Can I just set the table, invite you in, and pretend that no time has passed? If Marvel can do it, with all of their amazing idea people (I’m certain that’s their official title), marketing strategists, and infinite budget; I think I can. I’m going with it.
What’s different? Well, WordPress (my blog source) for one, so it’s going to take me a minute to figure this out. (Also, you may have noticed, not that long ago, ahem, I accidentally published an old rough draft. So embarrassing. Sorry about that.) In general, I’m a little older; I started a new part time job; I homeschool two of my children; and I found a YouTube program called “Country Life Vlog” that I love and highly recommend. But mostly, things are a lot the same. I feed my family; I do a lot dishes; I still have a strong love of cookbooks and molded bakeware… I still like to write.
So, I plan on writing more- because I am convinced it’s good practice (for writers to write). I’m dusting off my camera, as things go, so you may see more photos on Instagram. I am inviting you to the table, for the reason that I believe community and connection to humanity is good. There is something innate about it, for me, so here I am.
In spite of the snowfall this week, spring is here. Which means lighter desserts, such as pavlovas topped with berries and lemon curd, and berry sprinkled tarts are popping up all over my feed. Love.
I’ve assembled a few of my favorite ideas from Martha Stewart, and Southern Living, etc. I’m pretty sure some of these will appear on our dessert table this Sunday.
Recipe photo courtesy of Armando Rafael via MarthaStewart.com
Key lime pie is such a lovely transitional dessert for the season. The brightness of lime is a welcomed diversion from heavier winter flavors, and the light green is as indicative of spring as the buds on the trees. Martha Stewart has given us a No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake, an “airy, mousse-like treat” that boasts completion in 35 minutes… she’s got my attention.
Image courtesy of Camillestyles.com
And how about this beautiful Almond & Blackberry Cream Pavlova from CamilleStyles.com? Gorgeous! (Also, the featured image.) I’m ecstatic about all of the fresh fruit coming into season. And I’m always ready to welcome the light crunch followed by the dense chew of the sweet marshmallowy treat known as pavlova. Always. Bring it.
There is just something about Easter dessert that is etched in my mind with cream puddings and silk pies; much more than chocolate bunnies and jelly beans. I love banana pudding. Truly. It is comfort food in dessert form. So when I was reading 50+ Delightful Spring Desserts from Southern Living, it was natural to click on the Coconut-Banana Pudding Recipe feature from MyRecipes.com… Coconut and Banana? Definitely yes.
It was approaching the summer of 1994, the first time I had visited Paris, France. I was young and naive. I didn’t know a thing about traveling overseas, I barely knew about leaving the borders of Michigan. It was exciting, my first plane ride- and to Europe to boot! I knew nothing about Paris besides the three years of language lessons peppered by informative sessions of art and history. But I was taught by a French enthusiast, and I also knew it all. I knew how special this place was, the City of Lights; the City of Love; the people, the culture, the history, and I was ready to drink it in. I had a newly purchased cheap camera (in retrospect I should have saved for better). I had a ridiculously heavy suit case. I knew I looked like a tourist (the buses would have given it away anyway), but I was determined to not be a stereotyped American. I would try my best to speak the language, and courteously take it all in. I didn’t want to miss a thing. One of my traveling roommates journaled our experience, and I can’t tell you how many times over the years I’ve thought to contact her and ask for a copy. It was a whirlwind of invaluable memories. My less-than-amateur pictures will never do that trip justice. There were names of places I never thought I would forget, that I would give almost anything to remember.
But what I did not forget, what I could not forget, was Nôtre Dame. It was surrounded by the Seine with river boats, and artists with easels, just like I imagined it would be. There were people coming and going every which way along its’ seemingly endless stone-paved entrance way. It was under construction the year we were there. That’s the kind of thing a French Club field trip can’t plan around. But it didn’t matter. I was looking at an architectural masterpiece. It was stone, magnificent, gothic, religious, cold, warm, and striking. There were carvings of saints and gargoyles, twisted towers, and flying buttresses. I climbed stone stairs as far as permitted, the very same that people had been climbing for centuries… and I looked through three famous rose stained-glass windows. I fell in love with La Vitrine Rose.
