Superbowl XLIII

That's right sports fans this Sunday is the 'Big Game' in Tampa. The Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the Arizona Cardinals. In case you are as fuzzy on your Roman numerals as I am..it is #43.

As promised, I have a few easy, tasty eats to make for your gathering whether you are hosting or a guest. Since a football is often referred to as a pigskin, I thought I would go with a bacon theme.

The first- a BLT dip. It is an old farmhouse potluck standard, and although there are many variations, this one is the easiest and I think the most true to the sandwich. Not tough here (and also not easy on the arteries) but all things in moderation and besides it is the Superbowl.

1 lb. of good quality bacon

1 c. mayo ( I like Hellman's)

1 c. sour cream

2 tomatoes chopped (about 1 1/2 c)

1 loaf white bread

Saute the bacon in a pan until it gets crispy crispy. Remove the slices and put on some towels, but save a tsp or two of the drippings (it is what makes it taste so good). Then, mix the mayo , sour cream, tomatoes and reserved drippings. If you have a hard time finding good tomatoes, use Roma or grape...they have a lot of flavor no matter where you live. Then toast up the bread in the oven on a cookie sheet and cut into triangles. Like a sandwich in a bowl.

Here is one a little more 'hi-brow". Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese and almonds. Easy too, these little nuggets of goodness even look like baby footballs.

24 large pitted dates
12 slices of bacon
4 oz goat cheese
24 unsalted toasted almonds

Preheat the oven to 500. Half the bacon and set aside. Place softened goat cheese in a pastry bag or a small plastic bag snipped on a side to make a tip. Take a pitted date, stuff with an almond and pipe in some cheese. Wrap a bacon half around the filled date and secure with a toothpick. Place on a cookie sheet and bake until bacon is crisp..about 6-8 minutes. Mmmmm, it is hard to just eat one of these.

Besides all the great commercials, the halftime show and the game of course, I do love the annual tradition of getting together with friends and family to bid a seasonal farewell to the sport...no matter who is playing.

Need details and times for the game....click here

And for all you animal lovers out there....don't forget about Animal Planets Puppy Bowl V
These canines will make even the toughest sportfan go "Awwwww"

Coney Island

As January comes to a close, I have been daydreaming lately about the places I would like to visit this year.

I heard the other day, that the iconic (and rather run down) Coney Island in Brooklyn NY is getting a major face lift this year. Faced with much controversy, the redo is aimed at reviving the tired tourist trap to its once hot spot for summer fun. Huge hotels, rides, shops will attract a whole new crowd, but gone will be the Coney Island of years gone by. Wooden boardwalks will be replaced by plastic ones, independently owned thrill rides will be replaced by the newest hi-tech ones and perhaps the kitchy nostalgic feel will be replaced by a shiny new corporate one . After hearing all this, I am putting Brooklyn on the top of my MUST SEE list for 2009.

A few years back, I started a file of unique things to do, see and eat in my future travels. They are gathered from TV, magazines and word of mouth. It has come in very handy, as many of the things are not in your typical guidebooks. So besides the obvious stroll along the boardwalk and a pit stop at the legendary Nathans's Hot Dogs....here are a few highlights on my virtual (for now) voyage of New York's famous borough...Brooklyn.

Some major treasure hunting at the Brooklyn Flea

A whoopie pie (or two) at One Girl Cookies

An authentic NY pie at the legendary Totonno's


and finishing off with a quintessential NY experience...a walk across that famous bridge.

The great thing about virtual voyages is they require no passport (or money for that matter) and when you are ready....your leg work is done.

My file is always expanding, so if my itinerary is missing one of your favorite's ...I am all ears.

Kung Hei Fat Choi ! (Happy New Year)

Today is the start of the Chinese New Year- the year of the OX.

Legend has it that in ancient times Buddha called on all the animals to meet him on the first day of the new year. Twelve showed up, and for that, each one was given a year in its honor.

So what does the year of the OX have in store ? This year is a year of conserving. Slow and steady. The Ox brings stability and growth if patience and diligence are exhibited. Prosperity is granted thru much fortitude and hard work. You reap what you sow.

Those born under the sign of the Ox have the ability to achieve great things. They are born leaders who never lose sight of our goals. They are tolerant, loyal and extremely ethical. The most famous Ox....President Barack Obama. How timely.

Celebrate this new year by wearing red. Red symbolizes fire and fire is thought to drive away bad luck. I find it is also a good excuse to order from your favorite take out joint.
For other traditional ways to celebrate and see how the Ox will effect your specific sign check out Earthy Family . The gorgeous print seen above, and the other 11, are available at Art Starts Designs

smores

With the mercury dropping into the sub zero realm for the last few days, making a fire in outdoor pit seemed out of the question. Still, I could not get the thought of smores out of my head. Although it is tough to get the marshmallow as golden while using an inside source, they certainly did hit the spot...so much in fact we went back for seconds.

Sometimes its just the simple pleasures that put the gooey center in life's middle !
Ummm..not sure if making smores inside meets any sort of code, so if you try this at home...use caution

ReStore

A few years back when we moved to the east side of Madison, I heard about ReStore, a store that sells used, salvaged or construction surplus to the general public at a greatly discounted rate. Sink basins, doors, hardware and lots of other odds and ends fill the store. Not only is this a great place to rescue items from a landfill fate, but all the proceeds go to support our local Habitat for Humanity. A double bonus.
I try to stop in there every month or so to see what is new. The inventory changes regularly and besides some nice basics, you can really find some overlooked gems. Case in point, this fabulous multi colored glass chandelier. I found it tucked in behind some brass sconces and was shocked and delighted that none of the panels were broken. But...here is the kicker. Guess how much it set me back ? FIVE DOLLARS. Yep, that is right $5.oo. A deal is a deal, but when you find one that you makes you smile and helps someone in need, well, what more can you ask for. After some rewiring (thanks sweetie), I am hanging it in my studio for some extra kitch and added illumination, but eventually I see it hanging over the bar of the Northwoods cabin that we hope to own someday soon. Very Wisconsin supper club.

There are ReStores all over the country, so check out one in your area and see what you can score while helping your community. Now that I found out that you can search stores by state, you can be certain, that I am going to be visiting other locations when I travel to see what treasures they offer.

Joyce

Because of you, the world is a little kinder, a little richer and a whole lot more beautiful.

Happy Birthday MOM !!!!

in with the Old

As if I needed another magazine addiction, I have now tapped into my husband's supply.

In the New Year spirit of organizing, spiffing and purging clutter, I recently tackled the 2 years worth of Nate's The Old House Magazine in an overflowing basket. It is one of his favs and on more than one occasion he has suggested I seriously glance thru its pages. This weekend, armed with a comfy chair and an even comfier blanket, I started thumbing thru the 20-some periodicals. WOW. There is some fabulous stuff in those pages. If you have nodded off once or twice during the PBS TV program, no worries, although the magazine highlights all that technical carpentry, plumbing and foundation stuff, it also has a boatload of decorating, salvage, and eco-friendly articles. I couldn't tear the pages out fast enough.

My favorite monthly column was Salvage, by Amy Hughes . This girl not only has my dream job, but also has some really clever ideas....check out this tin planter.
Ah, the joy of the unexpected discovery. I had no idea that such a plethora of Green Cricket info was buried in the bottom of the magazine basket. I also enjoyed the fact I was giving an item "one more use" before I recycled it. I have been trying to do that more with the things I use and consume daily. I have to say...it is really adding up.