The "Four" part of our Blog....dogs and more dogs!

This is the "four" part of by blog.  Gabriel, an 11 year old Shih-tzu, Katara, a 4 year old Shih-tzu, (These are my two original dogs).  The next two are basically rescues! Angel, the mostly all black Shih-tzu approximately 11 to 12 years old was surrendered to my groomer by her original owner in December 2011.  My groomer made a post on Facebook, hoping someone would adopt her. Needless to say, she found a home with us. Candi, the Collie mix, found a home with us in January of 2011.  She was apparently left to roam the highway in our neighborhood.  Stephen decided he would stop and pick her up one morning. Well guess who got stuck with her.. ME, of course!  Each of our dogs has their own very unique personalities.  They are very spoiled! If often makes me feel guilty that my animals are treated better than many of  the children in our area!  They sleep in a queen sized, warm bed with my son and myself! Yes, my son is having difficulties being a big boy and going to his room.. This is an ongoing project in our home!  Needless to say, our animals mean everything to all of us.  As I am typing now, Angel is sitting in my lap giving me kisses!  Good night and God Bless all of you!

My very first try at Risotto.. not sure exactly how it should have turned out!

I have heard horror stories about how difficult it is to make risotto. It did seem to take at least 45 minutes to make.. I am not sure if it looks as it should or not.. I am guessing more research is in need.  However, it did taste really good!  I served it with a very tender juicy chicken breast. I do plan on making this dish again..

An easy quick fresh tomato salsa!

We love fresh salsa! Stephen and I eat so much salsa. It is really simple to make!.. Fresh ingredients are the best. I use 2 regular sized cans of petite diced canned tomatoes (at least until summer, then fresh all the way)! I have found that the brand of tomatoes you use makes a huge difference in the taste of your salsa. I certainly have a favorite! If you like a less chunky salsa, put the tomatoes in a food processor and pulse a few times.  I very carefully dice up one jalapeno pepper, (discard the seeds, these are lethal if you happen to get any juice near your face!I use rubber gloves when dicing these.). I made this pictured salsa very quickly one evening. My dices are not all the same size.. oh well.. didn't damage the taste at all! Now, I dice some green onions, you can use a regular onion if you so choose. I also use some of the chive part of the onion as well.  We love garlic, so at least 2-3 cloves, diced fine go in the mix. Next, chop up some fresh cilantro (I do not use any dried cilantro, only fresh). Slice a lemon or lime, your choice, and squeeze the juice into your bowl.  I also use about 1 teaspoon of cummin to my salsa and sea salt/kosher salt.  My secret weapon: 1 tablespoon of Simply Salsa mix from Tastefully Simple.com.  My friend Lori S. is a consultant for this company.. They have great stuff! If you are interested let me know and maybe we could schedule a tasting party for these products!   I don't think I have left any ingredients out. I am always experimenting and adding new ingredients to my recipes!  I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!            Mary C.

Cream cheese vanilla pound cake filled with greatness!

The hull of the cake is filled with orange liqueur soaked fresh strawberries. A silky fresh cream, whipped, topping lies on top! Of course, strawberries must have a bit of grated milk chocolate!