Fun With Foodables - Abby Lab's Day with Mom

The batphone went off so Mom said to post this which she wrote on her last day off with me and saved to draft.  I hope you enjoy the photos (of me!) and the fun. - Abby Lab
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Days off are always nice - whether you are with family that live elsewhere or in your own home. But sometimes it's hard waking up after a week of work and travel.

I'll be less grumpy after coffee and pancakes.

Time for pancakes.  Replacing the buttermilk with maple flavored drinkable yogurt in the world's fluffiest pancakes recipe, with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla and a teaspoon of milk, these turned out mighty tasty.

After that, it  was time to make the bread for my husbands morning toast and lunches this coming week as he is not traveling. This  bread recipe, mixed up in the food processor  (one bowl, NO kneading) was in the pan in 10 minutes and after rising,  makes a loaf for about 70 cents. With some smoked turkey, this will make some dandy lunches for him with fruit and a homemade cookie.

We had a lot of catching up to do as both of us had been traveling a bit lately.

As he always does when he's been on the road a long time, he brings me a little gift, as I do for him.  Our goal, funny, often useless, and occasionally tacky  items (think dried scorpion in a lollipop from some place in the Far East once).  This trip's little gift was actually something we could use.

Even better, the TSA didn't take it.  The Fly Shooter

This will be great back up for the Fly Taser!

Then it was time to do chores.  My husband  had been home long enough to mow the yard during the last couple of weeks, but it needed it again, as well as some limb and flower bed clean up. I do my part in keeping the place up, sharing in equally in the fun around here means we share equally in the work.

But first Abby Lab needs to get outside for her walk.

I had a feeling somethings was watching me.  I turned around and there he was, scoping out the birds and squirrels.

This is a safe neighborhood, but it is good to be aware.

It felt good to get the chores done.

But we can't forget about lunch.

 Beef chow mein on crispy noodles. (a great way to use up a little piece of inexpensive steak)

Hey - there's one little bit left in the bowl.

LOOK A SQUIRREL!

Before I knew it, it was time to make supper. This day off was going by way too fast. Secret Ingredient of the day--handcrafted Fig Molasses, a brilliant recipe from a friend of mine, one not suited for the impatient or the poor with temperature control but making your own molasses, while tricky, is so worth the effort.

 

If it's something tasty, it's a good day in the kitchen.

Braised thick cut pork chops glazed with fig molasses and  served with corn bread and veggies.

click on photos to enlarge, carnivores, prepare to drool

Somebody sulked while the food was prepared.

Everyone is ignoring me while Mom is in the kitchen

 Nom Nom.  I smell something tasty.

I do!  It's something's coming off of the stove.

Pig!!!

Sorry Abby - we've been down that road with you and pilfered pork.  You get kibble.

After the supper dishes were done, it was time for tea and a good book.

While Abby takes a nap with her little friend and I curl up in the rocker.

It will soon be time for sleep.  I hope you all had a safe, productive. and fun day, wherever it took you. - LBJ