‘Kid-friendly’ Articles at Sweetnicks, Page 3

Visit: Valley Shepherd Creamery {Things to Do in New Jersey}

June 10, 2014 · Narrative

Looking for a fun afternoon with the kids in New Jersey? We’ve got just the thing … cuddly animals, a farm tour, and delicious cheese. Pretty much perfect.

This past weekend brought us the most gorgeous weather we’ve seen in a long time. Beautiful blue skies, fluffy white clouds, hot but not too hot. You know, weather that summers are made of. Even though it’s not officially summer yet. And weather that was too gorgeous to not spend the entire day outside.

Which we did.

From 11 am until 11 pm.

Perfection.

Our afternoon brought us to the Valley Shepherd Creamery. Although I’ve heard of the creamery before, and it’s been on our “things to do” list for well over a year, it kept getting passed by.

Until this weekend.

Situated on 120 acres of preserved farmland, it has over 750 animals living on the premises, and is super simple to find. They do “lambing tours” twice a day, which was the main reason for our visit.

I mean, really. A chance to hang out with animals? No arm twisting needed.

The tour started with our guide, Amanda, explaining how the farm was started, what they have, and what they produce, and then we watched a short movie that showed how they make cheese, yogurt, and more. The creamery originally started with this location ten years ago. After the husband and wife team traveled all over Europe, learning how to make artisanal sheep milk cheeses, they came back and started the creamery, beginning first by using dynamite to blast out a section of their property so they could have authentic cave aged cheese in their own 52 degree cave. As their model proved successful, they have branched out a bit in different arenas. They can be found selling their items at 23 different farmers’ markets, including the one that we frequent in Summit on Sundays, and they have opened up a retail location in the Parks Slope area of Brooklyn. Capitalizing on their delicious cheese, they also have a popular stall at the Reading Market Terminal, Melt Craft, which features a wide variety of grilled cheese sandwiches, including one that has mac and cheese stuffed in it. Um yum.

Then we got a tour of the facility, including a look at their rotary milking parlor, which is where they milk their sheep, and the only machine of its kind. Later, we were able to see the machine in action as the sheep filed into the room, stepped on the carousel, got strapped in, ate their grain, and were milked while slowly rotating, all within minutes. It was quite something to see, and makes for a very efficient production (all the sheep are milked in two hours!).

Next up, cheese taste testing! So many cheeses, so little time. I was very proud of the kids, who tasted every cheese and only spit out half. ;) Our favorite was the Oldwick Shepherd, so creamy, followed by the Califon, both of which are worth seeking out.

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Recipe: Roasted Broccoli and Olives

December 3, 2013 · Narrative

Ready to take roasted vegetables in an entirely new direction? This mix of subtly salty and slightly crispy roasted broccoli will have you singing its praises in no time flat.

When it comes to roasted vegetables, I pretty much bypass new recipes for them, because, well, it’s not rocket science. Sheet pan, single layer of your favorite vegetable, drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and roast until your level of perfection is achieved.

But for some reason, this recipe for Roasted Broccoli and Olives in the December issue of Better Homes & Gardens caught my eye.

First. A moment of appreciation for the fact that I managed to read a magazine in the month it came out. Because unless it’s People or US, that almost never happens.

But this recipe. I think it was the olives that drew me in. Because I love them, and so does Nick, and since both kids will eat roasted broccoli like nobody’s business, I figured we kind of had to give this one a try.

The recipe is still just as simple as your average roasted vegetable method, but adding the olives? And the garlic oil? It elevates the broccoli to something completely different.

The first time we had it last week, Nick went right back to the kitchen and pretty much emptied the rest of the tray onto his dinner plate. And then was looking for more the next night.

And Madeline? Who is the ~~pickier~~ choosier eater of the two? Last night she told me it tasted like bacon.

While I don’t think it tastes like bacon, she was enamored enough with it that she ate all of hers with lightning speed.

Now if only she’d do that with the rest of her dinner…

Even if you think you don’t need a new recipe for roasted broccoli, try it anyway. If salt and garlic is your thing, you’ll adore these.

Tomorrow? A Bacon Swiss Dip!

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Wordless Wednesday {More DIY Lunchables}

September 26, 2012 · Narrative

Just a quick one tonight, folks.

Super simple lunch for the kiddos tomorrow. Homemade orange Jell-o (way cheaper than the pre-made stuff), clementines, BabyBel cheese (and although you can’t see it in the picture, I etched their initials into the wax), Soppresatta, wheat crackers, and a small piece of chocolate (a surprise I bought over the weekend from the store pictured here).

The details:
These lunchbox containers are called EasyLunchboxes, which I bought a few years ago from Amazon. You can get a set of four for $13, which is a great deal. They are super strong, are very easy to open and close, BPA-free, and perfect for little fingers to manipulate.

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Visit: Maritime Aquarium {Norwalk, Connecticut}

August 13, 2012 · Narrative

I believe that I can confidently say that if there is an aquarium.

Or a safari.

Or a zoo.

Or a wildlife reserve.

