Star Cookies

No matter where we spent the holidays of my childhood, one thing was for sure- there would be star cookies.  I didn't know until I was older that there was a difference in the cookies at the different grandparents' homes, thoguh.  First, there were my Granny Strickland's star cookies (a recipe I always thought was from my Great Great Aunt Hazel, "Auntie").  These cookies were different from my Granny Poirot's sugar cookies.  To complicate things even more, what I've grown up thinking are Granny Strickland/Auntie's sugar cookies, are actually a recipe from my Granny Strickland's friend, Carol Stalder. 

Me, Gillian, and Granny Poirot baking cookies in her kitchen- Wichita Falls, TX

Per my mom, Carol was a wonderful cook whose husband was stationed in Germany at the same time as my Grandad Strickland.  Granny Strickland called these "Star Cookies" because Carol always made them in the shape of stars.  This recipe called for lemon extract in the icing glaze, so they had a bit of a tang to them.  My Granny Poirot's Sugar Cookies did not have lemon in them.  Since my dad never liked the tangy zest, my mom started leaving the lemon extract out of the recipe.

Star Cookies and Christmas tree shaped Star Cookies at my 3rd Annual Holiday Cocktail Party

No Thanksgiving or Christmas was complete without Star Cookies.  I remember my Granny Strickland staying up until midnight with my mom and aunts making Star Cookies on Christmas Eve and waking up at 5am on Christmas Morning to start the pies and turkey.  Star Cookies were the cookies I left for Santa on my "Cookies for Santa" plate that I made in second grade art class.  Weeks before Christmas, my dad would walk into the kitchen with a glimmer in his eye- just hoping some Star Cookies would be there waiting.  When there were no cookies to be found, my dad would pout and say, with a dejected face, "Oh... have you not made any cookies yet?"  Of course, my caring mom would immediately head to Albertson's and get everything to make the cookies for my poor, pitiful, "all I want is a measly cookie" dad.  (Kidding, Dad!)

Santa always eats Star Cookies at the Strickland house- this is the plate I made in 2nd grade

There are stipulations on the cookies though- they have to be juuuust right.  The perfect Star Cookie is thin, crispy, with just the right amount of homemade icing glaze.  (Icing the cookies has always been my favorite part- nothing like the warm, sugary goodness!)  The cookies have evolved from the traditional star shape to also include Christmas trees, stockings, and candy canes.  There are cactus cookies, coyote cookies, Texas state cookies, and (of course) longhorn cookies.  When The University of Texas Longhorns take on the Texas A&M Aggies every Thanksgiving, my mom always makes a big platter of longhorn cookies to cheer on our favorite burnt orange clad boys.

Longhorn shaped Star Cookies

Last year, while eating a leftover Star Cookie, I was creeping looking on Facebook, I saw my family friend, Kacie Skipworth (now Kacie Turner), had posted pictures of stockings that she had had made for her and her now-husband.  The stockings were so unique and so different than any I had ever seen- I knew right then that I wanted to have some made.  Kacie told me that her family friend, Carol, had made them for her and suggested that I Facebook message Carol and have her make me some, too.  So here I was, in January, already working on stockings for the next December.  Sweet Carol said that she would love to make me some stockings, and, as is typical in Wichita Falls, she also happened to know my my family.  Small world, right? Well- it gets smaller.

Ashlea, Kacie, and Me at Richard & Rhonda Poirot's house, Thanksgiving 2008

I went to Andy's sister, Carly's, house over Christmas when we were celebrating with our Wichita Falls families.  There, hanging on her fireplace was her son, Greyson, 's first Christmas stocking, and it was a Carol stocking! "Oh my gosh!" I told Carly, "I just asked Carol to make me some of those!"  As it turns out, Carol lives next door to Carly and Andy's parents, Melody and Bill.  Small, SMALL world.  Below are a few pictures of the stockings that Carol has begun for me, Andy, and my dog, Abbie.  For more products by Carol, click here to visit her Facebook page.

Abbie, Andy, and my stockings that Carol made- thank you!

Thank you so much, Carol, for adding to my Christmas traditions of homemade goodies! Maybe you can enjoy a star cookie while making some of your precious products this holiday season :)

Star Cookies
From a recipe combination of Carolyn Poirot, Great Aunt Dollie, Carol Stalder, Granny Poirot, and Granny Strickland!
Servings: 4-5 dozen (48-60 cookies); Weight Watchers PointsPlus Value:  2/cookie, un-iced (3 pts when iced)

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

1. Cream butter; gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy
2. Beat in egg, milk and vanilla
3. Sift in flour, baking powder and salt
4. Gradually add to creamed mixture
5. Chill for ease in handling
6. Roll out cookie dough on lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thick
7. Cut with floured cookie cutters into desired shapes
8. Bake on cookie sheets in preheated 350 degree oven 8 to 10 minutes until lightly browned
9. Remove to wire racks to cool

Icing
Great Aunt Dollie
Servings: 60 (for cookies); Weight Watchers PointsPlus Value: 1/serving (on each cookie)

• 1/2 c butter
• 2 c powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Melt butter over medium heat on stovetop
2.  Gradually add sugar and vanilla
3. Gradually add milk
4. Use a small spatula or knife to ice cookies

I want to try to healthify this recipe over the holidays.  While sugar cookies are meant to be buttery and rich, 3 points per cookie is awfully high value for such a small portion.  I'll let readers know how my experimenting goes, if I try it out!


