And I Resolve...

As we move from 2010 to 2011 one can't help but reflect on the passing year as we also look forward to the future. For some 2010 might have been a banner year and others hope 2011 will be better for them.

I read recently that each January roughly one out of every three Americans resolve to better themselves in some way. But a smaller percentage actually make good on those resolutions. The top resolutions focus on eating healthier, weight loss, more exercise, quitting smoking and saving more money. The drive to exercise more is quite evident when I am at the gym. Attendance numbers will be at an all time high in January and then after two to three months be back to normal. Why is this? Not sure since we all start out with good intentions making our resolutions but some how along the way get side tracked. Perhaps we need to have some kind of support/reward system in place to help us stick with our resolutions. If you are one who has made a resolution be sure it is a worthy one that is attainable and then work on keeping it.

Wishing all of you

Quiet wonders

That touch your soul

Many favorite memories

That make you smile

And peace in your world

always.

Happy New Year

2011

Cooking Lite

Lite Spicy Tomato-Vodka Sauce

Cooking notes: The meat in this recipe calls for using turkey products to save on calories and fat. Example: chopped turkey pepperoni slices.

I thought the sauce tasted fine by adding no meat and I used it as a vegetarian dish. The sauce was served over penne pasta.

Another option for meat would be to use 1lb. of Italian Sweet Sausage cooked and crumbled into small pieces.

At first I thought ½ cup vodka seemed like a lot so I went with 1/3 cup but it cooked down nicely when simmered for 30 minutes.

The recipe called for 1 ½ tsp. red pepper flakes which I did not have so substituted green and red pepper. Adding pepper flakes would kick the flavor up a notch.

The sauce is enough to serve 6-8 and I thought the recipe was easy and it can be made in about 30 minutes

Directions : Heat in a skillet 2 TB. Olive oil

Add and sauté about 3 minutes

• ½ cup sweet onion chopped
• ½ cup green pepper chopped
• ½ cup red pepper chopped

Add in the following and saute 1 minute

• 1 TB. minced garlic
• 1 ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1/4 cup tomato paste

Cooked meat can be added at this point

Add the following and bring to a boil and reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes until liquid reduced by half then discard bay leaf

• 2 cans of chunky basil-oregano-garlic tomatoes
• 1/3 –1/2-cup vodka
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp salt

After sauce has simmered 20 minutes stir the following in and simmer on low heat about 10 minutes

• 1 TB. balsamic vinegar
• 1/3-cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Recipe adapted from Cuisine Magazine February 2011

CPR

This past week my January issues of several magazine subscriptions have been arriving. Each issue seems to have articles that focus on a making a fresh start in the new year with suggestions on how to declutter, organize your home, setting and keeping goals and ways to live a healthier better life in 2011.

One piece that caught my interest was the article that suggested it was time to do CPR on your closet: Categorize, Purge, and Rearrange. It sounds like such a noble thing to do! Personally I have never thought of applying the term CPR to my closet space but it does make sense. The author of the article said one should consider each item. If it doesn't make you feel wonderful or look fabulous, it's a no. So put the item in the "to donate box" and put that box in your car right away before you change your mind.

BHG magazine 25 Ways to Pare Down and Get Organized for a Fresh New Year.

My take is we all are busy people and it is far easier and faster to just throw stuff back in the closet rather than carefully thinking about how these items should be organized/ grouped by color and type or how neatly items could be placed on the hangers.

If you decide to take the plunge to clean your closet I suggest you sort and decide quickly what should go "to the donate box." Consider the following

1. If you have not worn the outfit in the last century-time to ditch it

2. If you are hanging on to a clothing item, hoping you might regain that slimmer figure-let the item go

3. If some treasured clothing piece is out of style and you are hoping the look will come back-do a reality check-toss it

4. If you have have not used/worn an item in last six months consider letting go

5. If you have multiples of one item perhaps one will do

6. And lastly, perhaps time to rethink the thought ... No one can have too many purses and shoes

Reorganizing closets and drawers can be therapeutic and empowering. Putting a system into place is the easy part but its the maintaining part that will be the challenge!

Good Luck

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One of my New Year's Resolutions will be to incorporate more recipes that are lighter in calories. Lite Spicy Tomato Vodka Sauce and Lightened Bolognese Sauce will be on the next blog just in time for your New Year's holiday entertaining.

