Lovin' Old Dogs

In human years, our dear Molly is 105 years old! That's why she looks like this all day.

 And we let her.
Until we disturb her with the camera flash.

Who? What? Where I am?

It only takes 20 seconds to fall back asleep again.

We love all of our animals. But I warned everyone last year that Molly may be on the way out.

Boy, did she prove me wrong. She has no reason to leave. If her arthritis is acting up, we bring the food and water to her (that's an "egg crate" mattress she's laying on under her bedding).

We love and pet her everyday. And the kitty, Miss Pitty Pat, gives her kisses. So why on earth would she leave us?

Goodnight.
TCB

Southern Cornbread

Just made a pot of bean and sausage soup. And there's only one other thing that's needed. Cornbread, I say.

Here's my super duper fast and easy recipe for this Southern delicacy.

I use a cast iron skillet in the oven. It makes a delicious crispy crust while the inside is moist. A large cast iron skillet is on my Christmas list, but for now I just use two smaller ones.

I am into nutrition and fitness; however, cornbread is the one recipe where I totally stray and use bacon grease. Yes, I said it. I put about a teaspoon of bacon grease (from my trusty jar in the refrigerator) into each skillet. Double if you're lucky enough to have a large skillet. Heat the skillet and grease in a 450 degree oven for 10 minutes while you prepare the batter.

First, whisk together 2 cups of buttermilk (I use lowfat) and one large egg.

Next, add 1 3/4 cups of self-rising cornmeal and stir well.

That's it, baby! Now take the hot skillet(s) out of the oven and pour in the batter. See how it's cooking already?

Put back in the oven for 15-20 minutes. It totally depends on the temperature of your oven. Just take it out when it is nice and golden brown on the top.

Like this.

Invert onto cutting board and cut into slices.

Yummy!
Gotta go eat,
TCB

He's Back to his Old Tricks

He's baaaaaaack.

Don't let him fool you. Tinsel looks happy. But Tinsel is MISCHIEVOUS.
He just came back two days ago, fresh in from helping Santa make toys. He came to check up on my son.

Overnight, he seems to have had a little fun with "Brother."

Brother just smiled through it all. We found him the next morning.

Happy Holidays!
TCB

A Feliz Navidad Supper

Are you like me and getting a little tired of turkey and ham this time of the year? In the South, it's very important to have a bird (or a side of pig) on the holiday menu.

I have another idea this time of year. My "feliz navidad" dish - taco salad!

Why ever would I call it Feliz Navidad? Look at the beautiful Christmas colors in this dish! And the happiest part for me is that it is a cinch to make and feeds a crowd for a last-minute dinner party idea. I have even made two of these to feed a VERY hungry group.

Start with a base of blue corn tortilla chips (organic is great, if you can find them) on a large platter.

Layer on a deep green vegetable over the chips, such as fresh spinach. Then cook 1/2 to 1 pound ground venison or beef with taco seasoning, draining the fat as necessary. I like to use deer meat when possible because it is much leaner and has less artery-clogging fat. But sometimes I run out (it's not deer season all year long!), and I will use ground round.

Next, open and rinse a can of black beans and a can of dark red kidney beans. I sprinkle on about 3/4 of each can, for an extra protein boost to fill up the boys all night long!

Next, chop and add a tomato to the top. Dress it with dollops of light sour cream and salsa. In a pinch, I usually use jarred salsa, but I'll give my homemade recipe in a later post. Top with a sprinkling of grated Monterrey Jack cheese, and wa-la! You are done.

I'm a big proponent of using what you have, so you can substitute colby or cheddar cheese, or even mozzarella. Since I live out a little piece in the country, it's not very easy for me to run to the grocery store if I'm out of something.

Hope you will enjoy at one of your gatherings this season!

Love,
TCB