Happy Birthday, Cowboy Jack!

It's Jack's fourth birthday.  It's absolutely astonishing how time flies.  If you're interested, there's a montage I put together for him here, and here are a couple photos from his cowboy birthday party.  We were blessed to have a house full of friends and family this afternoon -- we are truly blessed.

Spring

I know we're officially done with winter because my allergies have set in.  Also, I see things like this, and these are not winter images:

Sharing the Love: Flatbread (Take II)

This is another really great recipe for flatbread:

10 - 12 oz warm milk
2 T butter
4 c flour
2 T sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp yeast

Put ingredients in breadmaker according to your machine's instructions.  Run on dough cycle.  Flatten into oval on lightly greased cookie sheet.  Puncture a dozen times with a fork.  Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 20 - 40 minutes.  Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.  Cool on baking rack.

Enjoy!

Sharing the Love: Cowboy Caviar

This is going to go down as one of my favorite appetizers of all time...you can expect to see it at all of my get-togethers in the future (from MIL's friend Katy, who got it from her daughter in law, Sarah.)

Cowboy Caviar

1 can black beans, rinsed & drained
1 can Mexican corn with red & green peppers, drained*
½ red onion, chopped
2-3 tomatoes, diced
3-4 avocados, diced

Dressing:
1 pkg dry Italian dressing
¼ c. white vinegar
½ c. vegetable oil**

Whisk vinegar, oil, and seasoning together, then stir in the beans and vegetables.  Chill for a few hours, or overnight.  Add avocados right before serving.

*I prefer corn, and then add fresh chopped peppers.
**I'd use a little less next time, I think.

Serve with scoop chips...ENJOY!