Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Happy Knitting

imageHappy Holidays to all my fellow knitters!

Stay Warm and knit on!

Couture Knitting

How cool is this dress!? Interesting and very couture I must say! I ran across this picture on the web and just had to share it! Only knitters could appreciate this piece of work. Let me know what you think about this...

Friday, December 12, 2008

Pet Adoption

Are you looking to adopt a dog or any pet this holiday season or know someone who is? Well, I received this heart-breaking story from an ASPCA newsletter. Read the story below for more details:

ASPCA Arrests Bronx Man for Cruelty to St. Bernard Mix

PreciousOn November 20, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agents arrested Bronx resident Cedric Flemming for neglecting his seven-year-old female dog, Precious. Flemming, 28, was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Back in October, when responding to a complaint, ASPCA Special Agent John De La Torre discovered Precious, an emaciated St. Bernard mix, about ten blocks north of Yankee Stadium. Agent De La Torre seized the dog and brought her to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where she was treated for starvation and neglect. Under the care of our veterinarians, Precious’s gaunt 65-pound frame soon bulked up by 45 percent—after just one month at the ASPCA, she weighed in at a healthy 94 pounds. “When she first came in, Precious looked like a walking skeleton,” remembers Trish McMillan, ASPCA Senior Manager, Animal Behavior. “She’s now looking a million times better. You wouldn’t believe she’s the same dog!”

Ready to move on to a happier chapter of her life, this sweet girl is now available for adoption at the ASPCA’s 92nd Street Adoption Center. “Precious is a snuggly couch potato!” says McMillan. “She can be a bit shy at first, but she warms up to new people quickly—especially for cookies. Her ideal home would be a quiet one where she’ll be allowed on the furniture for frequent petting and belly rubs. This is an affectionate, low-maintenance dog who will lie around and cause no trouble.”

Think you can give Precious or another lucky pup a loving new home for the holidays? See all of our wonderful, adoptable dogs. And if you know of an animal whose health is being compromised by neglect, please report it. In New York City, contact the ASPCA's anonymous tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty elsewhere.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Talking Dogs

I'm thinking I should include my dog on here because she is a talker, as well. You have to check out these pups...

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Simple Tag Book

I receive periodic emails from Memory Makers and this cute tag book was adorable. Since I'm about to get into this, I couldn't resist and had to share (plus I couldn't forget this cute idea). Here is what the crafter said about her tag book:

"This little book is relatively simple. I covered the tags with paper and then used colored paperclips to attach pictures & quotes.Then I just embellished the book with the blue flowers that I cut out of patterned paper and various "thankful" themed stickers & rub-ons from my stash".

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Molten Spiced Chocolate Cabernet Cakes

Talk about a dessert to die for...I found this delicious cake in one of my magazines. Doesn't it look good? McCormick Gourmet is the one who developed the recipe. Here's how you make the cake:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 425°F.  Butter 4 (6-ounce) custard cups or soufflé dishes.  Place on baking sheet.

2.  Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwavable bowl on HIGH 1 minute or until butter is melted.  Whisk until chocolate is completely melted.  Stir in wine, vanilla and confectioners' sugar until well blended.  Whisk in eggs and yolk.  Stir in remaining ingredients.  Pour batter evenly into prepared custard cups.

3.  Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until sides are firm but centers are soft.  Let stand 1 minute.  Carefully loosen edges with small knife.  Invert cakes onto serving plates.  Sprinkle with additional confectioners' sugar.  Serve immediately.

Make Ahead:  The chocolate mixture can be prepared up to 10 hours ahead of time.  Pour the batter into prepared custard cups; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.  Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Nutrition Information Per Serving:

Calories: 567, Sodium: 209 mg, Fat: 35 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Cholesterol: 219 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Protein: 6 g

Whole Grain Spaghetti with Veggies

I found a recipe on the Barilla web site. We make a lot of pasta, but try to stick with whole grain because it is healthier. The following is the recipe from the web site:

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 11 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Wine pairing: White

Ingredients:

  • 1 box BARILLA Whole Grain Spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 small (1cup) white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small (2 cups) zucchini, diced small
  • 1 small (2 cups) yellow squash, diced small
  • 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 (1 cup) yellow bell pepper, julienne
  • 1 pint (3 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • salt to taste
    freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 leaves fresh basil, torn

BRING a large pot of water to a boil.
HEAT olive oil in a large skillet. Using the side of a knife, gently press and peel the garlic.
ADD onion and sauté for 5 minutes, until translucent. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes, until slightly brown.
ADD bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash and asparagus and sauté until heated but not completely cooked.
ADD tomatoes, season with salt and pepper and sauté for 2 additional minutes. Remove garlic clove and discard.
COOK pasta according to package directions.
DRAIN Whole Grain Spaghetti and add to skillet. Toss mixture with fresh basil before serving

Reference: Barilla web site