It was the stained glass that I appreciated more than anything at Nôtre Dame. The carvings and architecture were marvels in their own right. But the warmth that came from those beautiful windows was a sight to behold. It was a colorful display of grandeur in an otherwise very monochromatic setting. The ceilings were unfathomably tall, but equally as hard to comprehend, was this artistry built right into the stone wall, nearly as high as the ceiling. The details were amazing, depicting various stories from the Bible. It was the windows, I imagined most, as the daylight poured their hues in, that I shared in delight with so many who came before me. And since all of my pictures of this came back black, I am thankful I purchased a small replica of La Vitrine Rose for my godmother, to hang in her window, next to her Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired stained glass art. It was because of this wonderfully detailed souvenir that I could show my family a glimpse of the beauty beheld in the famous cathedral of Nôtre Dame.
Almost a decade later, I made a second trip to Paris. This time with a group of girlfriends and my sister. Would you believe, the cathedral of Nôtre Dame was under construction again? Looking at my (slightly improved) pictures made me laugh, because the only way I can picture the cathedral is the way I see it in other people’s pictures. Perfect. We made the best of it, taking snapshots from the best (unconstructed) angles, and the side where we would actually take a boat ride down the Seine. A vantage point where I could capture an exterior view of one of those rose stained-glass windows.
After my godmother passed away, we collected a few personal keepsakes from her home in remembrance of her. When a woman in charge of her caregiving asked if we minded if she kept a small circular window-hanging that reminded her of my godmother, my first instinct was to say “sure”. Honestly, it was strangely uncharacteristic for me to retract my permission- it surprises me to this day. In reflection, I’m almost offended by her asking, although she had no way of knowing how special it was to me; or how over 20 years ago, I had purchased it for my godmother, or how proud I was that she hung it in her window; and how I was reminded of it all, the trip to Paris, Nôtre Dame, the beauty of the replicated piece, and the pride I had in my godmother loving it, on every visit…
Yesterday it was shocking to hear about the fire. The fire heard around the world. It’s one of those things you’ll feel like you’ll remember forever; like when people talk about where they were when Kennedy was shot, or the morning that unfolded the events of 9/11. It feels almost embarrassing to think I found out about it so impersonally on Facebook. It feels surreal to think about how much damage could be done in an afternoon, after centuries of preservation. It’s disturbing to simultaneously understand the devastation, and to have derived a place in my mind of almost un-shockable in the reality of a world full of destruction.
All of this. And yet this morning, while angry with myself for not being more organized to find pictures of my trips to Paris; while feeling gut-wrenched for a world of so many unwelcome changes outside of my control; while melancholy on a very grey and rainy day, I took comfort in the ease of locating my Vitrine Rose, and great solace in reading that the rose stained-glass windows of Nôtre Dame, although early in assessment, seem to be intact and minimally damaged. Hope endures.
This dish is at war with my (natural) standards. C’est la vie. I believe in organic ingredients… I can’t argue against the dependably creamy texture and consistent flavor of Cheez Whiz. I did not create this dish; I was given this gift. What can I say, except that it is a long-time family favorite. I realize that there are currently many natural cheese products with the similar thickness of Cheez Whiz (not available at the origin of this recipe, I’m sure). You do you. There are times when nostalgia and tradition outweigh set Sadie’s rules. (I’m okay with that.) It’s flavorful, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make. There are only 4 ingredients, all of which are easy to store. It also reminds me of almost every holiday table I have ever perused. You can’t replace that.
3 – 10 oz bags of Frozen Broccoli, thawed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 – 15 oz jar of Cheez Whiz
10 Tbsp Butter (1 stick + 2 Tbsp)
36 Saltine Crackers (1 sleeve)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Crush the sleeve of crackers until about pea size. Melt butter over medium high heat till bubbly and add crackers pieces.