A Holiday Story

I thought this story was interesting. I checked @ snopes.com and it is indeed true! Heartwarming! A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night. His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bob's wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer. Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob. Even when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938. Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined to make one - a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl onChristmas Day. But the story doesn't end there. The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer _ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph . That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book. In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either. Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by thesinging cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas." The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing. __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Twas The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas

By Clement Clarke Moore

with some adaptations of events

that really did occur-FYI Bella is a yellow lab

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse:

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there:

While we were all nestled snug in our beds,

Bella had visions of treats dancing in her head;

I in my nightie and he in his sweats

Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap.

When out in the living room there rose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

And what to my wondering eyes should appear

But Bella making a BIG leap

for those stockings that had been hung with such care,

her hopes were high that the stockings had been filled.

Then away to the window she flew like a flash

Hoping for a glimpse of the jolly old elf.

But he had sprang to his sleigh and gave his team but a whistle

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

Then we heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight,

“HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO BELLA-A GOOD NIGHT."

St. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra, Turkey. He was the original and true holiday gift giver. He lived in the 4th century on the Mediterranean coast. The Bishop of Myra was kind and good to children, unmarried maidens as well as the poor. He gave gifts to those in greatest need. The Dutch brought the legend of St. Nicholas to America under the name Sint Nicholas or Sinter Klaas. In 1823 the poem, " A Visit from St. Nicholas" better known as "The Night Before Christmas" by Clement Moore gave a complete description of what we know today as a jolly old elf named as Santa Claus.

I am including two recipes that are fast and easy for your holiday entertaining.

Brie Cherry Cups

• 1 sheet and ½ of another frozen puff pastry thawed
• ½-3/4 cup cherry preserves
• 1 Brie wedge ( 7 oz.) cut in ½ cubes
• ½ cup crumbled almonds

Directions:

• Unfold pastry cut into 36 squares
• Gently press squares into bottom of each 36 miniature muffin cups that have been sprayed with PAM
• Bake 375 for 7 minutes. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle make a indentation in the center of each puff pastry bake about 6 minutes longer
• With handle press each square down again to form an indentation in the center
• In the center of each puff pastry place Brie cube
• Spoon ½ rounded teaspoon of preserves on top of each Brie cube
• Sprinkle nuts on top of cherry preserves
• Bake 3-5 minutes till cheese melts and starts to bubble
• Cool slightly on a wire rack-serve warm

Pesto Cheese Tarts

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup chopped grape cherry tomatoes that have been drained on a paper towel
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 3 TB. shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tsp. prepared Basil Pesto
• 1 package frozen miniature phyllo tart shells (I used Athens brand) plus half of another box thaw out about 30 minutes

Directions:

• In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, cheeses and pesto
• Arrange tart shells on ungreased cookie sheet
• Spoon heaping teaspoons into tart shells
• Top with chopped tomatoes
• Bake 350 for 8-12 minutes or until lightly browned
• Cool slightly on a wire rack- serve warm

Wishing All of You A Happy Holiday

MERRY CHRISTMAS

One More Reason...

Muffs

by Lee Bennett Hopkins

When

winter winds

begin to

howl

began to blast

begin to growl

when

winter winds

become

too gruff

its time

to wear

a pair

of

muffs.

Well... we missed seeing the total lunar eclipse due to cloudy conditions in the early morning but lucky us we got another snowfall. And yes, those snow piles just keep piling higher and higher. It is hard to believe today is the REAL first day of winter. Seems like we have had it for a whole month already! But what better day than today, December 21, to wear your ear muffs to honor the man who 110 years got a patent for his ear warmers, Chester Greenwood. The state of Maine even sets this day aside to honor his achievement. How many of you remember wearing ear muffs growing up as a kid and getting them as a Christmas present. You will be proud of me but I manage to resist the urge to buy sock monkey ear muffs at a local department store recently. So far my hat is doing a great job keeping my ears warm.

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One more brunch recipe to add to your collection

Italian Brunch Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1- 80z. package of sweet Italian sausage ( cooked, drained, crumbled)
• 1 large loaf of Italian bread cut in 1 inch cubes-about 8-9 cups
• 1 cup green onions
• 1 cup sliced thinly zucchini
• 1 red and 1 green pepper chopped or 1 small jar roasted red peppers, drained
• 1 small package of mushrooms
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups half and half or whole milk
• 8 eggs
• 1-2 TB. dried Italian seasonings

Directions:

• Cut up bread and set aside
• In blender mix seasonings, eggs, half and half or milk
• Saute onions, peppers, mushrooms, zucchini and add sausage set aside
• Grease a large glass bowl or 13 x 9 pan
• Spread 4 cups of bread mixture on bottom
• Place on top 1/2 mushroom mixture/sausage and 1 cup of cheese
• Place rest of cubes over that mixture
• Top with remaining mushroom mixture/sausage and rest of cheese
• Pour milk mixture slowly over that
• Cover and chill at least 8 hours
• Bake covered @ 325 for 45 minutes uncover last 10 minutes

adapted from Southern Living January 2003

Something to think about...