Keep on cookin'!
-Katherine

Honey Pecan Porkchops

Papa, Granny, Ashlea, and me

Nobody loved shelling pecans like my Papa Poirot.  He could sit at the counter in his and my Granny Poirot's kitchen for hours shelling thousands of pecans from the pecan trees in their backyard.  He was good at it, too.  One would never bite down on a pecan shell left behind because Papa was just that meticulous and careful.  He would put them in Ziploc baggies and keep one baggie out for snacking, and freeze the rest.  (Pecans and other nuts can stay fresh, when sealed properly, in the freezer for up to two years.)  If you're unsure as to whether or not the nuts are fresh enough to cook with, smell and taste them.  If they're bitter- throw them out.  If they taste fine, you're golden.

My mom, me, Granny, and Papa

The following is the eulogy that I wrote for my Papa Poirot's funeral in 2004.  He spent his last few months in a rehabilitation facility, but my amazingly caring Granny brought him pecans almost every day to shell right there in the hospital bed.  Towards the end of his life, Papa would end our phone calls with the same phrase, every time.  I'd say "I love you, Papa," and he would respond, "I love you too, darlin', very much."  In making these Honey Pecan Porkchops, I can still hear his voice echoing through the telephone, and I love you, too, Papa- very much.

Me, Papa, and Ashlea at Granny & Papa's house in Wichita Falls, TX 

"Love.  Now there's something my papa knew everything about.  He loved his friends, his four kids, eight grandkids, his great grandson, and my Granny more than anyone in the world.  Whether you called him Dad, Bubba, Marcel, Grandpa, or Papa, he loved you with all of his heart- and trust me, we loved him back.

Ashlea, Papa, Granny, and me at church- Dallas, TX; Summer 2004

We loved eating frozen apple juice in his lap, crawling in his bed at night to watch Johnny Carson, reading the funny papers, and eating chocolate ice cream cones with him in his recliner.

We loved watching his favorite TV programs with him, even when it involved Papa yelling at the contestants on The Price is Right for bidding too low in the showcase showdown with Bob Barker.

We loved interviewing him for our school projects, going on Easter egg hunts, and feeding the birds in his backyard- even though the crows DID tend to attack us now and then.

My mom, Granny, me, Papa, Ashlea, Uncle Richard- Easter Egg hunt at Granny & Papa Poirot's, Wichita Falls, TX

We even loved it when Papa jokingly chastised us for covering his bedroom in toilet paper or building forts throughout the whole house.  Or when one of us would sneeze really loudly, and he would say, "Gee, it's a good thing you weren't in church!"  Oh, and of course we loved the Werther's caramel candies and peppermints he'd sneak us during Father Bill's homily at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church.  Papa was funny, smart, and could always make us smile.

Papa playing Pretty Pretty Princess with me and Ashlea at my parents' house- Fort Worth, TX

He gave us faith- faith in ourselves, faith in God, and faith in our family.  He gave us hope- hope for school, hope for our future, and hope for happiness.  And his greatest gift was love.  Love for each other, love for our family, and love to last a lifetime."

Ashlea, Papa, and me dying Easter eggs at Granny & Papa Poirot's house in Wichita Falls, TX

Honey Pecan Porkchops
Kate Strickland
Servings: 2, Weight Watchers PointsPlus Value: 12

1 1/4 pounds boneless pork loin, pounded thin

1/2 cup all-purpose flour for coating

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons light butter

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt and pepper. Dredge pork cutlets in the flour mixture.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chops, and brown both sides. Transfer to a warm plate.
3. Mix honey and pecans into the pan drippings. Heat through, stirring constantly. Pour sauce over cutlets.

Keep on cookin'!
-Katherine

Chili Cheese Rice Casserole

Granny and me in her rocking chair in Wichita Falls, TX

Chili Cheese Rice Casserole
When we celebrated holidays in Wichita Falls, Texas, at my Granny and Papa Poirot's house, it was an all day and all night event.  We spent Christmas mornings on the brown carpeted floor of their front room, Christmas afternoons napping in the den piled on top of them in their recliners, Christmas evenings eating dinner either in the dining room (if you were a grown up) or on the patio (if you were at the kids table), and Christmas night building box forts and wrapping their bedroom in toilet paper.  Yep, you read right.

