Blog Awards Abound!

I am the honored recipient of the prestigious Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award, presented to me by Sharon Buchbinder, a terrific writer and all around swell person. All the dessert recipes I've posted on my blog may have something to do with earning this distinction. LOL

Receiving this award means sharing 7 random fact about me, so here goes.

1)  I grew up in a town of 400 people and went to a 2 room school house. K-4 in one room and 5-8 in the other. Yes, small town schools still exist!

2)  I live in Lake Tahoe, but I don't like to ski. I'd rather snowshoe with my dog.

3)  My favorite National Park is Yosemite. When I camp - I do it in a tent!

4)  I can't write unless the house is quiet. But I can edit when it's noisy.

5)  I love the smell of dirt after it rains, and trees, white and glistening with fresh snow, beneath a cold cerulean sky.

6)  I've never found a recipe I didn't feel the need to change at least a little.

7)  My dog is so spoiled, I'll sit on the carpet rather than kick her off the couch!

Now that you all know how strange I am, I'm giving the award to these 10 stellar bloggers. Ladies, it's time to reveal 7 facts about yourselves and pass the sweetness.

Rachel Brimble
Kat Henry Doran
Jerri Hines
Brenda Whiteside
Margo Hoornstra
Jana Richards
Alyson Reuben
Silver James
Barbara Edwards
Laura Breck

I would also like to thank my good friend, Margo Hoornstra, for honoring me with the Liebster Award. This award is for a stick-to-it attitude, and while I'm only supposed to give it to 5 bloggers, all the above ladies have the perseverance to deserve this one, too!

Who can resist chocolate on Valentine's Day?

The Ultimate Chocolate Cookie

¾ cup shortening

¼ cup peanut butter

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar (packed)

1 Tbsp. milk

2 cups flour

1/3 cup cocoa

1 tsp. baking soda

Dash of salt

2 cups oatmeal

1 cup chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375°. Blend together first 7 ingredients, shortening through milk. Add flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Mix well. Stir in oatmeal and chocolate chips. Form into walnut sized balls. Place on cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Bake for 10 minutes. Yields 3 dozen cookies.

I made up this recipe, combining bits and pieces of other cookie recipes. The oats give it texture, the hint of peanut butter adds that extra something, and a double dose of chocolate - yum! Enjoy for Valentine's Day or anytime.

Perfect Valentine's Day Salad

Avocado and Hearts of Palm Salad

2 lettuce leaves (Bibb, Butter, or Romaine)

1 ripe avocado

½  14 oz. can hearts of palm drained and sliced ¼ inch thick

1 Tbsp. lime juice (1/2 a lime)

¼ tsp. minced, peeled fresh gingerroot

¼ tsp. sugar

Dash of cayenne pepper

1 ½ Tbsp. canola oil

1 tsp. sesame seeds

Line two plates with lettuce leaves. Halve avocado and cut into ¼ inch thick slices. Arrange slices on lettuce, overlapping. Top with hearts of palm. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, gingerroot, sugar, and cayenne. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking until dressing is well combined. Drizzle over salads and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serves 2

This is a tasty, pretty salad, perfect for Valentine’s Day! It’s one of my husband’s favorites.

Today, I'm also visiting with Amber Leigh Williams, talking about my all time favorite romance novel. Please stop by The Cozy Page to chat.