I wanted to share an article I received via e mail from a organization called Lake Region Writers. This non-profit organization was formed to serve writers in west central Minnesota. You can find out more about it by going to website: www.lakeregionwriters.net
Heidi Kratzke's featured article was thought provoking and I wanted to pass it along. The content interested me because as a classroom teacher I often saw students caught up with the different facets of social networking and simple letter writing did indeed get passed by as too labor intensive.

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

December 18, 2010

Here’s an idea: commit to writing a letter. A real letter. In between the typical flurry of daily work, poetry and prose, pens and paper…take out a sheet of stationary and write a letter to someone this holiday season.

As the Christmas cards keep arriving at our home, I find myself thankful for the family photos and accompanying “this year in review” letters from people I haven’t seen for awhile. Yet, there’s nothing better than a handwritten letter mailed from a friend.

In a day where most of our written communication is delivered via e-mail, text, or instant message, a letter in the mail adds an unexpected personal touch. It also gives way writers an opportunity to express emotions and share about daily happenings in a relaxed way, void of much of the usual verbal scrutiny.

Although your letter will not be a literary masterpiece, it just might bring back some of the joy of writing. Simultaneously, it will help brighten someone else’s day. Whenever I get stuck on a writing project, I find it helpful to direct my writing energies into another creative outlet. Let an old-fashioned letter find its way into your writing plans this season.

Now the only questions is: Who are you going to write first?

by Heidi Kratzke, LRWN Board Member

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Today I started some holiday cookie baking and tried something new. If you love chocolate then this is for you.

Chocolate Chip and Peppermint Crunch Crackles

Makes 2 dozen

Baking tip: To crush peppermint candies place in a heavy duty plastic bag and use a mallet or in baking aisle look for a 12 oz. bag of peppermint chips

Refrigerate dough in between batches

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. (1 package) of bittersweet chocolate
• 1 stick or 1/2 cup butter cut in cubes
• 1- 1/2 oz. chopped unsweetened chocolate ( 2 squares)
• 1/2 cup crushed hard peppermint candies
• 6- 1/2 TB. sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. peppermint extract
• 1 3/4 cup flour
• 3/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

• Combine first three ingredients in saucepan with sugar
• Stir over low heat till chocolate melts
• Remove from heat and add crushed candies
• Cool for 20 minutes and stir occasionally
• Whisk eggs into chocolate mixture, add vanilla and peppermint extracts
• In a bowl whisk flour, baking powder and salt
• Fold chocolate mixture into flour mixture and mix well
• Cover and refrigerate about 4 hours
• Preheat oven 325
• Line cookie sheet with parchment paper
  
• Shape dough into a generous tablespoon ball and place on sheet
• Cook about 13 minutes- let rest 5 minutes on sheet before removing
• Cookies will be puffed and cracked on top but soft to the touch in center
  

Eyes on the Prize

Remember that photo I posted yesterday of a recent gift: a very cute sock monkey hat? I really have had it only some 48 hours and thought it was going to be perfect for walks in the dog park with the continued cold weather. But it seems Bella has secretly been plotting how to get this hat for herself.
The minute we left the house for several hours Bella knew her big moment had arrived. She wasted no time digging in the hat/mitten/glove box for the sock monkey hat and proudly added it to her stash. But not before she nibbled at the ear, tugged at the eyes and sucked on the red furry balls attached to the string ties. And if that wasn't enough she also hauled out of the box another one of my hats and chewed at the brim. This is one dog who has way too much time on her paws. Perhaps Bella just wishes she had a hat of her own. Luckily, with a few repairs this sock monkey hat will still be a wearable item.
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The following are some salad recipes perfect for a brunch

Orange Walnut Salad with Sweet and Sour Dressing

adapted from Paula Deen

Ingredients:
1/2 head bibb lettuce cleaned and torn into bite size pieces
1 small container of spinach leaves
3 oranges, peeled, sectioned, and seeded
1 red onion, sliced and separated into rings
3/4 cup walnuts
1 cucumber cut in thin slices
Sweet and Sour Dressing or buy a prepared one

