‘Pinterest’ Articles at Sweetnicks

Recipe: Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites

February 15, 2013 · Narrative

When it comes to the “buffalo chicken” flavor, I am admittedly a late adopter. The Ex loved buffalo wings. Well, any kind of wings, really. It’s like guy code or something. And Nick started liking buffalo chicken anything a few years ago.

So basically, if you can’t beat them, join ’em.

When I was trying to figure out what I was making for our recent Girls Night In party, I knew that our current potluck offerings were heavy on the sweet side (not that that’s a bad thing, of course), so I concentrated on finding something savory to balance it out a bit. And I turned to the easiest source of inspiration.

Pinterest. Natch.

Namely my Appetizers board, because I wanted finger food. I pinned this recipe for Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites ages ago. Simple, easy to find ingredients, the buffalo chicken flavor profile that everyone likes, and baked (so healthier).

Win/win.

I did give pause when I saw the directions, because it was a bit fiddly and time consuming for a last minute addition to a party menu. Particularly when I don’t want to be stucking dredging chicken bites in flour, egg, and crumbs when everyone is arriving. I’d much rather be drinking Mom Juice.

And as I was in the kitchen dredging while everyone was filtering in, I swore I probably wouldn’t make these again.

Because of the dredging.

But that’s probably not true.

Because these fiddly and time consuming Baked Buffalo Chicken Bites are pretty darn tasty.

They have the heat of buffalo chicken, are perfectly bite size, and a bit healthier because they’re baked.

And the first platter I put out was gone within minutes.

And really, in the grand scheme of things, they took all of thirty minutes to make. So whining aside, they’re worth making.

Good for a little bite when you have friends over. An appetizers-only party. Tailgating. A cozy night in when you just want to have finger food and pop in a movie. Whenever.

Make ’em. Dredge them. And all will be good.

Tomorrow? Book review!

PS Speaking of Pinterest, did you know that the White House has an official Pinterest page? This might be the hippest White House we’ve had since the days of Jackie O. I also found out that the White House actually invited bloggers/pinners to a small little fete there over the Christmas holidays – how cool is that?!

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Girls Night In + Inspiration {craft}

December 1, 2012 · Ad-Free

What started out as a one-off girls’ night in has become a quarterly tradition that I kind of love.

Taking inspiration from Pinterest, I host a group of girlfriends every couple of months as we make a craft together and eat and drink wine and have a total girl gab fest.

We make sure the craft is super simple.

Mainly because of the aforementioned wine and eating and gabbing.

Because that’s what it’s really all about. Coming together. Laughing. Supporting. Sharing. And, um, in the case of our last two get-togethers, perhaps oversharing, but in the very best possible way.

Our winter get-together was two weeks ago, and we set our sights on this super simple wreath. There are a bunch of tutorials, and even You Tube videos, for how to do this. We first spied it on Eddie Ross’ web site. He of Martha Stewart, Food Network, and Bravo’s Top Design fame.

All you need is a wire coat hanger, ornaments, and a bow. (We skipped the glue gun step)

As you’re putting the ornaments onto the wire hanger, they naturally fall into a beautiful 3D arrangement. It seriously doesn’t get easier than this.

All our ornaments came from the same three or four stores, yet out of 8 wreaths made, none were identical.

Not even close.

Mine was the all silver one up at the top.

With the holiday season only just getting underway, you have plenty of time to make one of these fun and festive wreaths for your very own front door. Or as a gift for a neighbor. Or your kids’ bus driver. A co-worker made a few as hostess gifts, which is another fabulous idea.

*The ornaments on the silver wreath and the multi-colored wreath come from The Christmas Tree Shop. The ornaments on the gold and green wreath came from Wal-Mart.

When it comes to inspiration, there is no shortage of it, especially this time of year. Although Pinterest is one of my favorite go-to sources, there are plenty of other online sites to browse through. The folks at Minted (home to wonderful holiday cards) just had an inspiration challenge, where readers put together their own inspiration boards. The boards contain everything from holiday cards and decorations to table settings and stocking ideas. Sometimes there is nothing more inspiring than getting a peek at how others get their holiday on. I love this slightly Beatles-esque card with the gingerbread house-covered Christmas tree. Are you kidding me with this cuteness? And this blingy one is totally up my alley (especially as I still continue the hunt for the sparkly bag I spied this weekend).

Hungry for more?
At another Pinterest-inspired party we had, we made semi-simple nest necklaces. Love them.

Our next Pinterest party is planned with a Valentine’s Day theme in mind, and you know by now how much I love the holiday. Between that, our Bloggers Valentine’s Day Feast, and our own family/friends Valentine’s Day Dinner Party, you’d think I would be on Valentine’s Day overload. But you’d be wrong. I can’t wait.

xo Cate

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Recipe: Beef and Mushroom Sloppy Joes {Cooking Light}

October 4, 2012 · Narrative

“My Mom thinks Honey Boo Boo is a train wreck,” Nick said in a phone call to one of his friends.

He was outside, and I was in the kitchen making dinner.

