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Where is spirit of Christmas? Have you seen it?
CookingWithCarlo.com ^ | Dec 3 2003 | Carlo3b Dad, Chef, Author

Posted on 12/03/2003 2:36:53 PM PST by carlo3b

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To: carlo3b
A Soldiers Christmas

Thank You Carlo, for posting this poem. It is so true.

We who are safe and snug in our warm homes, living in a free nation, have so much to be grateful for.

Through out my short lifetime, so many thousands of men and woman thought not of themselves and their comfort, but their duty to a bigger cause, to safeguard our freedoms.

May we never forget their sacrifice for our continued freedom in the USA and everywhere in the free world.

161 posted on 12/06/2003 9:05:38 AM PST by Soaring Feather
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To: carlo3b
Carlos-

May the Blessed light be on you, light without and light within.

May the Blessed sunlight shine on you and warm your heart until it glows like a great fire, so that a stranger may come and warm himself at it, and also a friend.

May God always bless you, love you, and keep you.

May you find gratitude from those who you have touched ,and may you have your favor returned ten fold.

Warm wishes for a merry Christmas to you and yours.

162 posted on 12/06/2003 9:17:44 AM PST by Diva Betsy Ross
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To: stanz; jellybean; carlo3b
Someday, all of us cookbook people ought to have a reunion!

Just as long as it's in a virtual warm climate. I don't do cold!

Christmas Memories

When I was young, my family and I would often go to Mexico for Christmas. It was a very special because the spirit of Christmas was heartwarming, a place of religious celebration and not commercialism. Nearly every year we were embraced by the locals and welcomed at the community parties—where there was an abundance of food, music, pinatas, children, and laughter.

We didn't travel first class, that's for sure. We traveled on buses with the chickens. We stayed in villages with pigs running through the streets and occasional electricity. But the bananas and oranges and coconuts were ripe off the trees and the fish fresh from the ocean. The six of us would stay in one room for $2 per night. (Okay, it was a few years ago. Remember those books, Europe on $5 per day. Well, my dad thought that meant $5 per day for the family, not per person.)

One year we were in a small coastal town and the hotel advertised "Turkey Dinner" for Christmas day. That sounded pretty good so we made reservations. Christmas Day was a time when most people were home with their families, so we were about the only ones in the dining room. Our dinner arrived, and . . . it wasn't turkey. The waiter smiled and assured us it was indeed turkey. He went back to the kitchen, returning with a can . . . Turkey Brand SPAM. Uhhh . . . could we get a chicken?

163 posted on 12/06/2003 10:29:24 AM PST by christie (http://www.clintonlegacycookbook.com)
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To: carlo3b; stanz; christie; All

With Christmas approaching, it's tempting to give cute little animals as gifts. Please be sure before you do that the person receiving such a gift is prepared for the responsibility! Millions of unwanted pets end up in animal shelters each year. Many are euthanized before a good, loving home is found.


A man in Grand Rapids, Michigan took out a $7000 full page ad in the paper to present the following essay to the people of our community. It really touched my heart and I hope it will yours too.

HOW COULD YOU?
By Jim Willis 2001

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could   you?" but then you'd relent, and roll me over for a belly rub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together.

I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.

We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.

Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch because your touch was now so infrequent and I would have defended them with my life if need be.

I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.

There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me.

These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness.

You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers."

You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you -- that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream ... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.

When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days.

As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein.

As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place.

And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.

May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

The End


A note from the author:

If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly owned pets who die each year in American and Canadian animal shelters.

Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a noncommercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice.

Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious.

Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay & neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals.


164 posted on 12/06/2003 11:55:06 AM PST by jellybean (:))
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To: suzyq5558
BAKED ASPARAGUS AND TRI PEPPER FRITTATA

165 posted on 12/06/2003 1:36:10 PM PST by carlo3b (http://www.CookingWithCarlo.com)
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To: varina davis
Orange Ginger Cranberry Heaven
  •  1-1/2 C sugar
  •  1 navel orange
  •  1/2 t grated ginger
  •  4 C cranberries
  •  1/2 C (2 oz.) toasted pecans, or walnuts
 1) Grate the orange peel and add to a pot with the sugar and ginger.
 2) Add the juice from the orange into the pot and simmer over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
 3) Add cranberries and cook until they pop - about 5 minutes.
 4) Add pecans and cool sauce.

166 posted on 12/06/2003 1:43:15 PM PST by carlo3b (http://www.CookingWithCarlo.com)
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To: georgebushrocks
LowCarb Ginger Carrots

167 posted on 12/06/2003 1:43:54 PM PST by carlo3b (http://www.CookingWithCarlo.com)
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To: uglybiker
Every time I walk into a singles bar I can hear Mom's wise words: "Don't pick that up, you don't know where it's been!" Sometimes I don't know which is worse: Not knowing where they've been, or knowing where they've been!

Bwhahahahahahahahaaha.. shameful... *<}:o)~

BAVARIAN COFFEE CREAM

A great dessert, simple and really different for a semi Low Carb with flavor!


168 posted on 12/06/2003 1:47:23 PM PST by carlo3b (http://www.CookingWithCarlo.com)
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To: GodBlessUSA
I had an awful day shopping and decorating today. People were very rude in the stores today

IT WON'T BE LONG NOW!... Hear those sleigh bells ringing..