• 1/2 cup cider vinegar

• 1 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. celery seed
• 1 tsp. dry mustard
• 1 tsp. paprika

Directions:

• In a large bowl combine lettuce, spinach, oranges, cucumber and onions
• In a saucepan saute walnuts in 2 tsp. butter till lightly browned
• Add to lettuce mixture
• Combine all the dressing ingredients in a blender and chill for several hours
• Add dressing to salad just before serving

Oranges with Cinnamon

Ingredients:

• 8-10 oranges-sliced with rim
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1- 2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

• Arrange orange slices in a shallow dish
• In saucepan whisk all ingredients
• Heat to almost a boil
• Remove from heat and add 1/8 cup orange liqueur or Grand Marnier
  
• Pour over oranges- cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours
• To serve drain fruit with a slotted spoon

Grand Orange and Strawberries

recipe from Southern Living May 2003

Ingredients:

• 1/2 orange marmalade
• 1- 1/2 cup sparkling white grape juice
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur
• 1- 12 oranges peeled and sectioned
• 2 cups of sliced strawberries

Directions:

• Melt marmalade on low heat stirring constantly
• Remove from heat and stir in grape juice and Grand Marnier
• Blend liquid mixture into fruits
• Cover and chill at least 8 hours
• Serve fruit mixture in a sherbet glasses by using a slotted spoon

Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries

Ingredients:

• 1 box of long-grain wild rice mix
• 1 cup dried cranberries or Craisins or dried cherries
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 4 green onions chopped
• 3 celery ribs chopped finely
• 1/2 cup sweet and sour dressing prepared or purchased
• 1 cup dry roasted peanuts

Directions:

• Prepare rice mix according to directions
• Add all other ingredients except peanuts
• Cover chill at least 2 hours then add in peanuts
  

Sock Monkey Attire

My sock monkey wardrobe continues to expand with a recent gift, a sock monkey hat. No doubt I will be the envy of those who walk the dog park as I wear such a fun warm hat complete with snugly ear flaps. Check out photo.

While Rocky Socky was busy driving the Sockland Express bus, I decided to take a closer look at one of Will's Christmas gifts to Rocky Socky before it got wrapped Sock Monkey Dreams Daily Life at the Red Heeled Monkey Shelter by Whitney Shroyer and Letitia Walker (info. just in case you may want to pick up your own copy) chronicles the daily life at the Red Heeled Monkey Shelter, a home for abandoned sock monkeys. I learned about the people who run the shelter, the rescue monkeys that are for sale and how these sock species evolved.

As I delved further into the book I was fascinated to learn about all the ways these monkeys arrive at the shelter. Many come from rescue missions from thrift shops, antique malls and yard sales. Some get dropped off or mailed in boxes to the shelter by people who can no longer care for them.

A resident sock monkey named Benny Hathaway writes and edits a newspaper called The Monkey Ape Vine. This newspaper covers the daily events at the shelter with resident interviews. I was just starting to read the chapter: What's Cookin' at Cookie's Counter? when I decided I'd better get a move on my own holiday baking. So at a later date I'll find out more about Cookie, a sock monkey who recently started a new career opening a monkey dinner.

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Brunch Recipe Ideas

check back tomorrow on blog for bunch salad recipes

Ham and Asparagus Strata

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. asparagus spears (1 bunch) trimmed that have been cooked in salted boiling water 10 minutes, drained and cut in 2 inch pieces
• 6 cups of French bread cubes
• 3 cups white cheddar cheese
• 2 TB. parsley flakes
• 1 tsp. dry mustard
• 1 tsp. salt
• ¾ cup chopped onion
• 2 cups chopped cooked ham
• 7 eggs
• 3 cups half and half
• 1 small package of mushrooms

Directions:

• Sauté mushrooms and onions
• In a blender add eggs and seasonings
• Grease glass 13 x 9 pan
• Place bread crumbs on the bottom of glass pan, add mushrooms, onions
• Place ham and chopped asparagus over bread cubes
• Pour half and half mixture over ham mixture
• Sprinkle with cheese
• Cover and refrigerate overnight
• Take out about 30 minutes before cooking
• Cook uncovered at 325 45 minutes check to make sure center is set
• Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving

Blueberry French Toast Bake

Adapted from Betty Crocker Berry Good French Toast Bake

Ingredients:

