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Monthly Archives: July 2010

Pork Roll, Egg and Cheese: A New Jersey Wonder

Posted on July 30, 2010 | 16 comments

Whether you are from North, Central or South Jersey, Pork Roll, Egg & Cheese is the ultimate Jersey breakfast and late-night diner sandwich. If you’re from North Jersey, you call it Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese and if you’re from the Jersey Shore on down, it becomes Pork Roll, Egg & Cheese.  I’m not really sure what the Central Jersey peeps do.

From what I hear it’s almost impossible to get outside of the tri-state area – what will I do if I ever move?  It’s a heart attack on a plate that I prefer to enjoy (no matter the time of day) with a side of french fries and brown gravy (on the side, of course).

This morning was no exception.  I can’t figure out why I would snarf such a giant calorie fest when I have to put on a bikini in a little while.  I guess I’m just a masochist or a Jersey Girl – probably a little of both.  The extra side of sausage was just an unnecessary evil but I couldn’t resist – I’ll be stuffed until dinner.

Pork Roll, Egg & Cheese even tastes great at 4 am after a serious night of clubbing and drinking.  It takes the drunk edge off but can sometimes drive you to the porcelain god if you’re not careful.

I tried to make it at home many times but it NEVER tastes as good as the diner’s.  Maybe it’s the melted yellow, American cheese or maybe it’s the greasy griddle that it’s cooked on.  I don’t know but it’s one of my go-to food splurges.

If you’ve never indulged in this Jersey wonder, I recommend you do so as soon as possible.  It’s a little taste of Jersey that will probably stay with you all day!


Picture Courtesy of nj.com

© 2010 J. H-M and CultureChoc2010.






Posted in food

Tagged breakfast, diners, food, jersey, life, New Jersey, pork roll, Taylor Ham, the Jersey Shore

My Favorite Comfort Food

Posted on July 29, 2010 | 2 comments

Comfort food is a relative term. Comfort food is a relative term. Since last September, I’ve been indulging in comfort food all the time – that would explain my 20 pound weight gain. Yeah, yeah – I know you’ve heard it before… I’m just so upset by myself for gaining back some weight. In any case….

My favorite comfort food is a handful of ravioli in a quick marinara. When my mom was still alive and I went to visit, she always asked me what I wanted her to make me – and it was always a handful of ravies. This was home.

When I’m upset or sad, or mad for that matter, I always turn to macaroni. Whether it’s ravioli in gravy (red) or pastina with a little grated cheese and truffle oil, I’m overwhelmingly comforted.

Now what I want to know, is it mental or physical? Do the carbs make me feel good or is it the memory of family that makes it so appealing?

I’d opt for the latter. What food calms you down and makes it all better? I’d love to know.

© 2010 J. H-M and CultureChoc2010 



Posted in food, Memories

Tagged food, life, memories

The Water Club: Atlantic City, New Jersey

Posted on July 28, 2010 | 2 comments

If you’ve never visited The Water Club in Atlantic City, New Jersey, then it’s a must-do on your next trip to the Jersey Shore. My husband and I stayed over for a few days and really enjoyed it.  We even make day trips to the Sunroom for a couple of cocktails and some atmosphere.

The pools are amazing and only open to adults 18 years old or older – for us that’s a BIG part of the appeal.  The rooms are beautiful.  We stayed in a Vista Room which has panoramic water views, well worth the price (weekdays are reasonable but weekends are beaucoup bucks). The space was very comfortable and large but I did have an issue with the cleaning staff.  Maybe I’m just OCD but I thought the room could have been cleaned a little better during our stay. The bathrooms are beautiful and fully stocked with Lather bath products and complete with robes and slippers that you can take home (slippers only). This was our view from our 28th floor Vista Room. There is so much to do in AC all day and all night long.  Whether you decide to stay in or go out, you’ll have a blast.

Take the Jitney, visit the outlets or the Pier Shops at Caesars, have a first class dinner or lunch on the boardwalk.  Your possibilities are infinite.

Has anyone else been to The Water Club?  I’d love to hear your reactions. The Sunroom.







