God Bless the U.S.A. !

Just Peachy!

This is one happy baby! Maybe she is wishing that she had enough teeth to enjoy this yummy summer salad? This new dressing recipe is sweet, tangy, fruity, and deserving of a spot on one of your summer menus. The dressing comes from the Loveless Cafe, but the salad is my own adaptation.

Peach Vinaigrette

1 c. frozen peaches
2 T. diced onion
1/4 c. each cider vinegar, orange juice concentrate, and honey
1 c. canola oil
salt
Blend everything except oil in a food processor until smooth. Add oil in steady stream. Refrigerate.

Blue Ribbon Salad

Ribbons of romaine and leaf lettuce
Blue cheese crumbles
Candied pecans (I use a recipe that calls for sugar and cayenne, but anything will work fine. Just throw in some chopped nuts if that’s what you have on  hand)
Shredded carrot ribbons
Peach vinaigrette dressing

Me! Me! I want to be a millionaire!

Since I never met a game show I didn’t like, today’s Who Wants to Be A Millionaire auditions here in Houston seemed like a fun way to spend a morning. Up at 5AM, I headed into town to get in line by 6. My fellow auditioners were friendly and fascinating (Hi Barbara and Jackie!) and made the 2 1/2 hours much more bearable.
After being herded inside (hooray for air conditioning!) we played some trivia games and I won a t-shirt! The most fun part of this story is that I wouldn’t have even known the answer if it weren’t for the fact that my facebook friend (and fellow Jeopardy! enthusiast Megan) was on Millionaire herself last month. This was one of her questions! Like I tell my students: “You don’t have to be smart; you have to pay attention!”
I guess this particular game show appearance isn’t in my future because I didn’t pass the test. They didn’t tell us what a passing grade was, but 25/30 isn’t it.
Have a great week and don’t pass by the chance to pursue your dreams – whenever it pops up!

Free Chocolate!

Is this a great country or what? Just when I was thinking "Renee, this blog should have a post about chocolate every once in a while, if for no other reason than the title of the blog.." Anita to the rescue. Here, you can find out for yourself how to get a coupon from our friends at Mars Candy (home of M&Ms, Snickers, and other things that make life worth living.) You have to show up on Fridays, beginning this week to get your free coupon. Yum!
Free Chocolate