• ½ cup flour
• 1 ½ cups half and half or whole milk
• 1 TB. sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1-1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 6 eggs
• 1- 6oz. cream cheese cubed
• 10 slices of French bread cut 1- inch thick in 1- inch cubes
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (thawed)
• ½ cup almonds

Directions:

• Grease a 2-½ quart casserole
• In blender mix flour, half and half, vanilla, salt, eggs,cinnamon and sugar
• In a separate bowl add milk mixture to bread cubes
• Place in greased baking dish
• Top with ½ inch cream cheese cubes spread evenly over bread mixture, top with blueberries and nuts
• Cover and refrigerate at least an hour but no longer than 24 hours
• Heat oven to 400
• Bake 30 minutes uncovered till golden brown and center is set
• To serve sprinkle with powdered sugar or syrup

Just in the Nick of Time!

An unexpected delivery to our Up North mailbox was just in the nick of time for the forecasted weekend of the big chill and maybe even blizzard like conditions. YIKES! to think winter does not even start till Dec. 21!!! It certainly was a surprise to receive these slippers from a friend. I am now making a new fashion statement for around the house attire. But I have found the need to be vigilant where these slippers are kept. Bella was sure they were a new type of toy intended just for her. Check out photo of an early holiday arrival.
In the newest issue of SCBWI bulletin I found an article about Alice Pope noteworthy. She has been the editor of the book Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market for 18 years but is now blogging as the industry expert for SCBWI. Check out her website:www.scbwi.blogspot.com
This informational market blog will cover: interviews with agents and editors, feature debut authors and illustrators, highlight markets and new imprints, hosting writers on blog tours and offering general publishing news of interest for authors and illustrators.
If my blog reaches you in an area where you are hunkered down because of cold wintry like conditions perhaps think about trying the following recipe to make the day more palatable with some comfort food.
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Chicken Ala King
serve over Pepperidge Farm Patty Shells

Ingredients:

• 1 small package of mushrooms chopped
  
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 5 TB. butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 4-0z jar drained diced pimento
• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken or ham
• 1 cup cooked peas
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• optional 1/3 cup Sherry
• 1 TB. parsley flakes
• 1 TB. chives
  
• pinch of nutmeg
  

Directions:

• Cook mushrooms, green pepper, onion in butter
• Blend flour with salt and other spices
• Cook over low heat until bubbly with mushroom mixture
  
• Remove from heat, whisk stir in cream and broth
• Return to heat and slowly cook till thickened
• Stir in chicken or peas, pimento, peas and sherry
• Serve in patty shells
  

Dog Park Psychology 101

It occurred to me today at 7:40 AM as I was doing the dog park walk what a strange breed these dog walkers are that I have now become. As I trudge around in the snow I encounter people who are also bundled up against the cold. We share conversations but I do not know their names while our pets prance, bound and wrestle with each other. They enlighten me with all sorts of fascinating information about their pet's name, breed and age whether I want to hear it or not. Some of their dog tales about near deadly encounters with mean, aggressive dogs has at times raised my level of concern. So I have quickly figured out which are the dogs to avoid and what times not to be in the park! But on the plus side I have learned where to buy that special footwear for slippery walking conditions (hint: Fleet Farm). Some parting words...I think setting up a coffee shop near a dog park could be a very lucrative business and perhaps I should give this some serious consideration.

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Chicken and Black Bean Stuffed Burritos

Adapted from Cooking Light December 2010

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup water
• 2 TB. fresh lime juice
• ¼ tsp. ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp. chili powder
• ¼ tsp. pepper
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• ¼ cup sliced green onion
• ¾ cup black beans rinsed and drained
• ½ cup salsa
• ½ cup refried beans
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup Colby-Jack cheese grated

Directions:

• Bring first 6 ingredients to boil
• Stir in chicken
• Combine beans, salsa and refried beans
• On each tortilla spread down center, bean mixture and then chicken mixture
• Sprinkle cheese over this mixture and roll up secure in place with a toothpick
• Roll each tortilla in foil and place on a baking sheet
• Cook 15-20 minutes at 350

Meatball Subs

Ingredients;

• 4 Hoagie buns
• 2 TB. olive oil
• Grated Mozzarella cheese
• Marinara sauce (I used Buitoni product found in the refrigerated/dairy section)