Granny and me at Johnny Rocket's on our Caribbean cruise in 2008

Christmas dinners at my Granny and Papa Poirot's always included turkey, gravy, mashed pototoes and gravy, corn, cranberries (even though nobody really liked them), and chili cheese casserole.  I never wanted much to do with the chili cheese casserole when I was young, but, as you've seen through my posts, my tastes have grown and changed as I have grown.  Now, when I know my mom is making dinner for a holiday, I always insist that she makes my Granny's chili cheese casserole.

The following is the speech that I gave at my Granny's memorial service in November of 2008.  Yes, it is kind of long- but I promise that at the end you'll see why I loved her as much as I did.

Granny and me at my UT Graduation, May 2008

 Granny taught her family how to love.  Actually, she taught everyone around her how to love.  There was not a single person who met Getrude Albertina Poirot who did not love her with all of their heart.  Every time she smiled, which was just about every minute of every day, she absolutely beamed with care and affection.  She could make you feel like a million bucks, just by smiling at you.  You knew how much she loved you because she showed it all of the time.

Ashlea, Aunt Rhonda, Granny, my mom, and me at Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas
for Delta Gamma Mom's Weekend 2007

No matter where we were- at the lake, at her house, wherever- the first thing she would say when I saw her was, “Katherine, come here and let me rock you a bit.”  I tried to tell her that I was 22 and probably too big to be rocked, but she insisted and would not let me leave until I had sat on her lap for at least five minutes.  Even if nothing was wrong, I always felt better after she rocked me.

Granny on the beach at Port Aransas, May 2008

Me, my mom, and Granny on the beach in Cozumel, Mexico
February 2008

I thought her double knee replacement surgery would put an end to our rocking chair days, but surgery did not put an end to anything.  At 89 years old, Granny went on the jetski at the lake with me, and she caught catfish off of our dock.  She went on a cruise to the Bahamas.  She went rafting in Jamaica.  She wanted desperately to parasail, but you know what stopped her?  No, not her knees or her health or her age- it was just too windy in Cozumel and the parasail couldn’t go up that day.  She drank margaritas at Margaritaville and Joe T. Garcia’s.  She visited Austin, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and Port Aransas.  She even had me stand guard and take pictures while she fed the seagulls at beach because right next to us was a sign that read, “DO NOT FEED THE SEAGULLS,” in all caps (like that would have stopped her!)

Granny feeding the seagulls in Port Aransas, TX in May 2008

Our Granny was a rock-star.  She sewed up our ripped baby blankets when we were really too old to even still have baby blankets.  She let us build forts that went from one end of the house to the other and string toilet paper all over her entire bedroom.  In the kitchen, she taught us how to make rice krispie treats and how to die Easter eggs.  She cooked us macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, roast, and, my favorite, mashed potatoes and gravy.  For breakfast, we all were disgusted that she loved ketchup on toast, so she let us have cheese pizza with extra cheese on top instead.  She made us hot dogs and s’mores at midnight, but made us promise not to tell our parents.  She let us crawl in bed with her and Papa to watch Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show.  She helped teach our Vacation Bible School classes, and she taught us how to play Domino’s and Chicken Foot.  She took us to all of the cool places- Chuck-E-Cheese’s, Alladin’s Castle, and The Plex.  I’ll be honest- she spoiled us rotten.

My cousin, Gillian, and me icing cookies in Granny's kitchen in Wichita Falls, TX

There is not a single memory any of us have with Granny when we’re not smiling and laughing the entire time.  Over the past four years, Granny has been a pillar of strength for our family.  She has been the angel that helped us through Papa’s passing and taught us to turn tragedy into triumph. In German, “Gertrude” means strength.  In French, “Albertina” means noble.  I can think of no two words to better describe Granny.  I have never, in my entire life, met someone with her courage, faith, and patience.  These, combined with her optimism and strength make her someone who we can only aspire to be like.

My Uncle Richard, Granny, Ashlea, and me on Christmas Morning at
Granny & Papa's house in Wichita Falls, TX

While it was probably not easy managing four children, eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and all of their spouses, Granny did so with grace.  Her amazing faith inspired others to be like her.  She taught us how to love in the good times- when we were laughing and smiling.  She taught us how to love in the bad times- when we were crying and struggling.  She taught us how to love all of the time. 
On June 16, 1919, God sent an angel from Heaven down to the little old town of Scotland, Texas.  You may have known her as Gertrude Albertina, Gertie, Trudy, Gert, Mrs. Poirot, mom, mother, Gigi, or Granny.  Whatever you may have called her, she was an angel, and it’s thanks to this angel sent from God, these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest is love.

