My Beloved Chow Chow


That blue black tongue,
That fluffy mane-
The Chow Chow stands apart.
Devoted, proud and loyal,
Sure to win your heart.

A dog that’s quick
To give a hug,
And often makes me grin-
My Chow Chow means
The world to me,
My dog, my love, my friend.



-Anonymous

This month, my family lost our beloved dog, Lady. A fluffy and fiery red chow chow and sheltie mix, Lady was a rescue from the SPCA. We inherited her from my late uncle when she was four and she was a blessing in our lives until she died at the old dog age of 14.

Lady was always my helper and shadow in the kitchen. She was always there waiting to sample whatever scraps I had to give her and she never complained. My parents fed her “table food” at every meal regardless of what anyone said and no dog could have been happier.

Lady watching me plant my herb garden, Spring 2010.
Lady and me before the senior prom, May 2001.

 Lady’s favorite meal was by far Gramercy pizza. She could sense when it was Friday night pizza time and she barked whenever you said the words “pizza” or “french fries.” She always had a special doggie bags of food. On special occasions and holidays, Lady ate whatever we were having, of course. She especially loved the chateu briand of beef my grandfather would sneak to her at Christmas time. She was also a big fan of cookies, and I had a hard time keeping her away from Santa’s cookies.

The best gift under the tree. 

Lady loved my Aunt Phyllis’s Italian Bone Cookies (“Italian bones of the dead cookies, or Ossi de Morti Cookies”). She was not allowed to eat chocolate chips, as chocolate is poisonous to dogs. But, Lady wasn’t a stranger to chocolate, as she once downed an entire box of Gertrude Hawk Peanut Butter Smidgens when she was a puppy. On another occasion, Lady got into the garbage and ate an entire German chocolate cake. She had to have her stomach pumped that time, but she made it, because she was a survivor.

Lady snowed in.

Lady always knew what foods were the best and I will miss her whenever I am in the kitchen, the yard, the park, or laying on the couch and she’s not by my side. She was my buddy and I miss her everyday. But she will always be in my heart and I will see her color in the fall when the autumn leaves start to fall.

Lady playing in the leaves. Fall 2010.

If you or a loved one are looking for a companion, considering adopting a pet. There are many animals like Lady who need to be rescued and provided with loving homes. Visit your local SPCA or try www.petfinder.com to find a furry friend who needs your help.

My red dog.
If you are looking for an easy dessert to make for your Memorial Day BBQ this weekend, look no further. This dessert is not only delicious, but it is also alot healthier than you may think.  I adopted this cobbler from a Weight Watchers recipe.  It’s VERY simple to make and almost fool proof. The topping has a biscuit-like consistency and combined with the sweetness of the warm berries, it is a very hearty, satisfying and fresh treat!. It’s the perfect kickoff dessert for a perfect summer! 
Fairytale Feasts’ Berry Cobbler
Berries:
1 cup blackberries
1 cup blueberries (frozen or fresh)
2 cup(s) strawberries, hulled and halved
1/4 tsp table salt
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup(s) sugar (or Splenda)
Biscuit Topping:
2/3 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp sugar (or Splenda)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp table salt
1/2 cup(s) buttermilk
2 Tbsp melted butter or margarine
Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, sprig of fresh mint.
 Preheat oven to 400ºF.   Combine berries, salt, cornstarch and 1/2 cup of sugar in a bowl. Place in shallow 2-quart ovenproof dish. Bake until hot, about 5 minutes.

While berries are baking, prepare biscuit like topping: In a bowl, stir together flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, baking powder, baking soda and teaspoon of salt. Stir in buttermilk to form a sticky dough. Remove berries from oven. Drop dough by heaping tablespoons onto the berries to form a biscuit like topping. Brush the melted butter over the topping to ensure a golden brown crust. Bake the cobbler until topping is golden and fruit is bubbling, about 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cobbler sit for at least 10 minutes to thicken. Optional: garnish with fresh whipped cream or ice cream and a sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately!  (Also, I found that this was great the next day heated up in the oven!)

Lady can’t wait for the berry cobbler to cool!!! And she knows good food! 🙂
Enjoy!