Zack--Before and After Growth Hormones

We actually didn't give him hormones but when we got him, he was about five pounds. Now three years later, he's of gargantuan size and appetite. He's seventy pounds and is about three feet tall. He's all bones and fur and muscle. Not one ounce of fat. He's also very good at squeezing between me and the edge of the sofa, stretching out and a) pushing me off my own couch or b) pressing a paw into my bladder, making me have to get off the sofa to pee. Either way, he gets the sofa.

Love the big goon but why does he think he's a lap dog. Technically, he's a smooth haired collie mix but we call him a Colli-yote (Collie plus coyote). Dave says his mother was a collie and his father was some wild animal like a wolf or coyote.

Pecan Caramel Pralines

I stole this recipe from Southern Living and tweaked it. Regan tried to lick the pot but she would have burned her tongue. Right now, she's fussing at me for it. I'm "Mean Mommy" but I guess the trade off would have been a run to the ER for a burned tongue.

1 stick of butter (of course, butter, what else?)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup of caramel (I used the new caramel chips but next time I'll try the caramel ice cream topping)
3 tsp corn syrup
1/2 cup milk
1 large package of pecan pieces (The SL recipe calls for them being toasted--I was lazy and didn't do it)

Combine the butter, sugars, vanilla, corn syrup, and milk in a heavy saucepan. Mix and melt butter. Make sure the sugars melt. There'll be no graininess when you touch it or taste it. Add caramel and melt. Stir it constantly as it will scorch and stink your kitchen up.

Make your husband or significant other line a cookie sheet with wax paper b/c you'll be stirring the praline mix. When the caramel is melted and there is no grainy sugar bits,remove from heat, add the pecans and mix well. Dump into wax paper and refrigerate to harden. It will not completely harden. You won't be able to cut it like brownies because it's too soft. You can hand out these candies wrapped individually in Saran Wrap.

WARNING: DO NOT LET YOUR CHILD REACH INTO THE PAN (or yourself)! Trust me on this one. It's a very sticky candy. See above picture. Regan had to be hosed down.

My yarn stash is taking Viagra and fertility pills

It's the only explanation. I'm knitting as fast as I can but yet my lovely stash is expanding.

I'm a Polygamist...

Not in the traditional sense, no but I'm in love with SOOOOO many yarns, it's ridiculous. My new current fave is Paint Box yarn in Thistle. Reminiscent of Noro, it's 100% wool, great potential for felting and the colorways are amazing. The colors bleed seamlessly into the next. It's almost hypnotic. I must buy more... I must buy more...My kids don't need food...I must buy more. Lacy, delicate scarves for all. Spread the message...You must buy this yarn.

Gig 'em, Aggies and Go 'Boys

Not gonna be overbearing on this one but what kind of Aggie fan would I be if I didn't post the score of yesterday's great football. Texas A&M 38, UT 30




My first opportunity to watch the Dallas Cowboys this year and they win! I sincerely hope the game between the Boys and those cheese people get televised.

Mighty Banana Muffins

Regan named these. She just saw an episode of Curious George. I found a basic recipe from Allrecipes and "juiced" it up a notch. They're really good hot with melting butter over them.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar (plus 2 tablespoons)
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas (about two large bananas)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter in microwave and add to 3/4 cups brown sugar in bowl. Mix well. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Add bananas and then flour and baking soda.

Pour one teaspoon of batter into large muffin tins lined with cupcake holders. Sprinkle a few caramel chips and gently pour another teaspoon of batter over chips. Lightly dust a bit of brown sugar over the top. You'll be about 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 12-15 minutes until firm.

You can use a bread loaf pan if you spray it down with Baker's Joy (kind of like Pam plus flour). Bake until it firms up about 35-45 minutes.

Hello Cindy!!

This is my big super secret knitter/agent reveal from Secret Pal 11. Cindy was the recepient of my strange (sorry) greeting cards and bizarre taste. And to think she actually answered my emails! Visit Cindy's blog--she's hilarious. And living in Texas, she can't help being cool.