Chili Cheese Rice Casserole
Granny Poirot
Servings: 10

Chili Cheese Rice Casserole

• 3 small cans chopped green chilies (medium hot) (12 oz total)
• 6 c white rice, prepared as indicated on box
• 2 c fat free sour cream
• 1 c shredded cheddar cheese
• Pepper jack and sharp cheddar cheese sliced thin & into appr. 1.5x1.5 in. squares
• black pepper to taste
• salt to taste

1. Prepare the rice as indicated on box; add appr. 1/2 tsp salt
2. Drain green chilies
3. Add sour cream, shredded cheese, and green chilies to rice; add appr. 1/2 tsp black pepper
4. Stir well
5. Spray a casserole dish with cooking oil
6. Spread mixture in a casserole dish
7. Top with cheese squares, alternating colors to make a checkerboard on top
8. Bake appr. 20 mins, or until cheese is melted on top *if you have nonstick foil, place on top.  If foil isn't nonstick, it'll stick to the cheese.

Enjoy!

Mustard Crusted Salmon

My mom, Granny, and me catching some rays on the cruise ship

When I was a senior in college, my mom called me and asked, "What are you doing the last week of February?"  My response: "Umm, praying for college to hurry and finish, why?"

Mom, "Well, here's the deal.  Granny's YMCA water aerobics teacher is teaching a class on a cruise ship through Royal Caribbean.  If she gets her clients to go, she gets a discount.  So anyway, Granny is wanting to go.  Granny has recruited her sister, Aunt Frances, and her neighbor, Alice Litteken, to go, too.  When she signed up, they told her rooms were based on double occupancy, so she asked if I wanted to go."

Me, "Mom, you should! That'd be so fun for y'all!"

Mom, "Yeah, I think I will.  I wouldn't want her to get cold feet or anything.  But now here's the deal.  They managed to push the three of them in a room, and I am now in a room by myself.  And they're still based on double occupancy... sooo do you wanna go?"

Me, 'Senioritis?  Skip out for a week?  Take off to the Caribbean?'  "Yes."

Mom, "Well can you do it with school?"

Me, 'Don't know, don't care, sign me up.' "Yes."

My mom, my Great Aunt Frances, Alice, Granny, and me ready for formal dinner night on the cruise ship

So we went.  My mom, my Granny Poirot, my Great Aunt Frances, and Granny's neighbor, Alice.  Leaving out of Galveston, we were to go on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and explore Jamaica, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman.  That's right: my 89 year old Granny, her "younger" sister, and her neighbor (who, as usual in my Granny's life, was also my Papa's 2nd cousin's wife).  There we were: ready to rock.

My mom and me on the beach in Jamaica

In Jamaica, Granny and her roommates signed up for a rafting cruise down the river in Jamaica.  Aunt Frances made them all three matching hats to protect them from the sun, and they were ready to go.  My mom and I, however, adventured over to Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville for some drinks, dancing, and laying out.  Jamaica's water was crystal blue and the beaches were white- it was absolutely beautiful.  I was shocked how impoverished Jamaica appeared to be, but that didn't stop the locals from playing the bongo drums and selling us "We Be Jammin, Mon," woven bracelets.

Granny, my Great Aunt Frances, and Alice in their hats that Aunt Frances made in Jamaica

Our next port was Cozumel.  As we are leaving the ship, my 89 year old grandmother who has had numerous open heart surgeries AND double knee replacement surgery stops to inquire about parasailing.  To her dismay, it was too windy that day and the parasail would not be able to go up.  "Oh well, maybe next time!" my optimistic Granny responded.  So instead of embarking on her dream-thrill-seeking parasailing trip, my mom and I took the three roommates to an all-inclusive hotel.  Granny practiced with the snorkel, we ate fresh coconut, and took pictures walking up and down the beach.

My mom, Granny, and me on the beach in Cozumel, Mexico

Lastly, we arrived in Grand Cayman.  I had been to Grand Cayman before with my parents in 8th grade, so I knew this time (being older and all) would be different.  We went on a glass-bottom boat and looked at all of the exotic fish and everything else under the sea.  After the boat tour, we went, again, to Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville: Grand Cayman.  Oh, Granny just loved it!  Before I knew it, she was talking to the parrots, dancing to Fins, and ordering up a Cheeseburger in Paradise.  Then, she saw the menus.  In the corner of our paper menus, there was a picture of a salt shaker that said "Return this lost shaker of salt to another Margaritaville Caribbean location for a free margarita!"  Tricky restaurant- they knew that Grand Cayman was every ship's last port of call on their circuits, so the coupons were really of no good to anyone.  "Anyone except for you, Katherine!"  my Granny said.  What is she talking about?  "Well aren't you coming to all of these same places in a few weeks with your girlfriends from college on a Spring Break trip?"  Granny asked.  Why, yes.  Yes, I am.  I've never been on a cruise before but in the space of four weeks I happened to be going on two to the exact same ports.  Granny was a GENIUS!  Well, in Mr. Buffett's words, "that's all it took," and Granny was off, scooting around the restaurant, tearing off the coupons off of every single menu in that place.  By the time she was done, I had 30 "free margarita" coupons sitting in front of me.  And you bet your bottom dollar that when I was back in Jamaica four weeks later, we used those coupons up.  Management wasn't thrilled that my 89 year old Granny had figured out a way to cheat the system, but we were obligated to our free margs, and we drank them with pleasure.

At Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville in Jamaica

Each night on the cruise, we ate dinner in the formal dining room.  Two of the six nights are "formal dinner" nights, and everyone dresses to the nines and looks fantastic.  The other nights, we were usually offered a choice of fish or chicken or beef, and I chose the fish often, in an attempt to branch out.  The salmon on the cruise was great (the lamb chops that one lady made me try were NOT so great).  Salmon is such a light meal, that I thought it would be great to try at home.  Here is a recipe that I recently tried for Mustard Crusted Salmon.  It's not prepared in the galley on board a ship in the Caribbean, but it is easy to throw on the grill in your backyard.

My mom, me, and Granny heading to formal dinner night on the cruise ship

Honey Crusted Salmon
Servings: 2, Weight Watchers PointsPlus Value:

Mustard Crusted Salmon

• 3 tbsp rosemary, chopped (again, don't have any?  Shoot me an email- I'll get you some, stat!)
• 3 tbsp thyme
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 sprays cooking spray
• 1 1/4 lb salmon fillets with or without skin
• 4 tbsp dijon mustard

1. Heat the grill for direct medium heat
2. Mix the rosemary, thyme, and pepper in a small bowl
3. Spray the bottome of the fish with nonstick spray (so they don't stick to the grill... you can also use a veggie or fish grilling plate for this)
4. Spread 1 tbsp mustard on top of each fillet
5. Sprinkle about 1 1/2 tbsp of the herb mixture on top of each
6. Place herb side up on the grill directly over heat
7. Cover the grill and cook until the fish flakes when gently scraped with a fork (ab 12 mins, depending on fish's thickness)

Granny practicing snorkeling in Cozumel, Mexico

Strawberry Shortcake

My boyfriend, Andy, and I met at one of his kickball games.  We had a lot of mutual friends who were on the team, and I always joined the fun on Thursdays for a little R&R.  Andy and my best guy friend, Michael, were fast friends, and one night Michael invited him to come to the Wade Bowen concert at Billy Bob's with us.  I didn't know Andy's name at the time, but when Michael told me that "a couple of the kickball players would be joining us," I kept my fingers crossed that "Cute Catcher" as I thought of him, would be one of the crew.  Lucky me, there he was at dinner before the show.  I was trying to get to know a bit more about him at dinner so I asked him where he was from.  "Wichita Falls," he said.  "Great," I thought.  "We're probably cousins..."  There are about 4 big families who are all related to each other in Wichita, and my mom's family happens to be one of them.  Quick text to my Aunt Rhonda who lives in Wichita Falls, "Hey! Met a cute boy from Wichita Falls... we aren't related to any of the Jenningses are we?"  Ding! A reply. "Nope! I do know them though." (Duh). "Great family- so sweet!"  

Andy, me, and Whitney at Wade Bowen 

Okay, so I'm not related to the Cute Catcher, he's talking back to me, offered to buy me a beer, and we have a lot of Wichita Falls friends in common.  Things seemed to be going well!  The concert was a lot of fun, and I asked my friend for Cute Catcher's phone number so I could "thank him for the beers."  Turns out he had a real name, Andy.   We texted a lot over the next few days, and he came to Mayfest with a lot of our friends.  After looking at pictures from my cousin, Kameron's, fourth birthday party, Andy texted me and said, "Hey so I do know someone else who you know from Wichita Falls."  Thinking he's going to say my cousin who is about our age or any one of her thirty friends in the birthday pictures, Andy threw me for a loop.  "How do you know Rosella Kemnitz?" Excuse me... Rewind.  Back up.  How do you know Rosella?  She is 70-something, and my Aunt Rhonda's mom.  She's practically my other grandma.  Turns out, Rosella used to keep Andy and his sister in their church nursery.  Wow, small world, right?  Of course I immediately text my Aunt Rhonda.  Rhonda's reply?  "Well it is a small world!  But that's not even the craziest connection with that family.  His dad is a social worker, and when your Uncle Richard adopted Chris (my cousin, Rhonda's son), his dad did the adoption!"  What! I'm still glad we weren't related, but it is pretty crazy that we just happened to meet at a kickball game in Fort Worth and had all of this in common.

