned the heat. It had shot up to 83 degrees. New Jersey is funny like that. One day there’s a chill in the air and the heat is on, the next day, Nick is applying ice packs to his neck to cool down, with a dripping popsicle in his hand. Madeline went to school with leggings on, which, by the way, she won’t wear if you call them leggings. They are SOFT PANTS, thankyouverymuch. After a quick stop at Target on the way home, she was begging to wear shorts because “I’m sweating, baby!” I bought her a few pairs and as you can see, she couldn’t wait until we got home (or even, at least, in the car!) to put them on. That’s my kid, half naked in Target.

Celebrating the first really warm day of the season sounded like a good excuse to take a quick run to Dairy Queen. “I think this is the first time you guys have been to Dairy Queen,” I said as we pulled into the very busy parking lot. Nick quickly corrected me. Apparently one of their aunts has, ahem, already beat me to it.

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Eat. Live. Be. #16: What We Can’t Live Without

April 25, 2011 · Eat. Live. Be., Narrative

That picture is for Sarah. It has nothing to do with today’s topic, except for serving as a promise that the breakdown of this Griddled Goodness Sandwich is coming tomorrow. Swear!

This week’s Eat. Live. Be. topic is sharing what we can’t live without. I know my answer isn’t going to be popular. Both in terms of what other people may have chosen or in favorable opinion. But I’m ok with that.

I headed out of town a few weeks ago, and as I packed my bag, a friend gave me strict rules. “Cut loose. No exercising. No hard-and-fast clean eating. And no scale.”

I promised I would do my best. And I did. I did eat pretty cleanly, but I did indulge too. I didn’t exercise in the traditional sense, but I walked. A lot. Miles and miles and miles. Every day. And the scale? Well, I didn’t bring it with me but that was certainly the hardest task he gave me. It was all I could do not to throw down my suitcase when I came home and jump on it.

I can’t live without my scale.

I weigh myself twice a day, once in the morning, once again before bed.

I completely understand how weight fluctuates. Between water weight gain, stress, heavier meals, later meals, more exercise, less exercise, it fluctuates. All over the place.

But I want to be accountable. I want to be hyperaware of the little changes and the big ones. As in…

… now that I see that number, I know I shouldn’t eat dinner quite so late.

… or wow, that extra hour of exercise yesterday really paid off.

… or what the heck did I eat yesterday to see that big a difference in the scale today?

I’m all over it. And for me, it works. I have it in check. I’m obsessed. But not obsessed. And now some 16 months into Cate Version 2.0, I know it’s an obsession in a good way, for me, and it’s worked.

Now for what other ELBers can’t live without, go check ’em out:

Sarah from Sarah’s Cucina Bella
Joanne from Eats Well with Others
Chris Arpante – Melecotte
Jenna – Stop, Drop and Blog
Casey – The Starnes Family
Patsy – Family, Friends and Food
Claire – Cooking is Medicine
Jen – NJ Epicurean
Rivki Locker – Healthy Eating for Ordinary People
Jennifer Schulz – Lick-a-Plate
Sarah Rogers – Sarah’s Sweet Creations
Gwen – Simple Healthy Family

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Weekend Photos in Review and Easter 2011

April 24, 2011 · Photos

What a difference a year makes … the kids on Easter 2010.

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Celebrating Earth Day 2011

April 22, 2011 · Narrative

Nick and Madeline have been celebrating Earth Day all week in their schools, and since today was the “official” day, it seemed only right that we celebrate a little ourselves. We had hoped to have a picnic dinner outside, but although it didn’t rain today, it was too chilly for it, so we did the next best thing. We had it inside instead. Lights off, movie on, coffee table and couch cleared away and blanket spread on the floor.

Tummy-warming soup in bread bowls, juicy apples, pumpkin muffins and quality time with my littles. A sublime way to end the week. Especially if I ignored all the crumbs. And I did my best on that.

See that fun Earth Day t-shirt Nick is wearing? Have a favorite kid that needs one? I have five child size Mediums to give away, courtesy of the folks at The Motherhood, Nickelodeon and the National Wildlife Federation. Just leave a comment here and share how you celebrated Earth Day. Over the weekend, we’ll choose random numbers to determine the winners. Good luck!

Project 365
April 22, 2011, Photo #111

Madeline stopped mid-picnic to call her boyfriend, Justin, which was quickly followed by another phone call to her imaginery friend, Nicky, who she also sometimes calls her “brudder.” Quite the challenge to keep up with her cast of characters.

Recipe: Kitchen Sink Bread

April 21, 2011 · Narrative

Both of my kids are big fans of bread … banana bread, brown bread, baguettes … you name the carb and they likely inhale it. So when my sister-in-law came over for lunch this past weekend, I decided to take a different tactic with the bread and go with zucchini. And dried cherries. And nuts. And oats. And coconut. It’s nearly downright healthy. And before you wrinkle up your nose at the combination, I assure you it just magically works when combined together; the flavors marry well, each one giving you a hint of its presence, but not enough that you’d be able to pick it out readily. Well, maybe the cherries, but that’s certainly not a bad thing.

This bread would be perfect for an upcoming bake sale, or toasted with a little smear of butter for breakfast, or to send over to your neighbor just because.

Project 365
April 21, 2011, Photo #110
I should not have attempted this at 11 pm last night. I was dog tired, beyond spent and just didn’t have the patience and wherewithal to get ‘er done. I left it on the counter when I went to bed, planning to throw it in the garbage in the morning. But then this morning, I saw it in a new light. I guess it did kinda sorta look like a carrot. Madeline and her classmates don’t care that it looks nothing like the picture. That I couldn’t find what I needed to make the green part of the carrots. That it was only a half-hearted attempt to make something fun for them for Easter. The plate was empty when I picked her up. Next time I’ll just start maybe a teensy bit earlier. You know, before I have nothing left to give.

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Craft: Easter Goody Bags

April 20, 2011 · Craft Ideas, Narrative

One of these days, I’m going to be the type of blogger that gives you a craft or food idea *ahead* of the holiday. You know, so you have enough time yourself to actually make it, if you’re so inclined. Today just won’t be one of those times. Hey, it’s all I can do to actually get things done in our house before the holiday hits, let alone be ahead of the curve for you guys. I’ve only been blogging for six years now; eventually I’ll get the hang of it. In the meantime, I can still share, and you can bookmark, and you’ll be all set for the NEXT time the holiday rolls around. You can start a holiday file in your filing cabinet, like I have.

I am busy as a bee making these little carrot goody bags for the kids to take to their respective classes tomorrow. Only 28 more to go. I am filling ours with whole grain goldfish, but I have seen them filled with Cheetos. Madeline would have certainly loved that, but that’s not how I roll. Orange jelly beans or M&Ms would be fun too though!

The only supplies you need.

The secret to the carrot shape? Use cake decorating bags! Genius, right? At first, I bought clear treat bags and was going to tape the sides in to make the cylindrical shape, but then inspiration struck and saved me boat loads of time. Since I still have an article due to Betty Crocker tonight, saving boat loads of time is pretty awesome. The only drawback to the decorating bags is that Wilton stamped their logo on each bag. I just cut the bags from the logo up and solved that problem.

A little tag slipped inside and green curling ribbon tying the top, and you’ll be the coolest mom in the class, guaranteed.

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