Pictures of the deer

Here are the deer pictures. They just browsed through our back yard as calmly as can be. As you can see, Opie is in the bottom left hand corner of the picture and is just going nuts trying to keep anything from coming into our year.

The deer just stopped and stared at Opie for a few minutes - they weren't scared and they didn't run away, so evidently his barking didn't bother them. I guess they showed him, huh?

I saw deer this morning

My dog woke me up this morning. When the kids leave for school and the weather is nice, they put Opie outside on his chain. Anyway - he was just going nuts. He was barking like crazy, running around in circles and straining against his lead. So - I got up to see what was going on.

There were five deer right in my backyard! They were strolling through our yard and evidently the barking didn't bother them in the least. I ran back inside to get my camera, but I was too slow - they were gone when I got back outside.

I'm keeping an eye out and my camera's handy. I might have some pictures to share a little later on.

Recipe Box – Sweet Rolls (Kolachi)

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan

*Click here for more of my favorite "MOM" quotes*

Don't forget Mother's Day on May 11th. These sweet rolls are a perfect addition to a breakfast in bed.

Recipe Box – Sweet Rolls (Kolachi)
Roll Ingredients:
1 pkg dry yeast
¼ cup lukewarm water
¾ cup scalded milk
1 egg
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
2 ½ to 3 cups flour

Dipping Mixture:
Melted Butter
¾ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:
Mix roll ingredients and let rise until double in bulk
Mix sugars and cinnamon for dipping mixture.
Break off a piece of dough at a time.
Dip into melted butter, then into dipping mixture.
Place in petal shapes on round pizza pan.
Let rise another 30 to 45 minutes
Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes.
Frost when slightly warm.

Alaska's Best Kitchens Article

I got my copy of the new issue of Alaska's Best Kitchens and my article is featured on the front cover. My article is the one that says - "How to Green-ify your Design."

The kitchens are beautiful in this magazine and I am envious. My kitchen's barely big enough to turn around in!

The Dog and I are on a Schedule

About 5:00 every day, I get a call from my oldest son to pick him up from track practice. Opie, the dog, and I go to pick him up every day.



We always thought our dog wasn't too smart, but I may have to change my opinion. He seems to know exactly when my son calls to pick him up. The phone can ring during the day, and Opie ignores it. I can get up to go run errands and Opie ignores me. But - let the phone ring about 5:00 and Opie's instantly at the door, doing his little whine and plea for a ride in the car.

Luckily, we live in the country and I can drive slow through the back roads to the school. He sticks his head out the window and just thoroughly enjoys the ride. Because he's got those big floppy ears, his ears often flop up and he ends up looking like a bat.

What do you think?

Pictures from the Texas Trip

Hubby and oldest son went on their annual trip to Paradise, Texas! They cater the meals for the North Texas Whip Club's April event. Some pictures are below!

The Cooks are taking a break.........................

AND ---- of course - no set of pictures are complete without one of a Texas Longhorn.

For those who have never been to Texas - here's some thoughts:

• The normal spices for any food choice are: hot pepper flakes, Tabasco sauce, salt and ketchup
• There may be four seasons, but they are all described with the word "Summer" - Almost summer, summer, was summer and colder than summer. Colder than summer is used to describe the cold snap that occurs in December when the weather drops below 70 degrees. It's time to start cookin chili and puttin' up the Christmas tree.
• True Texans understand that Texas can do without the rest of the US. But the rest of the US couldn't - without great hurt and pain - do without Texas.
• Texas is it's own country - it doesn't matter what the law says.
• Boots and cowboy hats are appropriate church, wedding and funeral attire and are worn to show respect.
• Texas chili DOES NOT contain beans. People at chili cookouts will laugh you out of the park as a know-nothin Yankee if you show up with beans in your chili.

Broccoli Salad

April 2008 Catering Newsletter

My mom would make this all the time and it is so delicious. I make it now as well. It's amazing, but my kids are true fans of broccoli - not just in salad, but cooked, steamed or just raw as a snack.

Broccoli Salad
Ingredients:
1 bunch fresh broccoli, chopped into small pieces
1 small onion, chopped
½ pound bacon – fried crisp and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup white sugar
2 tbsp vinegar

Directions:
Mix broccoli, onion, bacon and cheese together
Mix together remaining ingredients in separate bowl and pour over salad
Let stand 3-4 hours before serving