May 4, 2010, was Andy and my's first date.  In between two of my classes, we met at Yucatan Taco Stand- a delicious little restaurant in Fort Worth known for their potent Frozen Screwdrivers.  It's kind of a cross between Fuzzy's Taco Shop's food and a Pei Wei atmosphere.  I was really nervous and probably way too chatty in an effort to overcompensate.  Considering I had to go to class after dinner, I couldn't have a frozen screwdriver to ease my nerves, and I know I was probably a total spaz.  Andy was leaving to go to Wichita Falls the next day because his sister, Carly, was going to have her baby, Greyson.  I asked Andy if he was planning to stay in Wichita Falls for the night, and his response was "No, I'm going to come home.  There is a pretty cute girl I'd like to hang out with, and I'm anxious to see again."  (Insert can't-stop-beaming-smile here!  Looks like my spaz-self hadn't scared him away!)   The rest, as they say, is history.  Well- one year of history, anyway.

Greyson's First Christmas, December 2010

On Saturday, Andy's parents hosted Greyson's first birthday party.  The theme was barnyard- there was a barnyard/farm cake, sheep and cow and pig cupcakes, and barnyard plates and napkins.  Mr. Jennings had the grill fired up and was cooking hamburgers and hot dogs for all of the guests- family and friends of Carly and Slate (Andy's brother-in-law) and Greyson.  There were two year olds and 80 year olds- it was nice seeing everyone together and celebrating such a sweet boy's birthday.  Greyson is absolutely adorable, and he just started crawling.  He was moving around that party like an ant on a mission.  He wasn't too crazy about the cake part of his cake, but he sure did like the icing.  I think he ate about 3 tablespoons of it off of my finger.  Oh and also, to add to the small world concept- turns out Andy's stepgrandmother went to church at Our Lady Queen of Peace with my Granny Poirot.  Her children and my mom and aunts and uncles were all friends.

We ended the weekend by celebrating Mothers Day at our lakehouse.  Per tradition (see post here), we stopped to watch the sunset and remember the moms who couldn't be with us.  After the sunset, we had dessert- Strawberry Shortcake.  I love this dessert because it is light, low fat, and low calorie- not to mention, super easy to make.  Whether you're celebrating a first date, birthday, or Mothers Day, try it the next time you need a quick and easy dessert.

Strawberry Shortcake
Servings: 4

• 1 package of strawberries (appr. 4 cups), sliced 
• 4 bowls/saucers
• 4 Angel Food (or likeness) dessert cups
• 2 c Cool Whip
• 2 tbsp sugar (optional)

1. Place one dessert cup in each of 4 bowls
2. Top with strawberries (as desired)
3. Top with Cool Whip (as desired)
4. Optional: Sprinkle sugar on top (as desired- strawberries may be a bit tart until around June or July, so the sugar helps cut the bite, but I prefer to leave it off)

Candied Almond Salad

My whole life, we have had a sailboat named Cracker Jack that we keep at the Fort Worth Boat Club.  In May of 2005, I was leaving dinner at the Boat Club with my parents when they suggested that we drive down to the waterfront where the cabanas are.  We had always admired the cabanas from afar- right on the water, on club grounds, and only a thirty minute hiatus from town.  We pulled up to the blue and white a-frame that we had talked about before, and my parents stopped the car.  Thinking we were just going to walk around, I hopped out of the car and heard the jingle of keys in my dad's hand.  "Surprise!" they both said together.  They had bought the a-frame lakehouse from Jim Sundberg, former catcher for the Texas Rangers.  I. was. stoked.

The lakehouse/cabana has changed in so many ways over the past 6 years.  We put up white wooden blinds, built a tough shed, replaced the couches (twice), moved the twin beds to make room for futons, replaced said twin beds with white bunk beds, put in all new master bedroom furniture, pulled up the carpet and installed hardwood floors, replaced the remaining carpet with new carpet, white washed the front wall, replaced the dock, built a kayak rack, replaced both the downstairs and upstairs air conditioners, put in new cabinets, pulled out the stove, put on a new side door and screen door, installed an alarm system (unfortunately due to a break-in), replaced the fridge (twice), AND installed new counter tops.  Phew! That was a mouth full.  Needless to say, our little gem has come a LONG way.

Easter Eve 2011

My Granny Poirot, from who I inherited many of my cooking abilities, absolutely loved the lakehouse.  Specifically, she loved the sunsets at the lakehouse.  No matter what we were in the middle of doing, when the sun started to set, Granny called everyone out onto the porch or down by the water.  For 15-20 minutes, we stopped.  We stopped cooking, renovating, replacing, worrying, and stressing.  We stopped planning, organizing, cleaning, texting, talking, and we watched.  "Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?" Granny asked me once.  "God is good, Katherine, He knows we're making memories."

