Kids for Sale?!

So, I picked up my preschooler yesterday, and her teacher says, "I have to tell you what Grace said in class today."
This is a phrase that always strikes fear in a parents heart. You immediately start running over your recent conversations that they may have overheard, and you hope that it didn't involve a swear word or topic that would be inappropriate for a 4 year old to bring up in class.

So anyway, she says, "today I was talking with the kids about being nice and sharing/taking turns. I asked the kids why it is important to do these things, and Grace raised her hand, very enthusiastically, so of course I called on her."

So here is her response to why we should be nice, take turns and share with others: "So our Mom and Dad don't sell us."

Hmmm....can't say I haven't had my moments where I've considered selling a child or two, or even giving them away, but I have never told them that. Maybe she is a mind reader?

Who knows, but here is a recipe worth it's weight in gold. Enjoy it on this lovely fall afternoon with a nice hot bowl of soup!

Focaccia Bread

1 1/3 cup warm water
1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp yeast

Combine in a bowl and let sit for a couple of minutes.

Add:

3 cups flour
2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp olive oil

mix well and knead on an oiled bowl until a smooth ball forms. (you can also make with a mixer like a bosch or kitchenaid, or a bread machine) Oil the ball and let sit in a bowl for about 15 minutes. Take out of bowl and using your hands and fingers, spread dough into a cookie sheet. Dimple the top with your fingertips and sprinkle a little bit of olive oil over the top and sprinkle with kosher salt or other desired additions(listed below). Let rise in pan for 20 minutes, and then cook in a 425 degree oven for 20 minutes. Good to eat alone, or dip in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or eat with soup. Just an easy, yummy bread to make anytime! Enjoy!

Other things you could add:
Shredded cheese
garlic
rosemary or other herbs (fresh or dried)
tomatoes
whatever sounds good to you!
My favorite basic combo is roasted garlic, rosemary, and romano or parmesean cheese. I usually mix some into the dough and add a little more on top as well. So good!

A recipe request

My freind, Diana, called me today and asked me to post a recipe on here. She said it is one that will make the world a better place. I don't know about that, but it is a pretty darn good recipe. I found it years ago, in a cookbook that I acquired early in my married life. It is titled, "Mormon Country Cooking". There are many great recipes in this cookbook, this one included. It made me laugh that she called and suggested I add this today, because I was planning on making some for one of my favorite meals. So, in honor of Diana (and making the world a better place) here it is:

(Make the World a Better Place) Poppyseed Dressing

3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. dry mustard
2 tsp salt
2/3 cup vinegar
3 Tbsp onion, finely grated ( I usually use 1 heaping Tbsp dry minced onions)
2 cups salad oil
3 Tbsp poppy seeds

In a blender or food processor, combine sugar, mustard, salt and vinegar. Add onion and mix thoroughly. Add oil very slowly while mixing on low speed. Continue adding until thick. Stir in poppyseeds. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. If dressing separates, shake vigorously before use.

My favorite salad to use this on is a chicken fruit salad. I pile greens on a plate, and then top with chopped chicken, sliced grapes, strawberries, mandarin oranges and chopped nuts ( I prefer walnuts, pecans or cashews). You could also add some crumbled feta or gorgonzola cheese. Toss with dressing and serve immediately.

Now, go make some of this dressing, and make your world a better place!