He’s right, of course. It is a train wreck. But one that we haven’t looked away from. And honestly, for all their quirks and, um, interesting character traits, you can’t deny their love for each other.

Moving on.

Nick loves Sloppy Joes to the nth degree. (The ground beef kind, not the sandwich kind that’s more well-known in New Jersey)

Growing up, Sloppy Joes sometimes hit our table for dinner. Stick-to-your-ribs goodness. One of the Sloppy Joe recipes that my mom made came from a family friend. Ketchup. Mustard. Brown sugar. And I don’t remember what else.

Years later, I got the recipe from my mom and started making it for my own family. Then, during one of our various moves, I lost the recipe card and just started improvising. Same basic ingredients, going just by taste for the finished product.

The Ex loved them. Served on a toasted bread bun, smothered with Sloppy Joe goodness. Melted cheese on mine. Not his. Weird man doesn’t like cheese as much as I do. Says someone who has a Pinterest board just dedicated to cheesy goodness. Oh yes.

And Nick is following in his Dad’s footsteps.

At least in that respect: Sloppy Joes? Love.

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Craft Time: Kiwi Crate

July 7, 2012 · Ad-Free, Craft Ideas

My kids and craft time are a no-brainer. The easiest way to get a bit of peace to clean the house? Sit them down at the table with a craft or art supplies.

‘Tis a much better alternative than a tv babysitter.

And besides, new art courtesy of the kids is usually my favorite thing.

Like ever.

So when I was asked to review Kiwi Crate, it was seriously a no-brainer.

A fun box delivered to your front door. Every month. Designed for kids. A stuffed full of creativity.

I mean, really, what more do we need?

When our box arrived, it was perfect timing.

Because my office at home needed some serious shoveling.

I set the kids up in the reading room and let them go to town.

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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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Ten on Thursday {+ Babble + Pinterest + DailyBuzz Moms}

June 7, 2012 · Narrative

Or maybe more than ten. We’ll see how it goes. So I have some randomness to share, some items more noteworthy than others, and instead of doing different posts on each, I’m going to throw it all together and see what sticks. *And I also added a couple random pictures as well.

Last Friday, the folks at Babble released a Top 50 Parents on Pinterest list. And guess who was on it? Me! In the #8 spot! Very chuffed at the honor, but beyond that, it’s a great collection of others who use Pinterest like I do. They wrote a short bio (without input from me) about each person they featured, and they said, “Cate’s Sweetnicks blog reflects her two main passions in life — her children (Nicholas and Madeline) and food. She’s also one crafty mama, selling her adorable hair barrettes on Etsy.” How sweet are they? I love that, and couldn’t have said it better myself. Whether you’re looking for recipe or decorating inspiration, or want to plan your wedding or find motivational quotes, Pinterest is an awesome resource. Not following me yet? I’m right here. Do check out the others on Babble’s list when you get a minute.

* * *

Thank you to those that checked out the new O’Malley’s Pop Up Shop, and those who did some shopping. Seven items already sold and will be shipping out tomorrow. It might seem like something small to you, but to me, it’s big. Very big. New items listed today.

* * *

Remember my recap on our visit to the Thomas Edison Museum? It got included in a recent DailyBuzz Moms Today’s Top 9 feature on kids and museums, so if you’re looking for fun places to visit (either with or without kids), do check it out. And when I went to grab the Daily Buzz Moms link, I noticed that Today’s Top 9 is “Veg Out,” and includes the Smashed Chickpea and Avocado Salad Sandwich I made the other day. Visit the link for more vegetable options to help you take advantage of a new season of produce!

* * *

This morning I came downstairs to find Madeline crouched on the washing machine.

“What are you doing?

Trying to get the lunch boxes down.

“Ok, but I’d rather you just ask instead of climbing onto the washing machine.”

This is how I did it yesterday. I need help getting them, please.

“Ok, here you go.”

And I need helping getting down, please.

She is too much.

And yes, after having Nick watch her, I went to go get my camera. Tuesday, she packed my breakfast and lunch, Nick’s snacks, and her snacks. We are very lucky to be in her world.

She “graduates” from her school in just two weeks. She went to the same school that Nick went to for 2-1/2 years, so this is a final good-bye. Although I’m sad that she’s growing up and is the last baby (I keep telling Mystic I need another one!), she’s ready for a new chapter. She’ll be going to summer camp for a few weeks this summer, and then starting a completely (new to us) school in the Fall. Cue.the.tears.

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Recipe: Smashed Chickpea & Avocado Salad Sandwich {A Week of Vegetarian Lunches}

June 4, 2012 · Narrative

When I came home last Sunday with our monster-sized haul of fruits and vegetables, I thought it would be fun to do a week’s worth of vegetarian lunches. I started the week off with this favorite tried-and-true recipe for Warm Butternut Squash and Chickpea Salad, and a few roasted vegetable sandwiches, and when I saw this recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod recently on Pinterest, the Smashed Chickpea and Avocado Salad Sandwich, it was the perfect finish.