Tagged Atlantic City, destinations, dining out, hotels, New Jersey, reviews, summer, the beach, the Jersey Shore, the shore, travel, vacation

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

Posted on July 27, 2010 | 3 comments

I love pasta.  It doesn’t matter the type or the preparation, I’ll eat it until I burst from too much semolina.

Summertime and macaroni are often difficult to put together.  I don’t know about you but I don’t like to eat anything too heavy when it’s hot out – though this doesn’t explain my summer weight gain – must be the booze.

In any case I came across a recipe for Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, courtesy of Ina Garten, aka The Barefoot Contessa, and made it for lunch on Sunday afternoon.  I substituted a few things because another visit to Shop Rite wasn’t in my plan for the day.  I hope you enjoy this tasty creation. Pasta With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1/2 pound fusilli (spirals) pasta – I used pipette
Kosher or sea salt
1 pound ripe tomatoes, medium-diced
3/4 cup good black olives, such as kalamata, pitted and diced – I used a can of black olives
1 pound fresh mozzarella, medium-diced
6 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped

5 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
6 tablespoons good olive oil
1 garlic clove, diced
1 teaspoon capers, drained
2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano
1 cup packed basil leaves, julienned



Recipe courtesy of Ina Garten & The Food Network.  Link above.
Original photo by CultureChoc2010.







Tagged food, pasta, recipes, summer

Can I do Chuck?

Posted on July 26, 2010 | 6 comments

I was watching A Walk on the Moon today when it brought back a childhood memory for me that I wanted to share with you.  In the movie Diane Lane’s character’s son asks if he could do Chuck… Let me explain. When I was growing up my Aunt Mimi taught me this little rhymey thing that I used to chant all the time.  Let’s use the name MARY.  It went something like this:

Let’s try the name Tony:

Now for Chuck – who I ALWAYS begged for – but like the kid in the movie – always asked permission:

Although the movie used a different one, you can see the appeal for a little kid.  I always heard the word but wouldn’t dare say it without my favorite limerick.

Then enter my first cousin Janice – 17 years my senior.

Janice loved to trick me into saying dirty words and reciting limericks to my parents and relatives, only to be rewarded by, “Jackie!  Don’t say that!”  This reaction even made it more interesting to a push-the-buttons little girl who loved to test the boundaries.

The funny thing is that I remember EVERY SINGLE WORD.  I am the Valedictorian of dirty limericks and spout them on occasion at parties and social gatherings – prefacing my performance with the disclaimer I mentioned above.

Does anybody remember…..

And the infamous……

As dirty limericks go, they’re pretty good.

Does anyone remember anything similar in their lives?  Do tell.  I don’t want to be the only freakazoid on Earth.

Image: Darren Robertson / FreeDigitalPhotos.net






Posted in life, Memories

Tagged childhood, humor, life, memories, stories

When We Don’t Have The Words

Posted on July 25, 2010 | 8 comments

Sometimes we just don’t have the words to express what we want or need to say.  Here are some of my favorite quotes:

What’s your favorite quote?  Please share.

Image: Gregory Szarkiewicz / FreeDigitalPhotos.net






Posted in life

Tagged life, my life, quotes, rants, sartre

Baths vs. Showers: The Best Way To Get Wet

Posted on July 24, 2010 | 3 comments

When I was little I always wanted to take a big-girl shower.  My mom made me take baths for a long time but I endlessly longed for a that spray of water on top of my head while I opened my mouth to get a taste.

As a teenager, I thought baths were gross.  Sitting there in your own filthy water while an errant hair floats by – YUK!  I could not bear it and I had to have the cleanest OCD tub in NJ.

Adulthood has brought me to the realization that I love baths again.  A bubble bath, an oil bath, a foam bath or a salt bath.  I’ll take them all.  I lower the lights in my bathroom, light some scented candles, pour a glass of Old Vine Zin and try to coax my other half to join me (he never does – I think we need a bigger tub). I dream about a giant tub for two.  A bathtub where I can stretch out, covered in water from neck to toe (with no parts sticking out).  A soaking tub – with heated jets and aromatherapy – and maybe a sauna or steam to boot.

