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!
I haven’t had a snow pic on my feed all winter b I haven’t had a snow pic on my feed all winter because, well, it’s been a weird one. Despite living in the Northeast, our Winter has had hardly any snow. Not to worry though, we’re going to be having snow in the Spring at this point. 😂 End of the week has a high of 50 degrees, today we lived in a snow globe with awful wind. I don’t even care what freaking season it is, just PICK ONE. And for the love of all things holy, I desperately need sunshine.
Grey days, perpetual rain, delayed opening tomorro Grey days, perpetual rain, delayed opening tomorrow … all the perfect setting for a cozy night at home and #candleoclock.
Weekend Photos in Review, old school. ✨ Weekend Photos in Review, old school. ✨
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Recipe: Make-It-Your-Own Couscous

February 27, 2013 · Narrative

Untitled
When I was at the hair dresser this weekend, we got to talking about eating habits and diets. She wanted to lose weight (although I don’t think she needs to), and I mentioned clean eating to her. It’s a good go-to because it doesn’t require any counting calories or reading labels or keeping track of anything. You just eat food. Not products. Good food that is good for you.

She said that it must be hard, with the kids, to make separate meals for everyone, and that’s when I stopped her. Because I am not a short order cook. There is none of this “separate meals for everyone” business. For the most part, other than a few individual things that someone likes or doesn’t like, we all eat the same thing. Because whether I’m clean eating or not, I’m all about introducing the kids to as many new foods and flavors as possible.

Our kitchen counters always have fresh fruit, and the cabinets, refrigerator, and freezer are filled with the good stuff. But there is the infrequent “trashy” item here and there too. Sure there are Oreos. But it’s the exception, rather than the rule. 80/20, if you will. On the weekends when the kids are with The Ex, one of my phone conversations with Nick and Madeline will routinely revolve around what they want to put on the grocery store list.

This weekend? Nick asked for his favorite yogurt (the vanilla one from Light and Fit) and frozen strawberries (because he makes smoothies for us). Madeline asked for fresh strawberries and blueberries, and chocolate chips (for pancakes).

They came home on Sunday night and complained that there was nothing healthy to eat at The Ex’s house. That when they were there, they went to the store to buy snacks, but it was all junk.

And they didn’t like that.

And man, how that made my heart soar.

They know the difference. And continue to make the right choices on their own. I suggested that perhaps they could put some granola bars, nuts, bananas, and applesauce packets in their backpacks so they had something better for them if they needed it, and we agreed that could work. Along with a conversation with The Ex about maybe laying off the junk a little bit. And how he was trying to make them happy and buying them the fun stuff, and then, well, you know how those conversations sometimes go.

I don’t think making healthy food choices is necessarily something that should be taught to kids. I think it’s more in the seeing and doing. Seeing me make the right choices. Seeing the right food available in our kitchen. Putting good food in front of them time and time again. It was years before Nick tried an artichoke, and these days, they’re a favorite for both of the kids. I ate them. He watched. They were available. And eventually he tried it with an open mind. They were both that way about broccoli. Going from the you-must-try-a-bite to they oftentimes request it on their own.

Keep making the good stuff available. Keep changing how you cook and serve something. Keep reintroducing foods that they might not have liked before. And eventually, kids will make the good decisions on their own. It’s what they know.

On Monday, Madeline and I were out for a quick bite while Nick was at a Boy Scout meeting. I opted for a vegetable wrap, but wanted something healthier than the french fries that came with it. As the waitress rattled off the choices (black beans, refried beans, rice, mixed vegetables), Madeline immediately piped up “We’ll take the vegetables!” The waitress laughed and then looked at me for my approval. You know, since it was my entree that Madeline was deciding for.

And, of course, she made the right choice because she knew what it was.

Couscous is a great go-to when I’m packing my lunches (the kids have yet to warm to couscous). I like it because it’s healthy, and it’s e-a-s-y. Once it’s cooked, you can mix in whatever you want. Make a Greek version with kalamata olives, feta cheese, chopped cucumbers, and oregano. A Mediterranean version with sun-dried tomatoes, green olives, and roasted red peppers. Make a version with whatever you need to use up. The possibilities are endless.

Make-It-Your-Own Couscous
Guidelines courtesy of Cate O’Malley

1 package of Near East couscous, prepared using package directions (I used the Roasted Garlic one for a little extra flavor)
feta cheese, crumbled
can of chick peas, drained
lemon juice
Mrs. Dash salt-free lemon-pepper seasoning

Mix and serve!

*Although not in the picture, I later added Kalamata olives to this one after discovering them in the refrigerator. Which is an awesome way to add a little bit of salty taste to your couscous, without adding extra salt.

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: Clean Eating, Eat., Eat. Live. Be.

Comments

  1. Jeri says

    February 27, 2013 at 10:00 pm

    Love couscous salads. My go to lunch for a work week. It’s simple and quick. Great way to use up leftovers in a new way. I found a no-cook way to make them by soaking the couscous in olive oil and lemon juice for about two hours before eating. It softens them as the grains absorb the liquid. Bright and very lemon-y. I add capers and chicken to make a ‘piccata’ version without all the butter.

    Reply
  2. Joanne says

    February 28, 2013 at 7:25 am

    I read a blog post yesterday about how instead of trying to change the world’s obsession with junk food and using it as a food reward, we should just try to teach our kids to say no to it…and you’ve done it! Proof that it’s the best way to go.

    I really don’t eat enough couscous…it’s so easy, I really should keep it on hand!
    Joanne recently posted..Recipe: Spice-Roasted Squash with Walnut-Green Harissa {GIVEAWAY} {eat.live.be}

    Reply
  3. patsy says

    February 28, 2013 at 6:24 pm

    I haven’t made couscous in such a long time! Now, I’m going to make sure it’s on my list this week so I can have some great go-to lunches for next week.
    patsy recently posted..Cookies & Cream Birthday Cake (and a Halo Fondant topper)

    Reply

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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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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!
I haven’t had a snow pic on my feed all winter b I haven’t had a snow pic on my feed all winter because, well, it’s been a weird one. Despite living in the Northeast, our Winter has had hardly any snow. Not to worry though, we’re going to be having snow in the Spring at this point. 😂 End of the week has a high of 50 degrees, today we lived in a snow globe with awful wind. I don’t even care what freaking season it is, just PICK ONE. And for the love of all things holy, I desperately need sunshine.
Grey days, perpetual rain, delayed opening tomorro Grey days, perpetual rain, delayed opening tomorrow … all the perfect setting for a cozy night at home and #candleoclock.
Weekend Photos in Review, old school. ✨ Weekend Photos in Review, old school. ✨

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