During tough times, there is one thing that can bring us together and {hopefully} keep us calm — comfort food. Comfort food comes in all different kinds of forms — mac + cheese, chicken noodle soup, rice + beans. The menu is endless. There’s one dish, however, that many of us can universally agree on — French toast. It’s sweet and satisfying with a little bit of crisp — the perfect comfort meal. Lucky for us, local chef Casey of Casey 2 Cook is sharing her fabulous French toast recipe to satisfy all those comfort food cravings. Here’s what you need to make it at home:
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The Ingredients
Make sure you have these items on hand before you begin cooking:
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 eggs
- 2/3 cup of whole milk
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla
- Sprinkle of nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons of butter
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How to Make It
This recipe is a lot simpler than it seems.
- First, grab a bowl and whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Whisk until it the mixture is smooth.
- Next, use what Casey calls the “the ABC technique” to dip the bread into the mixture one piece at a time. Casey says to “When you put the bread in begin the ABCs. Once you get to G turn it over to soak the other side. When you get P flip again. And again at V, once more at Z and then carefully lift it and let it drain off its side as you sing ‘Now I know my ABCs, next time won’t you sing with me!'”
- Next, heat up your pan to medium heat, melt a bit of butter, and add it to your dipped bread. Casey says to “continue to do the ABCs and add into the pan one by one {or however many can fit in your pan in a single layer}.”
- Cook each piece of toast’s side until it’s browned {for about five minutes each}.
- Finally, grab some butter, powdered sugar, syrup, and other toppings, serve, and enjoy!
Have a favorite recipe to make at home? Email us the ingredients, the recipe, and a pic {if you have one} to [email protected]!
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A Guide to Dry January, From a Local Therapist
So begins the New Year, New Me mentality — it’s a time for many to prioritize health, wellness, self-care, and the occasional detox. Interestingly enough, alcohol use among young adults in the United States has steadily decreased over the last two decades, with terms like ‘california sober’ and ‘sober curious’ becoming more and more mainstream.
As a licensed mental health therapist, much of my early work with clients starts with data collection, or what I call ‘paying attention on purpose.’ One of the benefits of sobriety is not only gaining clarity, but being able to be more intentional with your time. January is already a time for resolutions, goal setting, and intentional action — so why take it a little deeper.
In practicing paying attention on purpose, people learn a lot about themselves by paying attention and gathering data on what is and isn’t working, allowing for even higher level goal setting.
For many, the hesitation to practice sobriety is the fear of being boring, which of course is a fair cause for pause — but in a town like this there are a plethora of ways to have fun, the good old fashioned sober way. Whether you’re starting your new year with a little detox, practicing long term-sobriety, pregnant, or just want to consume less alcohol, I’ve curated a list of my favorite local sober activities for you to dive into. Keep reading to explore local spots to celebrate dry January in Hoboken + Jersey City, from local therapist Heather Rafanello.
For those looking to get creative…
- Ivy Mane Studio is a local home decor store and workshop. It has a variety of workshops — and don’t worry, no prior experience is required. All materials are provided, and instructors are there to guide you every step of the way. If you’re not partaking in Dry January, all classes are BYOB!
- Take a sewing class at Galastella Studio in Hoboken. This female-owned business has private classes, workshops, and is BYOB should you wish to bring a beverage.
- ReWax + UnWine in Jersey City is a candle-making experience.
- Tipsy Tie Dye: This family-owned establishment is a great place to channel those creative juices. While tipsy is right there in the name, there’s no tipsy requirement at this spot. These classes are BYO if you choose.
Read More: Your Ultimate Dry January Guide to Hoboken + Jersey City
For those looking to taste their way through town...
- Learn how to roll your own sushi at Saku. Grab your friends and schedule a “Rolling with the Homies” make-your-own sushi class.
- Visit Hudson Table, Hoboken’s first cooking studio, for a hands-on class.
- Antique at 112 has a game night on Tuesday’s, so swing by for a bite and a little friendly competition (AND it is BYOB if your friends aren’t on the same path as you).
For the active crew...
- Aerow Archery is the spot to learn archery or level up your archery game. The staff are experts ready to help patrons of all ages enjoy learning a new skill.
- Hudson Golf is the indoor golf simulator is for the novice golfer looking to learn, or the experienced looking to keep from getting rusty during the cold weather. The spot has views that overlook the Manhattan skyline, and has a full kitchen. Tip: The Golf Lessons cocktail can be made into a yummy mocktail.
- The Gravity Vault is a facility for indoor rock climbing. You can spend the day with a Day Pass, attend a class, or schedule an instructor-led private session. A great way to overcome some fears in the New Year.
- Jump on over to a trampoline class at JaneDo. These low-impact classes are major energy boosters and are seriously fun.
For those just looking for a good time...
Photo Credit: Liberty Science Center
- The Liberty Science Center hosts LSC After Dark experiences every Thursday night. These adult-only theme parties allow you to experience the museum, laser shows, a live DJ, and more.
- Hudson Lanes in Jersey City has 60 bowling lanes, a full bar and grill, and arcade games for all.
- Got a need for speed? Head over to RPM Raceway and hit the European-style race track.
- Antique Bar + Bakery has both cocktail and mocktail options available in-house. Antique’s Johnny Friendly Mocktail is available to-go in a collectible, limited edition flask.
- Cellar 335 is continuing the Sleighs and Leighs through January, and the team can make almost any cocktail into a delicious mocktail.
See More: 18 Alcohol-Free Activities to Try at the Jersey Shore
A few more bars with mocktails...
- Belo Bar is a live music spot in Hoboken and bartenders can make any cocktails into a mocktail upon request.
- Frankie’s has delicious mocktails, and juices - you can even add CBD to any beverage.
- The Madison has a selection of mocktails, and NA beers, including Athletic Brewing NA beer.
- Olivia’s is a local Mediterranean spot that has a range of delicious mocktails on the menu.
- Orale is a go-to spot for Mexican food, with locations in both Hoboken and Jersey City. Patrons can try one of the flavorful margaritas, either with or without alcohol — and the team can also make virgin piña coladas in several flavors. Writer’s tip: try the coconut margarita.
- Sirenetta Oyster Bar has a full mocktail menu that is organized by flavor profile. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, sweet, or refreshing, this spot has it covered.
