Meet my newest GrandPuppy........Louie!

Louie makes number 3. I haven't gotten to know him very well yet, but I am anxious to. He has a big brother at home, his name is Murphy. I've asked for a photo of Murphy, but I was told he wasn't in the mood.

Next I will need a photo of Ranger, my GrandKitty. So, that makes 6 grandchildren, 3 grandpuppies and 1 grandkitty. What more could a woman want!

Tonight.....................

I spent the day in the kitchen preparing dinner for my family. I used to have Monday Night at Mimi's every week, but since the holidays, I've been taking a break. But tonight everyone returns to my house for fun, frolic and food. I suppose since this is Thursday, we have to come up with a new name for the evening.

The menu tonight is Braised Pork with Port and Cream, Mashed Potatoes, steamed Asparagus,

Cranberry and Grape Compote, Michelle's Salad, Italian Bread with Sundried Tomato Butter,

and for dessert, Tiramisu. Cindy and Dennis are bringing the brand new vintage of Flyboy Red, the wine named for my dear Arch. I am so anxious to try it! I'll let you know what I think of it!

Happy Valentine's Day!





I realize this is only the 13th, but


since I am going to give you a very special recipe, I thought I'd better do it today.








Some people think of Roses on that special day, some think of a candlelight dinner for two, some think of romance. Me? I think of Chocolate! So, here is one of my favorite chocolate recipes. There is time to make it for that special person! Enjoy!





Chocolate Romance Cake


makes a 10" cake

2 cups toasted almonds

8 ounces semisweet dark chocolate

2 sticks butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

6 eggs

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 tablespoons Kahlua

2 teaspoons cocoa

Powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 10" springform cake pan. In a food processor, chop the almonds and chocolate together until they are finely ground. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy, In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly and add to the butter mixture. Add the almond and chocolate mixture, baking powder, Kahlua and cocoa. Beat to mix well. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into middle of the cake comes out just slightly moist. Let cake rest for 10 minutes, then remove side ring from springform pan. Let cool, move to cake plate and dust with powdered sugar. If you want it super chocolate, dust with cocoa instead.

Happy Valentines Day!