Sauté till golden brown and butter is absorbed.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Lightly pat any excess water from Broccoli pieces and evenly distribute in ungreased casserole dish. (Side note: you can use fresh broccoli, but you’ll need to add a little water.)
Remove lid and heat Cheez Whiz (right in jar) in microwave for 30 seconds, stir. Heat 20 seconds more, or until easily spreadable.
Spread Cheez Whiz evenly over top of broccoli.
Top with sautéed crackers and bake for half hour, until hot and bubbly.
Easter is right around the corner! That’s big news. According to GoodHousekeeping.com, “In 2018, Americans were estimated to have spent $18.2 billion on Easter.” That means we take our lilies, lamb cakes, and jelly beans very seriously. All kinds of research has been done to find out our resurrection day preferences (hey, they’ve got to sell us what we want). For example, do you know the best selling candy outside of chocolate? Peeps! More than 700 million Peeps are purchased in America during easter. And when eating our chocolate bunnies, 76% of Americans eat the head first. (PopSugar) Why that’s important, we don’t know… but a large portion of our population can relate!
What we do know, is that there is a charming candy store in town, Lolli & Pops, ready for you to explore. And they offer all kinds of candy so you can fill those baskets!
From hand crafted chocolate confections, to macarons, and specially flavored gummy bears, they’ve got you covered.
Looking for that Old World treat that grandma used to give, or that you fell for on a trip abroad? Give Lolli & Pops a shot.
Maybe you wish you could find that childhood favorite? A lasting sweet impression of yesteryear… It’s possible Lolli & Pops has that too. From classic turn of the century peppermint sticks or Mary Jane’s, to mid century lover’s Bit-O-Honey, and children of the 80’s Now & Laters… they’ve got it.
We appreciate a place that dedicates a whole section of their products to Nut & Allergen free, as well as, Sugar free for those with specific dietary needs. We also respect categorizing the shelves by appeal, such as “Don’t Be Sour,” for those who love to pucker and squint. But we really love when people get creative with their flavor profiles! Cereal Milk and Waffles & Syrup candy bars? We’re so curious… What do those taste like? Inquiring minds want to know!
So if you’re looking to fill those baskets with special and unique candy… If you want to brighten someone’s day with a thoughtful treat… If you just need to satisfy your own sweet tooth… We have an idea for you! Lolli & Pops!
Thank you Lolli & Pops of 12 Oaks Mall in Novi! If you are in the area, you can find them at 27494 Novi Rd Ste B, Novi, MI 48377 (248) 378-1006
Or, for a Location near you, try lolliandpops.com! (And they deliver 😉 )
Low carb and KETO-licious… also vegetarian, but most importantly- so yummy.
It’s finally spring, and we are slowly getting glimpses of the warmer days ahead. You know what that means, time to put away the heavy dishes, and thick gravies. We are lightening the load to make way for lighter apparel. Ahem. But that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice flavor, it means we get to be creative with the fresh fruits and vegetables coming our way! Hurray! Of course, these can be served all year round, because they’re delicious. We think they are rustically beautiful, an impressive appetizer anytime.
These little beauties are not difficult, at all. But, they do require a little planning ahead (i.e. time to roast garlic). If you can do that, you’re all set.
Ingredients
1 head Garlic
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/4 tsp course Salt
10-12 Jalapeño peppers (8-10 if they are large)
1 – 8 oz block Cream Cheese, softened
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
Salt to taste
2/3 cup Pine Nuts
Method
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice the top of the garlic head (so that the cloves are just exposed). Make a small aluminum foil pouch to hold the head of garlic.
Drizzle the garlic with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt. Enclose the garlic with the aluminum, leaving a small opening at the top for steam to escape. Bake for 35-40 minutes until pouch is soft (slightly squishy) to the light squeeze. Remove from oven and allow to cool to a handling temperature.
In the meantime, slice the jalapeños in half (lengthwise) and discard the seeds.