Directions:Preheat oven 400

• Prepare buns by shaving a thin layer off top of each roll
• Remove some of the interior of the hoagie
• Brush inside of hollowed out buns with olive oil
• Place grated cheese inside bun
• Bake on cookie sheet about 5 minutes till buns are lightly browned and cheese melts
• Fill each sub with hot tomato sauce place 2 warmed meatballs in each hoagie
• Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese
• Bake 5-7 minutes

Note: Recipe adapted from Cuisine Magazine Winter Edition 2010

Meatballs or Meatloaf

This recipe makes 24 meatballs or one loaf pan size meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• ½ lb. ground pork
• 2-1/4 cup breadcrumbs made in the food processor with slices of whole wheat bread
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup half and half
• 2 cups grated carrots (use food processor)
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/3 chili sauce
• ½ chopped onions

Directions:

• Shape into meatball size portions and place in a greased 13 x9 pan
• Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes at 350
• Place each meatball on paper towels to drain
• If making meatloaf- grease a loaf pan and add meat mixture to pan. Add the following sauce
• Cover with foil bake at 350 45 minutes last 10 minutes remove foil
• Let meat rest 15 minutes before slicing it

Meatloaf Sauce:

• Mix in a bowl and spread on top of meat mixture
• 1 TB. Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup chili sauce
• 1 TB. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. yellow mustard
• 1 tsp. cider vinegar

Holiday Entertaining

With the exit of Thanksgiving the holiday season is in full gear. In the next few weeks I will be posting an assortment of tried and true recipes. Today's posting will focus on appetizers. In the upcoming weeks look for recipes for main dishes including vegetarian and ones from Cooking Light magazine, desserts and cookies.

Appetizers

Sombero Spread- serve with chips

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup catsup
• 1-2 TB. chili powder
• 1 8- 0z. can kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 1-2 cups shredded sharp cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped green olives
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 1/2 can refried beans

Directions:

• Brown meat with onions
• Drain and add the rest of the ingredients
• Simmer on low heat 45 minutes do not cover

Sweet and Sour Sauce for Chicken Wings or Ribs

Ingredients:

• 1 cup catsup
• 1 cup water mixed with 2 TB cornstarch
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1 TB. celery seed
• 1 TB. chili powder
• dash salt and pepper
• few drops of Tabasco

Directions:

• Mix ingredients and bring to boil, simmer till thickened
• In a 9 x9 pan add cooked meat and pour sauce over it
• Bake uncovered at 350 for 40 minutes

Pesto Cheese Tarts

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
• 3 TB. Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp. prepared pesto
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 1 package (2.1 oz) frozen miniature phyllo tart shells

Directions:

• In a small bowl combine tomatoes, mayo, cheeses, pesto and pepper
• Spoon heaping teaspoons into tart shells
• Place on an ungreased baking sheet
• Bake 350 8-12 minutes until lightly browned yields: 15 appetizers

Recipe from Simple and Delicious July/August 2007

Cornbread Crostini

Ingredients:

1 package of cornbread mix

Suggested toppings:

The following toppings will be heated on the cooked cornbread crostini on a baking pan and broil just till melted (1 minute)

• shredded barbecue pork, shredded pepper jack cheese, fresh cilantro
• plum tomato slices, shredded provolone cheese, crumbled bacon

The following toppings are served cold-be bold and creative-try your own ideas

• Boursin cheese, finely chopped red and yellow peppers and chives
• Gorgonzola cheese, sliced apples, parsley
• Goat cheese, cranberry chutney, watercress, freshly ground pepper

Directions for Crostini:

• Prepare cornbread mixture to manufactures directions but stir only till ingredients are moistened
• Grease mini-muffin pans
• Spoon batter into each well about 1 TB. per cup well
• Bake in batches about 15 minutes @ 400
• Remove each one and cool on wire rack
• Then place mini cornbread muffin on baking sheet and bake 375 for 5 minutes to crisp
• Cool on wire rack again

A Good Deed

Part Four:

Will nudged one of the fairies in front of him. "Hold my place, I need to go and talk with your friend for a minute!"

"Hi, my name is Will. I was standing behind you and your friends in line. Aren't you going inside Fairyland with your friends?"

"No, I'm waiting for them out here. Besides I can't buy anything today even with the discount."

"Look I am almost done with my shopping today and I have a few extra gold coins. How about you take two of them? That still leaves me with four. Besides I can always go back for more coins when I need them at the Sock Bank.* I have collected several mismatched socks that need mates so I am ready to turn them in."

"Really.. you'd give me your coins!!! Gosh, what can I say...really...thanks!"

Will pressed the coins into her hand. "We'd better hurry-look... the line is moving and it's almost 11:00!"

