Oatmeal Date Walnut Cookies

Oatmeal Date Walnut CookiesOatmeal Date Walnut Cookies for the Holidays

They’re really terrific all year round, but just a little dusting of powdered sugar can make this hearty-crispy-chewy oatmeal cookie perfect for the holidays as well.

Oatmeal Date Walnut Cookie Recipe

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My Little Valentine: A Rescue Story

boston terrier
Breed: Boston Terrier
Color: Black – With White
Age: Senior

Size: Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Sex: Male

I am already neutered, housetrained, purebred, up to date with shots, and good with dogs.

Buddy’s Story ~ As Told By The Rescue

Say Hello to our new friend, Buddy! Buddy is a sweet 12-year-old Boston Terrier whose owner decided she could no longer keep him when she moved to a smaller house. She kept the 2 other dogs that Buddy called his family, but poor Buddy, being the senior dog in the house, got the boot (so much for valuing the elder members of your family, huh?). We don’t know why she would ever abandon Buddy – he is one of the sweetest dogs we’ve ever met!

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New Korean Salad: Chrysanthemum Greens, Chestnut, Persimmon

korean salad, persimmon salad
Fresh Chrysanthemum Greens, Roasted Chestnut
Semi-Dried Hachiya Persimmon, Fresh Fuyu Persimmon Wedges
Toasted Sesame Vinaigrette
Pomegranate Arils, Toasted Pine Nuts, Roasted Laver

Inspiration from two separate dining experiences sparked the idea for creation of this delightful salad. First, an outstanding meal at Jun Won in LA, a gem of a restaurant that features regional Korean cooking from the province of Chungcheongnam-do. I was captivated by their salad of chrysanthemum greens (sukgat) with chestnut jelly. A week later we attended an event highlighting the “Tastes of the Korean Forest” including sanchae (wild vegetables grown in the mountains), oak mushroom, chestnut, and persimmon.

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A Very Special Kind of Cupcake

dog kibble cupcake

On the counter sat  25 homemade Swedish cupcakes.

Earlier that day our 11-year-old neighbor and her friend had stopped by to play with Wilson.
They could see I was very busy cooking and setting the tables for a big dinner party.

After a while they left, but were back about an hour later.

“How many people will be at your dinner party?”
24
“What time does it start?”
7 o’clock
“OK, good, we have time to make dessert for your party.”

I said, “We already have two gourmet desser…oh, you like to bake? Sure, of course, that would be lovely, girls. Thank you so much.”

A few hours later they came back in their aprons with a platter of their signature cupcakes.

swedish cupcakesSwedish Cupcakes with Fruit

One cupcake was very different from the rest, the girls made it for Wilson. And it just so happens that Wilson’s wonderful veterinarian and her husband were guests at the dinner party that night. Being in the midst of a remodel, they came into the kitchen to discuss ranges and noticed the platter of cupcakes. Dr. Jones took a closer look, “Is that …dog kibble??” I shared the story of the cupcakes, and how fortunate Wilson and I are to have such kind and generous neighbors.

Happy Adoption Day
happy got 'em day
Dear Lori,
Thank you for sharing your home and showering Wilson with love.
We are thrilled that you love all things that snort and snore –
and bring so much joy to our lives. Wishing you and Wilson a “pawtastic’ adoption day!
Love,
Boston Buddies

I adopted Wilson 5 years ago from Boston Buddies Southern California Boston Terrier Rescue.

Wilson is 8 years old now; we got him after Homer passed. Five years ago, poor Wilson was brutally attacked by another dog, his eye severely damaged. And then, as if things couldn’t get any worse, his previous owners decided to dump him at a shelter. Boston Buddies rescued Wilson, but were unable to save his eye. Yet, in spite of his bad experience, Wilson is a love bug. I read about him on their website and soon after, he came to live with us. He and Mrs. O’Mally were great pals.

Boston Terrier

On a very sad note, just this week Wilson’s blood work indicated the onset of Cushing’s Disease. This is heartbreaking news, as my previously rescued Bostons, Mrs. O’Mally and Homer, both passed away from complications related to the disease two years after showing symptoms. In the meantime, Wilson will continue to receive top notch medical care, unlimited love and affection, fluffy pillows, long walks, play dates with the neighbors, and special treats…including an occasional doggie cupcake.

Homer’s story here.
Mrs. O’Mally’s story here.

The Good Witch

My family and friends often ask why don’t I write about my dogs on the blog? Well, in a nutshell, it is because this is after all a food blog, but over time, I have come to realize it is also a blog about us too. With Halloween right around the corner, I thought I would share this photo of my Boston Terrier, Mrs. O’Mally, from Halloween 2004. She was such a good sport when it came to dressing up.

Mrs. O’Mally
November 28, 1998 – October 22, 2008
This photo was taken on Monday, October 20, 2008. Mally was resting on her pink blanket in a little pen. The neurologist we saw earlier that day recommended that I keep her inactive and quiet to help her recuperate. But due to complications from Cushing’s disease and a ruptured disc, I had to put her to sleep on Wednesday (yesterday). She was unable to use her back legs and the pain had gotten much much worse overnight. I think it is a blessing that we are able to put our beloved pets out of their misery when the time comes. When I took her back to the veterinarian for the second time yesterday morning to control the pain, I knew it was time. And I was convinced that Mally was giving me the same message, “it’s time, mom.”
She was my sweet companion for almost 9 years. I rescued her when she was one year old. After rescuing Mrs. O, I have since rescued Homer and then Wilson from Boston Terrier rescues. Homer was with us for a relatively short time. He was older when I got him and had been abused and had many health issues. We gave him a loving home for his final years. Of course I still miss him terribly. Wilson is 5 years old now; we got him after Homer passed. Aside from being sad and wondering where Mally is, he is doing fine. A couple years ago, poor Wilson was brutally attacked by another dog, his eye severely damaged. And then, as if things couldn’t get any worse, his previous owners decided to dump him at a shelter. Boston Buddies rescued Wilson, but were unable to save his eye. Yet, in spite of his bad experience, Wilson is a love bug. I read about him on their website and soon after, he came to live with us. He and Mrs. O’Mally were great pals. To see a photo of Wilson, just scroll down to the very bottom of my blog.
In honor of my little Mally, I would like to suggest to those that are thinking about getting a pet, to please consider a rescue. These precious beings seem to be so grateful to finally find a safe, permanent loving home. Wilson came from the Southern California Boston Terrier Rescue. These folks are so dedicated and compassionate. Please check out their website to read about the dogs that are looking for their “forever home” and if you have Kleenex handy, take a look at the In Memory page, to read heart-breaking yet heart-warming stories about Bostons that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Dear Sweet Mally –
Thanks for being such a wonderful companion, rest in peace, girl.