Place the peppers face down onto a baking sheet. Bake 5-6 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
In a small mixing bowl, squeeze the warm head of garlic so that all of the cloves and garlicky mush comes out. Discard the papery covering. Mash the cloves with a fork.
When pliable, add the parmesan and cream cheese. Stir until all is incorporated. Taste for seasoning, add salt if needed (if it tastes good to you now, it will taste good when stuffed).
The peppers should be easy to handle now. One by one, pick them up and spoon (or small spatula) in the garlic-cream cheese mixture until just rounded above the sides. Place the pepper back on the pan, stuffed side up.
When jalapeños are stuffed, sprinkle each with pine nuts. Bake for another 6-8 minutes until pine nuts look lightly browned.
Serve the jalapeños warm… with a side of ranch dressing (optional, but do it).
Milford is a charming community with a picturesque downtown full of lovable shops and restaurants (we hope to feature all of them).
Smoke Street in downtown Milford is doing something right. “Our meats are smoked in-house for up to 12 hours with hickory and cherry wood. From spicy to sweet, to tangy and smoky, we have you covered with six homemade BBQ sauces. At our bar, we have 15 rotating draft beers, an eclectic choice of bottles and cans, as well as delicious craft cocktails.” Makes you hungry doesn’t it?
Something about this warmer weather just begs for good barbecue. But, first things first… Buffalo Tater Tots with Blue Cheese dressing make a great starter. If you like Buffalo Sauce… you are going to like these.
With a “Boss Hog” menu item, allowing us to sample a little bit of everything… well, that’s an easy one.
The pulled pork was tender, the brisket and chicken had a classic smoky savor, the sausage was really flavorful, and the sauces were good and fun to try. But I really love the little unexpected things, such as the sweet & spicy pickles! Such a nice, light, and tangy accompaniment with a dose of heat.
The collard greens were tasty too, honorable mention.
Our favorite way to eat the pulled pork nachos was with the Carolina Gold. It’s just a good combination.
One of our kids without fail will order chicken tenders and fries. Which means we will steal a fry… And to give props where props are due, Smoke Street does a stand up french fry. They kind of reminded us of the ones we make a b line for at a fair… you know the ones.
However, our absolute favorite thing at Smoke Street wasn’t a meat or BBQ sauce… it was the Killer Mac N’ Cheese.
Super creamy, topped with bacon & shallot breadcrumbs…
It was when we were on a family vacation in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan that I had my first Korean beef taco (ok my first 6… we went back for more- again, and again that trip, I couldn’t get enough!) The Little Fleet, is a great place to visit for live music and food, and in the summer they host a “fleet” of food trucks with exceptional menu options. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend you give them a try!
-Rachel
This recipe is a creation of our own. Perfect to feed a crowd with little fuss, or simply cut the ingredient amounts in half for a family sized portion. It’s everything we love about Korean beef, in super easy crockpot ready style. Also, these ingredients can be found at any grocer, with no need to visit a Korean market. Although we love the inspiring flavors we discover at specialty markets, we keep it convenient because when the craving hits (and it will)…you have to be ready!!
Easily makes 20 tacos…
3½ lbs Flank Steak 2 Tbsp Ginger Paste ½ cup Maple Syrup 2 Tbsp Sriracha 2 tsp Fish Sauce 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil 1 cup Soy Sauce
Place steak into crockpot laying flat.
Mix all other ingredients together in medium bowl.
Pour over beef. Try to situate the steak so it is submersed in sauce. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours.
Remove meat and cut across grain into large sections about 3-4 inches long and then shred it, using two forks to pull it apart (it should be extremely tender).
*Sometimes I do this whole step while still in crockpot, but it can scratch your pot!
Place back into crockpot with sauce and serve from there.
I serve my tacos with sliced avocado, a dollop of spicy Greek yogurt (1 cup Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon sriracha mixed in), a squeeze of fresh lime and thinly sliced purple cabbage.