Truth be told, avocado and I are closerthanthis. On any given day, we have several on our kitchen counter, in smattering degrees of ripeness. My 9-year-old son, Nick, and I will have one or two with dinner, or I’ll have one in various sandwich incarnations. He likes an avocado drizzled with a little bit of olive oil, hot sauce, and kosher salt. I do too. It’s an awesome way to bring out the full, buttery, creamy rich flavor of the avocado.

This Smashed Chickpea and Avocado Salad Sandwich became my lunch on Thursday. I almost skipped the “shell the chickpea” step. I mean, really, I can honestly say I have never thought of shelling chickpeas when I’ve used them before, but to try the dish in its original form the first time, I shelled.all.the.chickpeas. Each and every one. Man, super tedious work. A task I should have put one of my little helpers to, but luckily for them, they were outside enjoying a few moments of (rare) sunshine.

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The Makings of a Pinterest Party {Girls’ Night In}

April 24, 2012 · Narrative

I fell into the habit of an annual Girls’ Night In party. But as one of the guests leaving Saturday night said, “We should do this every month.” Once a year ~~might not be~~ isn’t enough.

Last year, a group of friends converged at my house the night before I flew off to Seattle. We made bracelets out of t-shirt material, and sent them off to an orphanage. That was awesome.

This year, a few months ago, I decided on a Pinterest-themed party, since quite a few of my friends use the site as much as I do. Potluck-style. Everyone brings a few dishes, inspired by pins from Pinterest. And I planned a craft that I also found on Pinterest.

We started pinning things to get the ideas flowing. One friend remarked that it looked like mostly desserts and cocktails.

I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing.

But it actually ended up vastly different.

Only two desserts.

Mom Juice and bottles of wine.

And lots and lots of deliciously savory food.

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Weekend Photos in Review

April 22, 2012 · Narrative

Any weekend that kicks off with Friday afternoon cupcakes from a co-worker is bound to be good.

We know three families with autistic children, so when I heard about the 5k to support autism research, it was a no-brainer. Especially when one of the families was participating in the walk.

And if I can convince someone else to get up at 6:30 am to do it with me? Even better.

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Book Review: Fault in Our Stars

April 20, 2012 · BlogHer, Narrative

I have seriously been on a roll with books lately. This is the third one I’ve finished this month, and while it might not seem like alot, living with kids that don’t let me finish a thought or sentence, three books might as well be akin to a car ride with no bickering.

The latest selection from the BlogHer Book Club is Fault in Our Stars by New York Times bestselling author, John Green. An author and book I had never heard of before receiving it in the mail. I think that’s one of the best perks of the BlogHer Book Club; it’s a great way to discovered new (to me) authors or books I might not have otherwise read.

This one is not a beachy, breezy read. Centering around 16-year-old Hazel Lancaster, who has terminal thyroid cancer, it’s obviously a plot line thick with some heavy, somber tones. That being said, the story includes bits of wonder, laughter, love, and whimsy as we follow Hazel meeting (and falling for) Augustus at a kids-with-cancer support group that she attends.

The book is evenly paced and really well written. You’ll find yourself laughing and crying as you get pulled into their story. I loved the character development, and even though this is a “young adult” book, it doesn’t mean adults won’t derive pleasure from reading it as well.

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Recipe: Lofthouse-Style Cookies

March 28, 2012 · Narrative

This has been one of those weeks at the office where we are all, nearly literally, crawling to Friday.

That we were all supremely disappointed to find out that it was only Wednesday.

That a liquid lunch sounded like just the thing to take the edge off.

Except that it’s generally frowned upon.

The type of week that can only be saved by nearly three sticks of butter.

And a quick count to see just how many hours are left until Friday.

Have you heard of Lofthouse cookies? Funny. Every person that tried these had never heard of them before. I thought they were a little more widely known than that.

They are the giant, frosted, soft sugar cookies you can find in plastic clamshells at your local grocery store or Wal-Mart. Lofthouse got its start in 1994, and as it gained in popularity, it had added more items to its line, including gingerbread kits.

I found a copycat recipe for the cookies last week and, of course, pinned it to my cookies board on Pinterest.

Monday night, despite a very full day of work, school, CCD, and scouts, the recipe got made. Nick was out of the house for 12 and a half hours. Cookies make things like that better.

The recipe is super simple to make, and I even followed the directions enough to allow for an hour of dough chilling. Truth be told, I usually skip that step.

No patience whatsoever.

Especially with primadonna recipes.

Let alone primadonna people.

The recipe said 24 cookies. I eeked out 22. I also needed to let mine cook for a good 6-8 minutes past the suggested cooking time.

But they were good.

Sweet. Without being too sweet. Big. Almost too big.

We wrapped up a single cookie for three of the kids’ teachers. A plate full of them went into work. And a few more went to neighbors.

Just a few left at home for us.

Which is perfect.

When you want to eat your troubles away or give away a sweet treat just because.

Lofthouse-Style Cookies. You can grab the recipe right here.

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