Monday's Menu

I remember when I was young, i would love to visit my grandmother who lived in Ft. Worth, TX. She would make the best shortbread cookies. A bazillion years later, I can still smell and taste those cookies in my memories. In honor of Wednesday's National Beheading Day, I thought I would make shortbread cookies in animal and people shapes. Munching on their tasty heads will be my version of celebrating the day. I will give this recipe a try, Shortbread cookies. They sound good just reading about them.

Last week's recipe- I didn't get a chance to try out the PA Dutch Chicken and Waffles. Robyn came down with the flu and the week got away from me. I will make it this week and give you my thoughts on it.

Things to Celebrate

Since this weeks flows into September, I thought I would let you know that September is Classical Music Month. Sometime this month, break out your favorite Beethoven, Bach or Brahms and enjoy the music.

August 30 - September 5

This week is Biscuits and Gravy Week (I never got the appeal of this meal, but those who love it, LOVE it.)

August 30- Frankenstein Day (Read a little of Mary Shelly's classic, watch "Young Frankenstein" or break out "Rocky Horror Picture Show...It's all good.)
August 31- Love Litigating Lawyers Day
September 1- Draft Horse Day
September 2- National Beheading Day (I am not quite sure where this is celebrated. Maybe go out and get a box of animal crackers and go crazy)
September 3- Skyscraper Day
September 4- Newspaper Carriers Day
September 5- National Cheese Pizza Day

Amazing Artisan- Rob Surette

This week's Amazing Artisan is Rob Surette. I enjoy watching Mr. Surette work. As he works, I try to figure out who the subject of his paining will be. It is almost always finished before I figure it out. I find it so interesting how he fits his brush strokes together to create the final portrait. My mind definitely works differently. I would start with drawing the head... He goes his own way and the result is wonderful. Mr. Surette's web site is Amazing Hero Art. There you can find videos of his work. YouTube has several as well.

Enjoy!

Thoughtful Thursday- Unknown

A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after a success.

- Unknown

Wordless Wednesday- Visiting the Phantom

Monday's Menu

Since today is National Waffle Day, I thought this week I would give a recipe using waffles a go. This one looks interesting. Phillip will think I am nuts!

Pa Dutch Chicken and Waffles

Last week's recipe: Snow Dog's Hippie Trippin' Granola

I made this recipe with a couple of modifications. I didn't have any Jefferson Airplane to play while I put it together, so I sang Beatles songs. I can't remember the words to a whole song. It was more of a compilation of several. Also I don't have any incense on hand, so I lit a candle. Hopefully those were close enough to the spirit of the recipe. The recipe calls to be divided in half and put onto 2 pans for baking. Since I needed to do that I made half with the dried fruit and half without. I found out that I poorly divided the mixture in half after spreading them on the pans. The recipe calls for baking for 20-30 minutes. I did the 30 minutes. The larger amount turned out great. It was perfectly crunchy and tasted great. The other (without the dried fruit) was a little over done. Since it was a smaller amount, it should have taken less time and I didn't account for that. I think it is a great recipe for when you are looking for a different type of munchie and I will give another try in the future.

Things to Celebrate

August 23 - 29

This week is Be Kind to Humankind Week. Do something nice for another person this week. It can be someone you know or a complete stranger. Bill and Ted were right when they gave us the immortal words, "Be excellent to each other."


August 23- Permanent Press Day
August 24- National Waffle Day (Do you like waffles? Yes, I like waffles...)
August 25- National Don't Utter a Word Day (I could never do this, but I will try to use as few words as possible)
August 26- National Dog Day (http://www.nationaldogday.com/)
August 27- Just Because Day
August 28- National Cherry Turnover Day
August 29- More Herbs, Less Salt Day