We’re a family of six, four, and two… A dozen when you’re trying to make reservations for Sadie’s and Rachel’s families, plus Granny and Gramps. Which is why we always love a restaurant that can accommodate a crowd. I think overall we have good kids, but they’re not church mice. So, when you create a fun casual atmosphere- like a large gathering place in a cleaned up oversized garage, well, that sounds like an invitation for real family and friends. And when you can have all of that with a unique, interesting menu- with genuine options for little picky eaters and upscale twists on classics for adventurous adults, then you have accomplished a major feat. That is Vinsetta Garage, an eclectic eatery with a custom Detroit menu on Woodward Avenue in Berkley, MI.
The food is a fusion of beloved bar classics and trendsetting cuisine. Tikka Fries, Farro Hash, and Brown Sugar-Glazed Salmon are just a few honorable mentions that the Vinsetta Garage has to offer. The Duck Burger had Rachel’s son with love at first bite. It was the Disco Fries, house-cut fries, with Ellsworth cheese curds, whole grain mustard gravy, chili flakes, and scallions, however, that were calling Sadie’s name.
It’s typical in our group that one or more person will order a pizza, even if it’s only for themselves; and they take most of it home for leftovers. (Who doesn’t appreciate pizza leftovers?) At Vinsetta’s you can get a tasty pepperoni and cheese pizza… but you can also get Sir Shakes’ Coney Pie with Winter’s 901-L hot dog, house-made coney chili, chopped white onions, cheese blend, smoked cheddar, and French’s mustard… serious coney/pizza lovers only please.
Does a menu item called Noodle Burger make you curious? Us too… Casserole-baked ground beef, smoked cheddar, elbow macaroni, and Woodshop MI maple bacon; think of it like a very mature version of the classic Hamburger Helper with a perfectly crisped cheesy topping. (Side of onion rings optional) Oh yeah, it’s good.
The place was relaxed, which makes for a comfortable experience, but it’s the attention to food-detail that will keep us coming back… right down to the potato chips, made in-house. (You know they must be tasty when Rachel doesn’t swap them out for fries.)
For more information check out VinsettaGarage.com or better yet, in person (and get that Faygo “Rock & Rye” ice cream) at 27799 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, Michigan 48072.
Hurray for Spring! We are so ready to welcome this season into our homes! What better way is there to celebrate than with the bright colors and foods springing up around us?
TV dinners, meals on the go, family members with crazy schedules trying to fit in supper when they can… we get it. However, when you can make it happen, family meal time is really worthwhile. Numerous studies have been done emphasizing the benefits of eating together. According to healthfully.com, such practice can not only promote healthier eating, but strengthen family relationships, curb risky behaviors, and even produce better academics. In an article by StandfordChildren.org titled, Why the Family Meal is Important, they explain how “dinnertime is a time of respite from the hustle-bustle of everyday life.” They even suggest creating chores (place setting, clean up, food preparation, etc.), and having expectations (sharing, listening, being respectful of one another, etc.) for meal time; which can lead to improved self-esteem. Sounds good to us!
Image courtesy of EmilyPost.com
Setting a table is kind of a lost art. Not every meal at home has several courses, with corresponding various wines (at least not in Sadie’s Nest); we can save those table settings for when the queen comes to visit. However, setting a basic table can be fairly easy. According to the Emily Post Institute, “Setting a table is not as difficult as it seems. The basic rule is: Utensils are placed in the order of use; that is, from the outside in. A second rule, with only a few exceptions, is: Forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right. And finally, only set the table with utensils you will use. No soup; no soup spoon.” We can handle that.
And who doesn’t love the idea of bringing fresh flowers into the house? I’ve been waiting all winter to have some blooms! Okay, maybe allergy sufferers aren’t enthusiastic about it, so here is a link to Martha Stewart’s Spring Centerpiece ideas.
Our fresh arrangement of cabbage and roses, was created by Rhonda. -A special thank you to Sadie and Rachel’s mom, who has given us a lifetime of magazine worthy tablescapes, for putting together this lovely display!