Inside the store Will could feel excitement in the air as many customers tried on different jeweled pieces. The fairy he had helped and her friends seemed so excited to try on several jewelry items. The glitter and shine of each of the gemstone pieces made decisions even harder.

Will looked around the store, mesmerized by the beauty of all the gemstone jewels. He wondered what his mother would like when all of sudden he spied it, there nestled in a black velvet case was a Sparkle blue toned gemstone necklace. Now this is perfect for my mom he thought to himself.

After making his purchase he stepped out into the Mall corridor and headed toward one of his favorite stores The Funky Monkey Shop. He remembered how much Holokai loved this store. Will was sure he could find something fun for him. Maybe he could even get some ideas for Holokai when he entertains the crowds at the SockMart on Saturdays. Being his manager, Will is always on the lookout for stuff.

"Would you like to try a sample of our Strawberry-Banana Smoothie? We are selling all the ingredients to make your own. It's over there in the refrigerated case," said one of the workers in the store.

Will even though full from his last treat could not turn down such a yummy sample. He decided he'd have to buy a few bags to bring home and keep in his freezer to make his own smoothies.

*Sock Bank-a place where you can bring your mismatched socks. The tellers try to find a match for your socks. If they do find a missing mate you leave the sock and get a gold coin as a payment.

All Rights Reserved Ready 2010

Lucky for us Will got the recipe!

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Banana-Strawberry Smoothie

Ingredients:

2 bananas that have been peeled and frozen in a bag

1 cup of sliced frozen strawberries

8 0z milk or 1 small container 4 oz. of vanilla yogurt

Directions:

Use blender to mix ingredients

Note: Using frozen fruit instead of ice makes for a thicker consistency

Sparkle Special

Part Three: An Unexpected Turn of Events

Just as Will was deciding if he should splurge on a another helping of Fairy Cloud, his thoughts were interrupted with a loud voice over the Mall loudspeaker.
"Do you know someone in your life who would love a Sparkle gemstone? Don't miss out on our Saturday special. Only from 11:00 to 12:00 today can you purchase a Sparkle gemstone for just 50% off regular price. This is a chance of lifetime and found only at Fairyland Shop right here at the Mall and not at any of our other locations. Don't miss out on this great special!"
Well it was at the moment the Mall crowd went wild and flew toward the Fairyland Shop. It did not take long for a line to form with only minutes to spare before 11:00. Will hurried knowing the value of these gemstones were top quality. He knew fairies loved the glitter and shine of these gems and were often seen wearing them. Indeed, this was a bargain and Will could think of many who were on his shopping list that would love such a gift.
He was lucky to squeeze in line right between two groups of fairies who were excitedly pointing to the window display of Sparkle gems. The glitter and shine of the pieces did make them look priceless! "Gosh, 50% off is such a deal." Will exclaimed out loud.
He fingered the gold coins left in his pocket. He was quite sure he had enough to purchase a few gemstones.
Just as the crowd was inching their way toward the doorway Will noticed a very dejected looking fairy slip out of line and move close to the wall opposite the store entrance. Will caught snatches of the fairies conversations in front of him...something about their friend not having enough coins to purchase any Sparkle gemstones even with a 50% off discount. Will looked at the window display of all gemstone jewelry thinking what a rare opportunity this was to buy with such a discount. Will glanced over at the fairy and made a quick decision.
To Be Continued

All Rights Reserved Ready 2010

A Wintery-Like Thanksgiving

The promise of a White Thanksgiving is now becoming a reality as snow blankets the metro area.

Judging from the packed grocery store parking lots food must be on a lot of people's minds. The stress of holiday cooking brought to my mind a funny poem I used in the classroom this time of the year.