Easter Sunday 2011

When Granny's heart started to give out for the final time in November of 2008, I curled up in her hospital bed with her, squeezing her hand as tight as I could.  Even in as much pain as she was, Granny turned and looked out the window of the Cardiac ICU.  "Wow, Katherine, look at that sunset," she said, "God is good sweet girl.  I love you."  My eyes welled up with tears as I told her that I loved her more than anything in the world.  My Aunt Rhonda's text to let loved ones know read, "Gertie left with the sunset this evening."  Her obituary read "Gertie Poirot went home to be with her heavenly Father at sunset."  What a perfect ending to her wonderful story, and not a sun sets without our family thinking of our amazing, funny, loving, optimistic, selfless, faithful Granny.

Granny watching the sunset

This past Easter weekend, my parents, their friends, Mike and Sondra Cochran, and Andy and I all had dinner out at the lakehouse.  It was fun being together, but no holiday at the lakehouse is the same without Granny.  We had her/my mom's Candied Almond Salad, ham, and chili rice casserole.  Although Granny wasn't there to remind us on Easter night, we all still gathered on the porch, like we do every night when we are at the lakehouse, and stopped.  For 15 minutes, we stopped doing, and we made another memory and watched the sunset, just like Granny would have wanted.

Granny and me watching the sunset, July 4, 2008

Candied Almond Salad
Granny Poirot & Carolyn Poirot

• 1 c sliced almonds
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 4 little green onions, thinly sliced (yes, they're really called "little green onions")
• Honey mustard dressing (available in light)
• 15 oz mandarin oranges, drained
• 6 c lettuce, washed

1. Melt butter in a pan on the stove
2. Mix in sugar and almonds
3. Stir frequently until browned (careful not to burn them)
4. Combine lettuce, onions, oranges, and candied almonds in a large salad bowl
5. Add dressing as desired, or leave dressing off for each person to put on his/her own- this can always help avoid soggy salad

Grilled Chicken Salad

Abbie and My 2010 Holiday Card

This holiday season was one of the best (and busiest!) that I can remember.  I had the opportunity to be with my friends, loved ones, and, most importantly, family.  The kickoff to my holiday season was a Christmas party hosted by two of Andy's good friends, Clay and Michelle Montgomery.  Michelle and Clay's 2nd annual party was definitely a hit- they have a really fun group of friends.  Michelle has a DIY blog that I love love- check it out when you have time.  The party was complete with some of Michelle's custom wine labels, Alfredo Meatballs, Allie's cakeballs, chipotle cream cheese dip, grilled jalapenos, and pink panty droppers!  (Recipe to come later!)  For her party, Michelle had made some really cute wreaths, and I was thinking that I wanted to try to make one, too.  The next morning, there was Martha Stewart on The Today Show making a sparkly wreath, so I took this as a sign that I needed to scoot on over to Hobby Lobby and pick up some supplies.    Hey, if they could do it, I could, too.  This is what it turned out looking like- see below.  The pink feathers sticking out are from my best friend's bachelorette party that was back in April, so it is sentimental as well as sparkly!

The Christmas wreath I made!

Our next Christmas party was a week later at our friends, Natalie and Thomas McDaniels', house.  Andy knows Thomas from Midwestern State University, but I know him from high school in Fort Worth- small world, huh?  They had a White Elephant gift exchange.  I took a giant bag of peanut M&M's, but left with a couple of candles and Febreze to go.  Bank!  Andy took a jumbo pack of black Sharpies from Costco... gag gift, much?

Andy and Me at The McDaniels' Chinese Gift Exchange

The next day, Andy and I went to Henrietta, Texas, for his mom's family Christmas.  Henrietta is a tiny town just south of Wichita Falls, where he and I both have family.  The Coleman family is truly blessed, as they still have both of Andy's grandparents living.  I hadn't spent a Christmas at a grandparents' house in a long time, and it was bittersweet.  I loved being able to meet his grandparents, but it was tough remembering that I no longer have any of my own.  (Oh well, at least their recipes still live on!)  The adults on the Coleman side of his family do a Chinese gift exchange for gift cards... very fun and clever! I brought a Best Buy one that Mr. Jennings ended up with, Andy got a Dillard's one, and I, sneakily, managed to get the Target one that Andy had brought! I think I may do a Chinese exchange next year... hmmm...