Bistecca alla Pizzaiola
  (Steak Pizzaiola)

We may not always picture a beef steak, when we think of
Italian dinners, but this may be the "national" dish of Naples.

Bistecca alla Pizzaiola

3 Tbs. (45 ml) olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cups (500 ml) canned Italian tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano or 1 Tbs. Fresh
1 tsp dried parsley or 1 Tbs. Fresh (Italian Flat of course)
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
3 - 4 lb (1.3 - 1.8 Kg) T-bone, Porterhouse, or sirloin steak

Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the olive oil in a saucepan over
moderate heat.  Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.  Add the
tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper and cook for 5 minutes, stirring
frequently.  Remove from heat and set aside. Heat the remaining olive
oil in a large skillet over high heat.  Season the steak with salt and
pepper and brown in the oil for 2 minutes on each side.
Lower the heat to moderate and add the tomato sauce, spooning
it over and around the meat.  Cover tightly and cook an additional 5
to 10 minutes, until the steak is done to your taste.  Scrape the
sauce off the steak and remove the steak to a cutting board.
Simmer the sauce remaining in the skillet, scraping the bottom of the pan.
Carve the steak into thick slices and serve topped with the sauce.
Serves 4 to 6 or 2 fat Freepers Ha!

169 posted on 12/06/2003 1:51:47 PM PST by carlo3b (http://www.CookingWithCarlo.com)
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To: jellybean; carlo3b; TwoStep
I couldn't even read it. I'd be crying for weeks. We have a house full of stray animals . . . cats, dogs, birds, even horses. Once we had a jack rabbit who thought he was a dog 'cause he was raised by my Boston Terrier. Right now I have a Pitt Bull that I'm trying to find a home for, but I refuse to send him to the shelter (he's absolute the sweetest dog I've ever seen, but I don't want the liability, geeze!). I can't deal with people who could tear an animal away from a child and know its end. And then, there is my friend, TwoStep, who won't even leave home without her precious pet.
170 posted on 12/06/2003 1:51:50 PM PST by christie (http://www.clintonlegacycookbook.com)
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To: carlo3b
Thank you Carlo -- sounds just delicious!
171 posted on 12/06/2003 1:59:30 PM PST by varina davis
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To: carlo3b
Thank you Carlos!
172 posted on 12/06/2003 3:01:43 PM PST by suzyq5558 (american reporters, lunatic's on parade.....)
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To: carlo3b
Secularism has taken over......sadly, my parents wouldn't recognize this place we call America. Come to think of it, neither do I. Faith and prayers, fellow freepers, in hope that what is GOOD in our country remains and grow stronger!!
173 posted on 12/06/2003 3:07:19 PM PST by PISANO (God Bless our Troops........They will not TIRE - They will not FALTER - They will not FAIL!!!!!)
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May all your days be merry and bright!

174 posted on 12/06/2003 4:35:24 PM PST by jellybean (:))
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To: christie
We have a house full of stray animals . . . cats, dogs, birds, even horses.

Are the horses paper trained? ...I'd hate to step in that in the middle of the night! •<]:^)

Seriously, I know what you mean. At one point I had 3 dogs, 2 parakeets, 2 cockatiels and a 20 gallon aquarium full of fish. They're all gone now :( But after reading that story I was tempted to run to the local animal shelter and rescue a dog or two. Maybe when I have more time to devote to them. Right now they'd be alone most of the time.

175 posted on 12/06/2003 6:10:45 PM PST by jellybean (:))
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To: carlo3b
Don't you get a warm and fuzzy feeling when you hear the reports of Dutch and Swedish Airline pilots reporting that while approaching for a landing in Amsterdam, they observed what appears to be an elderly Caucasian Male in a red suit flying in what appears to be a sleigh ....

Seriously, the spririt of Christmas is found in our hearts and in our actions...

"Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!" All you can do is make sure that the spirit shines through you....
176 posted on 12/06/2003 6:17:59 PM PST by dwd1 (M. h. D. (Master of Hate and Discontent))
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To: christie
He went back to the kitchen, returning with a can . . . Turkey Brand SPAM. Uhhh . . . could we get a chicken?

In honor of this wonderful memory, I've brought you a special treat!

177 posted on 12/06/2003 6:42:36 PM PST by jellybean (:))
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To: jellybean
Are the horses paper trained?

LOL. Except for the dogs and a few parrots, none of the animals are actually in the house. Most of the critters are in the barn.

It reminds me of a story, though. We have several llamas, and although I've never had them into the house, I met another llama owner who let his llamas watch TV in the house. They quietly sat there watching cartoons. One got up, walked to the door and he let the llama out. The llama did his business and then came back inside to watch TV. They are very fastidious animals. (Mine aren't allowed to spit!)

178 posted on 12/06/2003 6:57:32 PM PST by christie (http://www.clintonlegacycookbook.com)
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To: christie
Oh my! I don't think I'd want a llama in the house! I have thought about getting a couple of sheep though...Great for keeping the lawn mowed. They'd probably be alright in the house for the first few months, but then would have to go outside once they started getting bigger.
179 posted on 12/06/2003 7:56:22 PM PST by jellybean (:))
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To: carlo3b
Thank you for the beautiful poem!
180 posted on 12/06/2003 8:06:26 PM PST by Alamo-Girl
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