The World According to Bella

A Lunch Date

Mr. C and Mrs. S invited me out to lunch. When I heard I was going to my most favorite restaurant at the pier I was beside myself with excitement. Running along the pier and barking at the pelicans is a really fun thing to do. Mr.C had to hold on tight to my leash.    

I remembered this restaurant at the pier from the last time we visited the town. They offer very fine dog friendly outdoor dining service. 

With a bowl of cool water and a doggie biscuit supplied by Mrs. S I was contented while Mr. C and Mrs. S had their lunch. I was able to keep a watchful eye on the pelicans and all the boats docked at the pier.

I got lots of attention from people who passed by our table. Some wanted to pet me and even told me I was beautiful dog.   

This place really likes dogs. I was well behaved so they'd let me come back.

I had fun.

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Dove Chocolate Gingersnap Cookies

Cook's notes: I am dedicating this blog recipe posting to my neighbors Gordon and Nita, who next to my husband have been my chief taste testers. Over the years I have appreciated their feedback on the recipes. 

Right before we left on our trip they gave us a bag of Dove chocolates for Valentine's Day. We resisted the urge to open the bag and saved it till we arrived at our destination. Now that was self-control!!

I found a recipe perfect for using the Dove chocolates. I only wish I could send this plate to them since now the two of us have some 32 cookies to eat. I had to freeze some but will keep up walking the beach to wear off the calories. The cookies were easy to make and quite delicious. 

Optional omit rolling the dough balls in sugar might shave off a few calories :) 
recipe adapted from Pillsbury

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of Dove chocolates
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2-3/4 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 3/4 cup shortening (I used 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/4 cup softened margarine)
• 1/4 cup sugar

Directions:

• In a large bowl, beat brown sugar, shortening and molasses until smooth with a mixer 
• Add in egg with vanilla and beat well  
• Beat in flour, spices and baking soda
• Chill dough for an hour in freezer or refrigerator
• Preheat oven to 375 and use an ungreased cookie sheet
• Add 1/3 cup sugar in a shallow bowl
• Roll dough into 1-1/2 inch balls and  then lightly roll in granulated sugar
• Bake 9 minutes or until tops are cracked and edges set (do not flatten cookies before baking) 
• Immediately press 1 candy in center of each cookie
• Place cookies on a wire rack
• While next batch is baking put the wire rack in refrigerator until candy is set
• Chocolate candy stars can be substituted for the Dove chocolates