Andy and his 7 month old nephew, Greyson

 After Henrietta, we hauled booty back to Fort Worth because it was the night of my 3rd Annual Holiday Cocktail Party! If you read my pots about MaryEllen's Texas Caviar, you've already gotten the history.  If not, click here for a background of my holiday cocktail.  This year had a great turnout!! We didn't stop partying until about 3:00am, so I'm pretty sure everyone had fun! Must've been the beer pong... or was it the prolific amounts of food?


Andy and me at my 3rd Annual Holiday Cocktail Party!



Christmas Decor ready and waiting for the Cocktail Party!

My DG Family- itb! Ashlea (my grandlittle), me, and JZet (my little)

The morning after the cocktail, Andy and I drug our exhausted selves out to Eagle Mountain Lake to meet my parents for the Fort Worth Boat Club's Annual Christmas Luncheon.  This has been a tradition in my family for as long as I can remember, and I was happy I got to share it with Andy this year.  I took my obligatory annual picture with Santa, and I even made Andy take one, too! But the holiday celebrations still weren't done!

25th Annual Santa and me picture

Andy and me with Santa at the Boat Club

Round six meant off to Wichita Falls for Andy's dad's Christmas.  I met more family, and ate more food! Andy's dad made some delicious brisket and BBQ ribs- so good that Andy thought they surely had been catered.  We gave his younger cousin a Texas duffle bag (good man, right there, liking the Longhorns already!)  We then spent a few days in Falls Town.  I went to the infamous Casa Manana, P2, and Toby's, and we tried a new place called Denim and Diamonds.  All were fun, and it was good seeing some of our (randomly mutual) old friends!

Andy's Nephew, Greyson, at Jennings Family Christmas

"Hey, do you know Kacie Skipworth?" Just one of our random mutual friends!

Greyson's First Christmas

Christmas Eve, I returned home to Fort Worth for Christmas morning at my parents' house with my parents and brother, Geoff.  After hustling to unwrap our gifts and a few mimosas, it was time to pack up again... and then, yep, back in the car to go BACK to Wichita Falls. This time it was for my mom's family Christmas.  There were so many people and SO much delicious food!!   In attendance were my Aunt Rhonda, Uncle Richard, cousin Ashlea, cousin Kameron, cousin Tiffany, Rhonda's parents, Rhonda's nephew, Rhonda's best friend, Sherry, my parents, my brother and his girlfriend, Kristi, a few of Rhonda & Richard's friends, Andy, and Andy's parents were able to join us, too.  Despite being super nervous about our families meeting, it went off without a hitch!  Afterwards, my parents, Andy, and I bundled up and went to go walk around the Burns Family Festival of Lights at Midwestern State University- a tradition from my younger years, re-instated.

Mom, Geoff, me, and Abbie on Christmas morning at my parents' house

Geoff, Dad, me, and Abbie at my parents' house on Christmas morning

Me and Geoff modeling our new L.L. Bean vests!

Kameron and me ("Aunt Kate") at my Aunt Rhonda & Uncle Richard's house in Wichita Falls, Texas

My cousin, Ashlea, and me in Wichita Falls, Texas on Christmas Day night

Me and Andy trying to catch bubbles from the robot at MSU's Fantasy of Lights

Me and Andy and the Little Engine That Could at MSU's Fantasy of Lights

This was Andy & my favorite when we were little- Santa soaking his feet after a long day!

Me and Kameron after she made a giant cupcake

Christmas Tree at my parents' house- so many presents!

About now, I'm sure you're thinking how you really don't care about my bajillion Christmas parties and want to know what recipe I'm going to share... well, here it is.  I don't think I stopped eating from the start of The Montgomery's Christmas party until the next year.  This extensive list includes, but is not limited to, the following: cakeballs, Oreo truffle balls, white bean queso, bourbon meatballs, turkey, pork, BBQ, ranch dip, cookies, peppermint bark, pumpkin squares, cherry pie, pumpkin pie, cheesey potatoes, Texas Caviar, Chick-Fil-A, wine, beer, mimosas, and, of course, egg nog... oh, sick, I suddenly feel nauseous. 
Andy and I decided that we need a little green in our lives.  So, I got on my "Cook This, Not That," app on my iPhone, and found a recipe for Grilled Chicken Salad.  It's nothing special, but if, like me, you have had too much fat, grease, and sugar- get back on track with this easy salad!

Grilled Chicken Salad
Makes 4 servings- 500 calories/serving
WeightWatchers Points Plus Value: 8

• 12 cups arugula (or 1 prewashed bag)
• 1/4 cup Honey Mustard Vinaigrette (light honey mustard is the healthier option)
• 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced
• 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (or Craisins)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 12 oz cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta)

1. Combine the chicken, arugula, cranberries, avocado, goat cheese, walnuts, vinaigrette, salt and pepper in a large bowl
2. Use your hands or 2 forks or salad tongs to toss.

I made this tonight, but forgot the cheese... it was still delish!