Or farm.

Or anything, within a two hour or so driving distance from our home, that involves animals.

That we will be visiting it.

Although I’m not certain that a two hour driving distance is a limit.

Because my kids are crazy about animals.

And sea life? Crazier still.

Yes, Discovery channel’s Shark Week is recording.

And when Madeline, for two years in a row, tells me that she wants to take care of animals when she grows up?

I’d put money on it.

Although the specific direction of her future career vacillates between working at SeaWorld and being a vet.

So when a neighbor told me about an aquarium that was a little over an hour away from us? We were on it like white on rice.

Road trip!

We didn’t tell the kids where we were going.

And they didn’t guess until we were almost there.

Ah those devilish ways parents can torture our kids….

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Visit: Barnegat Lighthouse

July 23, 2012 · Narrative

When the kids and I were down the shore for Spring Break, I took them to some of my old stomping grounds. Light sightseeing gave way to a stop at the Cape May Point Lighthouse (that picture and its accompanying beautiful sun flare is at the bottom of this post here). Madeline was enamored.

Like love at first sight.

I didn’t know about her infatuation with lighthouses before then.

Otherwise I would have timed it so we arrived there while the lighthouse was still open.

Unfortunately, I didn’t.

And it wasn’t.

And she has reminded me I promised her a lighthouse visit. Politely. Nearly every day since.

And this weekend, I made good on it. Albeit a different lighthouse.

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Recipe: Broccoli Parmesan Fritters

June 22, 2012 · Narrative

Or How to Get Your Kids to Eat Broccoli Without Hiding It.

Last week, when a friend and her son joined us for dinner (and Mystic’s daughter as well), I was on a serious vegetable kick. Truth be told, I’m always on a vegetable kick, but when there is company over, I tend to make more, because I know I’ll have more people to share it with. When it’s just me and the kids, I tend to stick to a handful of vegetables (and fruit and salads) that I know they like. Company coming? All bets are off and I experiment (or pile on the dishes) more.

And it may or may not have had something to do with the fact that the entree wasn’t super, super healthy. It wasn’t terrible, but apparently I had some guilt to reconcile with myself.

Or some such.

So when my friend Cathy e-mailed me a link to Smitten Kitchen’s recipe for Broccoli Parmesan Fritters, I quickly added broccoli to my grocery list. It joined the table alongside a Creamy Cauliflower with Greens Soup from Martha Stewart, and a riff on Spaghetti Carbonara from Jamie Oliver. It was an awesome eating kind of night.

And those Broccoli Parmesan Fritters?

Not one speck leftover.

Not one.

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Recipe: Potato Chip Cookies {Better Homes & Gardens}

June 18, 2012 · Narrative

“Oh man, these are the best cookies I’ve ever had.”

‘Tis very high praise indeed. Especially when it comes from someone who is not even related to me. Although he refers to me as Aunt Cate. “Because you’re more than just a friend. Is that ok if I call you Aunt Cate?”

Of course. Commence heart swelling.

He’s one of Nick’s friends, younger than him by just six months, and is one of my favorites, because he is well-behaved, polite, and a good friend to Nick. A combination that is not always easy to come by. He has a voracious appetite, and I can usually find him in my kitchen, asking for a snack or two or six.

Last year, his mom asked him, “Who’s the best mom you know?” “Nick’s mom!” he answered, taking her by surprise, because she, no doubt, expected a different answer. I have since been downgraded to the number two spot, in favor for his own mom, but these cookies might have edged her out again.

I remember my own mom making potato chip cookies for my sister and I when we were kids. The concept has been around forever, and there are countless varieties, even new fangled riffs that include pretzels and coffee grounds. I’ve made a different version of them before myself too, and it’s a good go-to cookie because it’s easy to make, totally kid-approved, and you likely have all the ingredients on hand to whip up a quick batch whenever the mood strikes.

This version is from the folks at Better Homes & Gardens, and is super light and flaky. Or as Nick’s friend proclaimed last week, they’re “the best cookie.” Or at least until the next batch hits the kitchen counter.

If you missed yesterday’s post, be sure to comment for your chance to win a nice stash from Tori Spelling’s new jewelry line.

Tomorrow? Time for more art.

PS If you’re looking for more recipes for potato chip cookies, Martha Stewart is actually featuring them in the July issue of Martha Stewart Living (as seen in this pin here on my Cookies board on Pinterest).

June 18, 2012 – Bonus Photo

How is it possible that it’s already time for our End-of-School Rainbow Cake Party?

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It Takes a Village {Recipe: Cheesy Potato Fries}

June 13, 2012 · Narrative

Is it me or does that word “cheesy” look weird when it’s spelled that way? And adding a y for “cheesey” doesn’t seem to make it better.

Not matter your political leanings, nothing can be truer than the words that Hillary Rodham Clinton became famous for some fifteen years ago. It truly takes a village to raise a child. No matter what Bob Dole said about it.

My interpretation of her famous phrase is slightly different though. To me, I look at it as a way to make it ok to need help. To ask for help.

