Just wanted to let my “bloggies” know that I will be eating cheeseburgers in paradise next week, and Julia’s Take Away Gourmet will be closed for a week of vacation.  I will be back in the kitchen the week of March 6th.  Thanks for all of your support, encouragement…and dinner orders!  I look forward to seeing you in March as I prepare some yummy foods representing different cuisines in the world.

Until I’m back, enjoy the best of food and life!

I’ll be enjoying cheeseburgers in paradise!

No orders needed, stop by the kitchen between 10-2 today!  This soup is a yummy blend of pulled chicken, black beans, tomatoes and a hint of pumpkin with cumin and curry- with a kick!  $10/quart, call or text 681-0675 if you’d like more info…

Today is what I call a non-kitchen day. I’m doing some work, but not cooking at the kitchen. Not really a “day off”, but  enough time to catch up on a few errands, the things that always seem neverending, and take the dogs for a walk.  For those of you who don’t know me outside the kitchen, dogs are my passion second to food.  Preferably big brown dogs, but I truly like any dog.  After all, “I like big mutts and I can not lie”!

So, this morning I’m walking two of mine, and out of the blue I take a fall just after turning off of Stratford Rd.  I’m talking… a true wipeout that came out of nowhere!  I throw my palms out just as I hit the ground and scrape them up, leashes and poo bags everywhere!  I check to make sure the dogs are ok… and of course they are just staring at me like “why did we stop?”  Just slightly stunned, I pick myself up and make sure my clothes aren’t ripped, and inspect the damage which was barely anything.

Several minutes later, as I am walking off the burning pain in my palm, an electric blue pick up truck pulls up beside me.  A young man has his window down, and as polite as could be says, ” Excuse me, I don’t mean to be nosy, but I saw you fall and I just wanted to make sure you were ok.”  I was shocked.  Tons of people probably saw this happen, and he actually acted on it.  This guy took the time and turned around, and drove back to find me.  I told him more than once how much I appreciated his thoughtfulness, and that I was ok, more of a bruised hip and ego than anything else!

It was a simple gesture from a stranger that made a difference.  As I venture out this afternoon to finish errands, I am going to “pass it on”.   We’ve all heard it before, a simple gesture or act of kindness goes a long way.  I challenge you to do the same.

Enjoy the best of food and life, and hopefully a little snow this weekend!  And so that this blog will have one tiny thing to do with food, I have posted my new dinner menu for next week at the link on the side.

Today my daughter and I are making sugar cookie dough so we can decorate Valentine’s Sugar Cookies tomorrow afternoon.  This recipe is one handed down to me, and is a blend of a Southern Living recipe from the 60’s that has been tested and adjusted over time.  The result is a crisp and delicious cookie, so easy and much better than what you’ll buy in the store.  I hope you’ll enjoy trying this recipe, and remember, all things made with love are better!

Sugar Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened                        1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup sugar                                               1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg                                                           2 teaspoons baking powder 

2 tablespoons milk                                  granulated sugar or sanding sugars

2 cups all purpose flour

Combine butter, sugar, egg, milk and vanilla in mixer.  Beat until light and fluffy.

Combine flour, salt & baking powder in small seperate bowl.  Add dry ingredients into butter ingredients and combine well.  Place dough in a ball shape and wrap tightly in Saran wrap.  Chill dough thoroughly, at least one hour, or even over night.  To bake: Roll cookie dough to desired thinness on a floured work surface.  (I like mine about 1/8 inch or just under).  Cut into shapes with cookie cutter, and place on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper or a lightly greased pan.  Bake at 375 for about 8 minutes, until edges are just starting to turn golden brown.  Cool completely and store in airtight container.

***Note:  You may roll cookie dough into a log to chill, then you will have your own homemade ‘slice and bake’ if you are short on time!  This is great to have in the fridge and will keep several days.

Thank you, thank you… for the nomination to the Mom’s Choice Awards for “Mompreneur” 2013!  Check out the link to the Triad Mom’s on Main site and please, cast your vote for me today!  http://triadmomsonmain.com/_blog/My_Blog/post/The_Finalists_are_in_for_the_2013_Moms_Choice_Awards/

In addition to this fun news, the side link for next week’s dinner pick up is updated and ready to order.  Just send an email to bluemoose@triad.rr.com by Sunday evening so you can take the stress out of your day next Wednesday, by stopping by Julia’s Take Away Gourmet for a yummy Italian style dinner.

Did you know that February is full of fun food ideas and news?  I love everything about this month from the “foodie perspective”!  If you’re feeling a little bored with your nightly dinners, think about these ideas:

February 10th is the Chinese New Year- set a fun table, stop by one of our local Asian grocery stores, and fix a fun and different menu your family will love!

February 12th–Mardi Gras!  Stir it up Cajun style…red beans and rice, gumbo, jambablaya- easier to prepare than you think!  (or call me to request a special dinner)

February 18th- George Washington’s Birthday and President’s Day- Cherry pie anyone?

February is also Canned Food Month for those of you who don’t like to cook as much; National Hot Breakfast Month; National Snack Foods Month; National Grapefruit Month; and who can go wrong when it is National Chocolate Month?

Until then, enjoy the best of food and life!

Love is in the air- grab it!!!

Valentines day is next week and I hope you’re feeling the love like I am!  I will be posting a yummy Italian family style menu for next week, and more, later.  Follow my blog for updates, and be sure to get your order in for the Valentines day gifts( link on the side with details).  Until then, enjoy the best of food ands life!