Spinach Salad ~

There comes a time during the holiday season when I tell myself "enough is enough...I can not eat any more food......I do not even want to think of food!" But then comes dinner-time and what's a person to do ? I decided to make this spinach salad thinking it would settle my food attitude down a notch. The fresh strawberries were very inviting , helping to stomp out any notion or desire for dessert. It was all I needed and what's more important, I felt good about what I ate.......so did the rest of the family!

2 Bunches of spinach , 1 pint of fresh strawberries, sliced thin.

Dressing

1 1/2 t. minced onion.

1/4 t. worcestershire sauce.

1/2 cup of oil, canola

1/4 cup of red wine vinegar

1/4 t.paprika

1 t. poppy seeds

2 T. of sesame seeds.

1/2 cup of splenda, sugar substitute

Salt and pepper to taste.

In a small container with a lid, add all dressing ingredients and shake well. Pour desired amount over spinach and toss slightly.

Holiday Eggnog~Cheers To You!

This recipe may send you right over the moon ~ but it is Christmas and usually we tend to endulge more often than normal during the month of December. Some may notice I have been absent from my posting this month and I do feel really quilty, but I have been endulging......... way too much in everything. I have opened a new store and my time with the computer has been very limited. Now that I am posting today, I must wish you all "Happy Holidays"..........."I sincerely wish all of my blogger friends a wonderful and prosperous new year" ~

All day long yesterday I was trying to think of something that I could make and dedicate to you. My family recipe for eggnog is a heartwarming combination of farm ingredients easily obtained from the frig! Its looks are unparalleled........creamy, irresistable and appealing! It is incredibly luscious and must be made with whole milk to achieve the smooth richness. Find a bit if bourbon while you are in the pantry and add a few spoonfulls to warm your soul!

Happy Holidays and Cheers!

1 1/2 cups of sugar.

2 quarts of whole milk.

1/2 teaspoon of salt.

1 2 large eggs.

2 teaspoons of vanilla.

2 cups of heavy whipping cream.

fresh ground nutmeg.

1 cup of brandy-bourbon, your choice.

With a whisk, beat all 12 eggs with the sugar and add the salt.

Gradually stir in 1 quart of milk. Cook over low heat and stir constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and coats a spoon.

Do not let the mixture boil ~ very important or it will curdle......and it will!

Pour the custard into a large bowl-stir in the the whisky and vanilla extract, the nutmeg and remaining milk. Cover and chill for 3 hours.

To serve ~in a small bowl, beat the whipping cream until small peaks form. With the wire whisk, gently fold in the whipped cream. Pour into a five quart punch bowl and sprinkle with more of the fresh nutmeg. Serves around 16 adults.

Getting Just What I Want~

Intriquing, fresh and quaint ~my preferred method of selecting restaurants and markets while on the road. Don't you agree that it really is wonderful to walk into an establishment where they are anxious to show off their food? Merchants are so happy to help you.... and you have some idea of the quality that will be served or purchased. I love watching chefs throw their creations together directly in front of my table... guess it would be similar to that of having my very own personal staff preparing my meal~

I also enjoy the privilege of being able to walk into a market and getting just what I want and the quantity of what I need~just enough bread for one day is all I am interested in. Anything else could be wasted. Fresh bread everyday.....no exceptions. I miss this interaction when I arrive back in the States, grocery shopping just isn't the same! I know there are places that are exceptional in the U.S.~I live so far away from these types of establisments. Those of you who have this service in your neighborhood or town are very fortunate! I can't wait to get back to my favorite little spots........do you have a few favorites?