And that is truly one of the hardest lessons to swallow sometimes. Asking for help.

When I was younger, married, and Nick was just a few years old, I always wanted to be that parent (which is slightly different than this that parent). The one that seemingly had it all together. Balancing work, family, home with the ease of a walk in the park. I can be Super Woman. I can do it all. No doubt.

But at what price? Extra stress? Less sleep? Reduced levels of patience?

No, thank you.

It truly wasn’t until I separated from my (then) husband that I realized I couldn’t. I mean, well, in theory I could. But I wasn’t willing to do it at the cost it came with.

And so little by little, if people offered help, I took it. It started with baby steps. If someone was coming over for dinner and asked what they could bring, I suggested something. Instead of saying “nothing.” Easy enough. Dipping my toes in the water. Seeing how it felt.

And you know what? It felt fine.

Whether you’re a parent or not. Whether you’re the mom of a German Shepherd or a two-year-old or a succulent plant on your kitchen window sill. No matter your lot in life.

It’s ok to ask for help.

We are all in this together.

We schedule car pools to lessen the burden. Pick up extra items at a grocery store that we know someone needs. Watch each other’s kids to save a few bucks on babysitting. Drop off dinner just because.

We have each others’ backs.

Sometimes there is nothing greater than the people you can lean on in your friends and family network. Who can you call at 1 am when you need help? Those are your villagers. Your people.

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Boredom Buster: A Fun Snack to Make with Your Kids

January 24, 2012 · Narrative

Thanksgiving seems like so very long ago. And yes, I’m going to tell you about something I made for Thanksgiving. Fact.

But here’s the rub.

A – I actually have stuff heaps older to still tell you about. That may or may not make it better.

B – This is something you can make anytime. Not just Thanksgiving.

So we’re cool then, right?

My sister hosted the holiday for the first time, and I brought my Cranberry Conserve. As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t matter who is hosting the holiday, it just isn’t right until that conserve is on the table. Period.

Besides the conserve, I wanted to bring something a little fun for the kids. And I wanted my own kids to be able to participate in the making of said “something.” When I spied this super cute picture on Pinterest (yes, again, with the Pinterest addiction; if you’re a fellow addict, I need not explain more), I was set.

It takes seriously just minutes to make.
The kids loved making it and once I gave them the basic instructions (and melted the white chocolate for them), they did it completely on their own after that.
It yields something that is nothing short of adorable.
I bet you might even have the ingredients in your own cupboard, ready to make right now.
If you like the salty-sweet combination, you’ll be all over these.

You don’t need more convincing than that do you?

These would be supercute for a Dr. Seuss “green eggs and ham” mini-celebration.

Or a fun afterschool project with your kids.

Or make a pink version for Valentine’s Day.

Or when you’re snowbound and stir-crazy.

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Review: Marzetti Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip

December 19, 2011 · Ad-Free, Narrative

I was one of the bloggers selected by T. Marzetti Company and Clever Girls Collective to host a Marzetti Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip review. They provided me with product to test and compensation for my time. However, my opinions are entirely my own. But you knew that already, right?

When it comes to the kids eating vegetables, regular readers know that I am not a fan of hiding them a la Jessica Seinfeld. I just feel that if they have half a shot of liking a vegetable, they have to be introduced to it properly, and honestly, not by way of sneaky methods. If they like it, great. I then find more ways to cook and serve the vegetables they like. If they don’t like a vegetable, we move on. I usually circle back after some months because we all know that taste buds change. Heck, it took me nearly forty years to learn to like salmon!

One of the easiest way to get veggies in their little tummies is by using veggies as a dipper. Nick loves hummus, and will dip carrots and celery into it with reckless abandon. Well as much reckless abandon as a nine-year-old can muster. Sometimes green pepper strips. And always cucumbers. It’s a perfect snack for him to take to school. Madeline (and believe it or not, the dog!) love carrots. She’ll also eat cucumbers. They both eat salad without any prompting from me. When time permits, I make a homemade buttermilk dressing, because she doesn’t care for hummus. And when time is super tight, I also sometimes use this Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip (the ranch version) at Marzetti – perfect to stuff in her little pink lunchbox. Since I typically don’t use disposable bags for the kids’ lunchboxes, I pack up the veggies, dips, fruit, and what have you in these snap-and-lock containers (love them!). They have a tight enough seal that nothing seeps out, but are easy for Madeline’s little fingers to maneuver. She is also pretty partial to these cute containers, which are great because they have a divider. And I’m partial to saving money on Ziploc bags.

The Marzetti dips are nice and creamy, and the tang from the Greek yogurt is light enough that it’s not a tough sell on the kids. And since I use Greek yogurt a lot as marinades and in homemade dips, they’re used to it anyway. I don’t have guilt about what they’re eating. They get the vegetables they desperately need. Everyone is happy, happy, happy. And that is just the way I like it.

PS – I snuck in a little bonus post on yesterday’s schedule – did you catch it? Go read, and then watch the short video, and tell me you’re not happy. Just a little bit.