Happy Memorial Day

And I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me.

-Lee Greenwood

(Yes, the photos are a little old, but they are some of my faves!)

Holy Guacamole!

On May 5th I planned a fabulous Mexican feast to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. On the menu were beef enchiladas with red sauce, corn on the cob and homemade guacamole with chips. My mouth had been watering all day for that guacamole. I can't tell you my disappointment when I cut into my avocado and it was no good! So we celebrated Ocho de Mayo instead of Cinco de Mayo with some delicious guacamole. If Chad Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals can officially change his name to Ocho Cinco then we can change our Mexican Fiesta to May 8th! (Personally I think Ocho Cinco is mucho loco, but who am I to judge?)

There is a bit of a story that goes along with the guac. recipe. To my knowledge I had never even had this tasty avocado treat until about 10 years go when I went to New Mexico with my cousin. We traveled there for her cousin's wedding. The bride's mother and step father hosted a pre-wedding party in their home the night we arrived. Their home was a gorgeous adobe set in the hills of Santa Fe. As I enjoyed my guac. and chips in a colorful southwest style kitchen, the chef that provided all the food for the occasion asked if I liked the guac. I gave my compliments to the chef and he replied "Julia Child told me it's the best she's ever had." Coming from most people this would totally be a joke. People, HE WASN'T JOKING! The man had cooked for Julia Child! Needless to say I was more than a little impressed. I wish I'd asked for a cooking lesson or at least a tip or two.

Every trip I take I bring home a cookbook as a souvenir. As I was skimming my new Santa Fe cookbook, The Santa Fe School of Cooking Cookbook, I realized that the chef I had met at the party was in a picture in the book. He teaches at the Santa Fe School of Cooking and , wait for it....the guacamole recipe was in the book! Mucho Bueno! I would love to share it with you so you will be ready for the next Cinco de Mayo, Ocho de Mayo or Cinco de Juno, whenever you feel like a fiesta! French probably doesn't fit this story, but since this is Julia Child's favorite guacamole, BON APPETIT!

Julia's Favorite Guacamole

3 ripe avocados

3/4 cup finely diced white onion

3/4 cup diced ripe plum tomatoes

2-3 tablespoons finely chopped serrano chiles, to taste

1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

2 teaspoons coarse salt, to taste

1. Cut each avocado in half and remove the pit. Cut the halves in half and carefully peel off the skin.

2. Cut the quarters into chunks and place in a medium bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork and stir in the onion, tomatoes, chiles, and cilantro. Season the mixture with lime juice and salt. Keep covered with plastic wrap pressed against the surface of the guacamole until ready to serve.

Celebration of Excellence

This morning our school held their Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony. Students were recognized for their accomplishments in last year's state testing. The awards are motivation for them to strive to do their best on this year's testing. Awards are presented to those that received proficient or distinguished scores. Hannah earned distinguished honors in all three areas of testing, math, science and reading. Mike and I couldn't be more proud of our honor student! Way to go Hannah!

Treat For Tuesday

This week's Treat For Tuesday features a pie that I make every spring. It is named after that famous horse race that is held every first Saturday in May in Louisville, Kentucky. It is a registered trademark name so we will call it Thoroughbred Pie, or Kentucky Pie, or Race Day Pie. It really doesn't matter what you call it. It is delicious!

Ingredients:
1 cup granulated Sugar
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
pinch of salt
1-9 inch pastry shell, unbaked
1 stick melted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Pour nuts and chocolate chips into pie shell, spreading evenly. In a small bowl, whisk 2 eggs. Add sugar and flour stirring to blend well. Whisk in 1 teaspoon vanilla and the melted butter. Blend well. Pour batter evenly over nuts and chocolate chips. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until nicely browned. Serve with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream.

Until the day that I get to wear a wide brimmed hat and sit on Millionaire's Row at Churchill Downs, I'll just enjoy my pie, while listening to Dan Fogelberg sing Run For The Roses in the background and watch the race from the comfort of my old Kentucky home!

I hope y'all enjoy!

Of Moose And Man

Did y'all know that I married Bullwinkle? This photo makes me chuckle every time I look at it. I hope it puts a smile on your face! Honey, I hope you don't mind that I felt the need to share!

Like Sands Through The Hourglass...

You know the phrase "Like sands through the hourglass, these are the days of our lives"? I could say "Like the hands on this clock, these are the days of my life". That clock has been in that exact spot my entire life, really longer than I've been alive. It sits on the hutch in my parents kitchen. They received it as a wedding gift in 1964. I'm sure that the person that gave it would never have dreamed that it would be the gift that has kept on giving and giving and giving. A gift for the ages you might say.

My dad has always set it about 5 minutes fast in hopes that it might move us along and get us promptly to our destination. Mom and I always knew we could leave at 9:50 instead of 9:45 and still get to church in plenty of time. Sadly, we were notorious for leaving at 9:55 and were always late. Sorry Dad, I know you hate being tardy!

7:05 was the time that I watched for on school mornings. That is when I could expect the big yellow goose (my mom's nickname for the school bus). This clock has been the time piece for many important events in my life. I watched in anticipation of dates to pick me up for the prom, when I was in college it helped me leave home in time to get back to UK before dark when I would come home on the weekends, and I'm sure I gave it more than a few glances on my wedding day.

I can't remember a time when Mom's ringholder wasn't sitting next to that clock. Even today it holds her watch, 1960 class ring (which she still wears) and her wedding rings while she does dishes. These tangible objects have somehow become symbols of longevity. It's comforting to know that whether you are talking about clocks or marriages, some things do indeed stand the test of time.

Sunshine In My Soul

You know they say milk does a body good. It must be the vitamin D! I don't know about y'all, but since the arrival of spring and some much anticipated sunny days my spirits have been lifted to the heights! I think I have been needing a healthy dose of sunlight. I think the vitamin D in sunshine gives nourishment to the soul. It does a spirit good! I have had a song on my mind all day today. The sunshine has been divine and it reminded me of a hymn we sang in the church where I grew up. I have been humming There Is Sunshine in My Soul all day.

There Is Sunshine in My Soul

There is sunshine in my soul today,
More glorious and bright
Than glows in any earthly sky,
For Jesus is my light.

O there's sunshine blessed sunshine,
While the peaceful, happy moments roll;
When Jesus shows His smiling face,
There is sunshine in my soul.

My prayer is that you all have the sun on your face and a song in your soul.
Blessings y'all!