The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven Jack Prelutsky The turkey shot out of the oven and rocketed into the air, it knocked every plate off the table and partly demolished a chair. It ricocheted into a corner and burst with deafening boom, then splattered all over the kitchen, completely obscuring the room. It stuck to the walls and the windows, it totally coated the floor, there was turkey attached to the ceiling, where there'd never been turkey before. It blanketed every appliance, it smeared every saucer and bowl, there wasn't a way I could stop it, that turkey was out of control. I scraped and I scrubbed with displeasure, and thought with chagrin as I mopped, that I'd never again stuff a turkey with popcorn that hadn't been popped. This poem brought recollection of the time when anarchy prevailed in our home one Thanksgiving when I was a child. My mother wanting to be super organized and on top of things as she prepared the big Thanksgiving dinner for eight children had what she thought was a great idea. After the turkey was cooked in mid-afternoon without our knowing, she instructed my father to debone the whole bird. As we all sat down for our big feast waiting expectantly for the Main Attraction, my mother proudly placed a huge platter of meat on the table. You should have seen the looks of disappointment! And then the cries of dissent arose. One could hear, "Where's the turkey? I want turkey! Where did the turkey go? No explanation from my mother would erase the disappointment of eight children who expected a whole cooked turkey on the platter on the table. The dinner was just not the same. Well, you can be sure my mother never repeated what she thought was a great idea on Thanksgiving again. And by the way, a learning lesson for me. Lastly, upcoming blogs: Creative ways to use turkey leftovers and some vegetarian main dishes. I received my first new issue of Cooking Light magazine. Hope you all have a safe holiday and enjoy time spent with family and friends.

Some Lucky Finds

Note: Please refer to blog: Keeping Up written on November 2. This blog updated you on previous Rocky Socky adventures with his friends Will and Holokai. In Part One we left off with Will wanting to get a jump start on his holiday shopping with plans to return to Sockland. He was busy cutting out coupons from the Sockland Gazette and making a wish list of items for his friends when he suddenly spied...

Part Two: The Perfect Gift

Will talking to himself as he scans the newspaper. "Oh my gosh-how perfect is this! I know Rocky Socky will really like these. And I can even use this coupon: buy two and get the third one free. He is so into this genealogy stuff."

Since there was no school with a holiday coming, Will wasted no time getting to the bus stop hoping he could catch the 10:00 run to the Sockland Mall. He ran furiously down the street just as Sockland Express was pulling to the curb. "Hi, Rocky Socky. Wow look how crowded your bus is already. Looks like lots of others want to do some early holiday shopping just like me."

"Hey, Will how are you? I have missed seeing you the past few weeks. Holokai keeps asking when are you coming over."

"Tell Holokai to keep on thinking up some new tricks to improve his act. We are really going to be busy at the SockMart all through December. In fact that is one reason I am going to Sockland Mall. I need to get my shopping done early. Being Holokai's manager keeps me busier that I thought."

Will settled into his seat thinking about his list. It seemed like time just flew when he heard Rocky Socky yell,"Sockland Mall! Sockland Mall!"

As he entered Sockland, Will found himself changing from his usual size to a very small size. Even after all these trips to Sockland he still felt funny with his new smaller body size. Will made a beeline for the bookstore. He spent time searching the shelves for books. Will found ones on the history of red-heeled monkeys, how to make red heel monkeys, craft ideas on what to do with single socks, sock monkey stories and many more. Will selected three he knew Rocky Socky would just love. Will was quite interested himself in learning more about the Red Heel Monkey Shelter.

As Will moved out to the inner Mall he couldn't resist stopping for a treat at the kiosk. Fairy Cloud, one of his favorites, is something he can never resist.

All Rights Reserved Ready 2010

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Dear Readers,

I am happy to report Will was lucky to get us the recipe.

Fairy Cloud

(light-airy-melts in your mouth)

Almond Macaroon Meringue

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 8 crushed macaroon cookies (use food processor)
• 1-cup milk
• 3 large eggs (separated)
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ package (envelope) of Knox unflavored gelatin (about ½ TB.)
• 2 TB. milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream whipped
• 2 TB. Kahlua
• ½ tsp. almond extract

Directions:

• Scald 1 cup of milk in saucepan-cool slightly (off burner)
• In a bowl beat egg yolks and sugar
• Pour 1 TB. scalding milk into egg yolks then whisk egg mixture and milk together in saucepan
• Cook on stove till mixture coats back of wooden spoon
• Soften gelatin in 2 TB. of milk and add to custard mixture in saucepan
• Cook on low heat 1-2 minutes (do not let mixture boil)
• Pour custard mixture in bowl, add 2 TB. Kahlua, and ½ tsp. almond extract
• Cover with wax paper for about 30 minutes to cool
• Beat egg whites in a separate bowl
• Beat whip cream in separate bowl
• Gently fold egg whites and whip cream mixture together
• Add custard to whip cream/egg white mixture
• Layer in the following manner:
• In each parfait glass (I used martini glasses) sprinkle 1 TB-2Tb cookie mixture in bottom of glass, add some custard mixture, more crushed cookies and rest of custard mixture, on top sprinkle crushed almonds
• Refrigerate till serving