I’m glad that I haven’t forgotten – or rather can re-appreciate a good old bath and its therapeutic qualities.

What do you prefer?  A bath or a shower?  I still can’t decide the best way to get wet…. well I can, but that has nothing to do with bathing – but that’s another blog.

Image: Filomena Scalise / FreeDigitalPhotos.net






Posted in life, Life Then And Now

Tagged baths, humor, life, memories, my life, personal, stories

New England Clam Chowder… The BEST

Posted on July 23, 2010 | 2 comments

Recently I have been blogging about food and recipes original and borrowed.  My obsession with food is evident in my 20 pound weight gain over the past year – causing me to gain 2 sizes – from a 4 to an 8.  I must say it’s been worth it.  I love to cook and I love to eat more.

I’m always trying to create or perfect existing recipes to please my sense of taste and style.  After searching for years for a great New England Clam Chowder recipe, I decided to make my own and I think that it is the best I’ve ever tasted.

A Jersey Girl’s New England Clam Chowder

1/2 lb bacon, medium dice
1 large onion red or yellow, chopped
1/2 c chopped celery
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
1 lb red potatoes, medium to small dice (approx 8 small)
4 c clam juice (I use the juice from the clams only if using canned)
2 c heavy cream
2 lbs little neck clams, shucked and chopped or 1 – 3 lb can clams or 6-8 small cans, reserve juice In a heavy stockpot or Dutch Oven, over medium-high heat, render the bacon, until crispy, about 8 minutes.  Stir in the onions, celery and carrot. Sauté until the vegetables start to wilt.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add the bay leaves and thyme.  Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring.  Add the potatoes.  Stir in the reserved clam juice.  Bring liquid up to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.  Simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 12 minutes.  Add cream and bring up to a simmer. Add the clams and simmer for 2 minutes.  Stir in parsley.  Season with salt and pepper if needed.  Ladle into shallow bowls and serve. Serves 6 – 8

Do you have a favorite Clam Chowder recipe?






Posted in cooking, food

Tagged clam chowder, cooking, food, jersey, New Jersey, recipes, soup

Summer Garden Tomato Salad

Posted on July 21, 2010 | 4 comments

Jacqui’s Summer Tomato Salad 








Tagged cooking, food, recipes, summer

Mixed Berry Tiramisu

Posted on July 20, 2010 | 2 comments

One of my favorite desserts is Tiramisu, whether it’s a traditional version, a toasted almond treat or a berry delight.  Every year I dazzle my holiday dinner guests with a Mixed Berry Tiramisu, a recipe that I cut out of a Bon Appétit Magazine ages ago.  I cannot take credit for this recipe but I will take credit for its execution.

Cook frozen mixed berries and 6 tablespoons sugar in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat until mixture resembles jam and is reduced to 1 cup, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes. Cool jam mixture.

Strain syrup from thawed raspberries through sieve set over bowl, pressing gently on solids. Discard solids. Add raspberry liqueur to raspberry syrup in bowl. Using sharp knife, trim 1 biscuit to 3-inch (about) length. Quickly dip biscuit into syrup, turning to coat lightly. Place rounded end up and sugared side against side of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides. Repeat with as many biscuits as necessary to cover sides of pan. Dip more biscuits in syrup and arrange on bottom of pan, covering completely and trimming to fit.

In bowl, whisk mascarpone with 6 tablespoons sugar and vanilla to blend. Set aside. Thinly slice enough strawberries to measure 1/2 cup. Gently spread half of jam mixture over biscuits in bottom of pan. Spoon half of mascarpone mixture over; smooth top. Sprinkle with sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup fresh raspberries and 1/2 cup blueberries. Dip more biscuits into syrup; arrange over fruit in pan, covering completely and trimming to fit. Gently spread remaining jam mixture over biscuits. Spoon remaining mascarpone mixture over; smooth top. Cover; chill at least 4 hours or overnight.

Release pan sides. Transfer cake to platter. Arrange remaining fresh berries decoratively atop cake and serve.

Serves 10.

I hope you’ll try it.  Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Bon Appétit, August 1993.







Tagged baking, cooking, dessert, food, recipes, tiramisu
