"I like onions, yeah, yeah!

Hey Friends, is today just beautiful or what!! Want to catch you up a bit. I've finished my second book--"An Unlikely Princess." Just getting it press ready. That's the hardest part. It is such a departure from my cookbook, yet I think its good.

My last day to work is Friday. I'm ready for a break. Have lots of things I'm eager to do. Book Club meeting is Monday evening, March 2, 6 p.m. at my house.. We will have some snacks/desserts coffee and tea, gossip and talk about good books. And boy do I have some good ones to reccommend after going to the Pulpwood Queens Girlfriend Weekend. Can't wait to tell ya'll all about that.

The town of Jefferson is so quaint and the folks there, so friendly. If ever you can, do go there and go to the Kornbread Sandwich Shop/Restaurant. Fantastic sandwiches! And go to Beauty and the Book Hair Salon and Bookstore. Owner Kathy Patrick is an absolute hoot. She is the leader/Head Queen of the Pulpwood Queens. If you go for the night, I can reccommend the McKay House Bed and Breakfast. It is owned by Hugh and Darla who make the best breakfast you could ever imagine. Of course, the main attraction is their son--Atticus Gregory Harper. Do you think they like books? He is quite a character. Bodie and I have made such good friends with this precious couple and feel that they are family. In fact during our last visit there, Bodie and I were napping and Darla, after knocking of course, came right in and sat at the foot of our bed and talked with us. It was just like having Matt and Ashley at home. We loved it!

For those of you who love CHOCOLATE the way I do, here's a little secret. The Sweet Shop on White Settlement Rd. (down near the old Mexican Inn) has sugar free Fudge Love, as well as other selections. It is wonderful!

And speaking of food, it's just about time for Bodie to fire up the grill and cook us something good. We're havin' crab legs and grilled onions. I'm gonna share the onion recipe with ya'll.

Grilled Onions
Wash and remove outside peel from whole onions. Core out the center but don't go all the way to the bottom. (Do it like you would for baked apples.) Fill center with 1 or 2 beef bullion cubes and as much butter as space will allow. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place whole onion in the center of a piece of aluminum foil and wrap foil around it like a bundle. Place on grill or in a 350 degree oven and bake for thirty minutes. Usually one onion is enough for two people. These are great with brisket, steaks, pork chops or grilled seafood.

Quote for the week: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."

"Children of the Mountains"

On Friday night I saw Diane Sawyers piece about the children of the Appalachian Mountain region. The abject poverty there was astounding. I guess I've had my head in the sand far too long because I really didn't know there were entire regions in this country that were so poor. I'm looking for a way to help--even if the help is small. In the days to come I will be posting info about ways each of you can give and maybe we can right this one wrong. I welcome your comments.

Quote of the Week: "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. Anais Nin

Happy Valentines Day

Hey everyone! I'm so excited that I finally have a website. I hope some of you will "chat" with me on it. Today is dreary--typical of Texas in early February. But also typical is the hope that Spiring is just around the corner. My daffodils are beginning to bloom and that always cheers me. Hope you and your Honey have a delightful Valentines Day.

On this site I hope to post a recipe and a quote each week as well as other info. I'm going to start with truffles. Nothing says, "I love you" like chocolate!
TRUFFLES
Heat to boiling 1 cup heavy cream (whipping cream). Remove from heat and srit in 12 oz. chocolate chips. When completely blended, pour into 8"x8" buttered dish/pan. Cover with plastic wrap. Let chill in frig for two hours and then scoop out enough to roll into wasnut-sized balls. Then roll each ball in powdered cocoa, or ground nuts or chocolate sprinkles. Place in air tight container and store until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Quote of the week: The love we give away is the only love we get to keep.