Friend of Lindor Spotlight

Lindor sure has a lot of supporters!  My friend Keri is a great person to have on board. She is not only preparing a special treat for each guest at the Crop but is also baking some of THESE....

Cadbury Caramilk cookies!!! When the Bake Sale opens at 3, there is practically a stampede to get these beauties off the bake table. And its no wonder, they are so delish and so painstaking to make yourself. I know because I just rolled a bunch myself. Don't worry though, Keri is making many dozens to bring to the Crop so we hope no one will be disappointed.

She also picked me up a bunch of these sweet ladybug bags and designed another card to be given away using this fab ladybug ribbon from Miss Lori. I'm going to make a few extras of this card because I KNOW it will be a popular one. Everyone will be getting a card in their goodie bag. Cross your fingers if you want Card #12. I'm going to keep you in suspense until the big day to see the cards but I'm sure you'll be happy with the selection.

Why we love Labs!

These labs are so smart, they can CAMOFLAGUE themselves when they're laying on the couch.
Black on black, brown on brown. My friend and fellow lab lover has TWO of these smartypants.... Velvet and Libby. Aren't they great?

Another cake

I did a lot of baking this weekend for several events.... Carrot cake, 2 types of cookies, Lemon Poppyseed cake, Rhubarb squares and another decorated cake possibly for the Cake Raffle at Lindor's crop. This one is white cake.
What do you think?

My favourite Mac and Cheese

I have been making this highly caloric but delish Mac and Cheese for years. It's especially good with medium or old cheddar, more flavourful but still rich and creamy. And of course, everything tastes better with a buttery crumb topping.  Perfect comfort food!

I think you're supposed to take the photo before you scoop out a large serving. A food blogger I'll never be. Here's the recipe....

My Favourite Mac and Cheese

2 cups macaroni (uncooked)

4 cups of milk

¼ cup butter

8 TBSP flour

½ tsp. dried mustard (can omit)

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

2 ½ cups grated cheese

Topping

2 Tbsp butter

4 Tbsp bread crumbs

4 Tbsp grated cheese

I don’t measure, just mix up my own topping proportions.

Cook macaroni in boiling water until tender. Drain.

Scald milk in heavy saucepan. Don’t burn! LOL

Melt butter, separately. Stir in flour and seasonings.

Add milk gradually, then add the mixture to the milk.

Stir over medium heat until mixture thickens then add cheese and stir.

Remove from heat. Add macaroni. Place in greased casserole and cover with topping.

Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes until topping is browned.

A new challenge

Now that Lindor is back to her old pesky self; I have to find her something to keep her occupied and challenged. Labs love to work and Lindor is no exception. She can retrieve really well but I'm thinking of putting her in some fun obedience or rally events. If she tries really hard she can remember back to her lessons when she also went to puppy class once a week. LOL.

So I set up a jump in the backyard. Note the high end materials used to make it.

Wait you're supposed to go OVER, not around. She actually did pretty well. She would stand on her head if you offered her a piece of dry kibble.
Maya on the other hand is another story....

She would do anything to AVOID doing any work.

It will be interesting to see how we do. Probably in the Fall. Right now there is lots of work that still needs to be done to pull off our Scrapbooking Crop.

A Look Back at Last Year's Crop

Some highlights from last year's fundraiser....

It was really interesting to hear first hand, the impact that having a Service Dog had on the family and what they can do for the kids.

Of course, having a chance to win these fabulous raffle prizes helped make the day even more fun.

Cake Raffle

You know how once you pick a theme, you seem to see it everywhere? I spotted an adorable ladybug cake pan and knew I had to have it. Way back when, I thought I would decorate cakes on the side and then I realized how much work it was and what a mess it makes in your kitchen. Anyway, I have resurrected my talent to make a couple of these for the Crop.

Maya thinks it looks pretty good, anyway.

I also did a golf bag cake for my Dad's birthday and golf tournament next weekend but you likely won't be seeing THIS cake again. It was really fussy and I had to mix a lot of colours but I think it turned out pretty good. Dad will eat it anyway and say it looks good cuz that's what Dad's do! 

Don't worry, I won't be serving stale baked goods at the Crop. These cakes freeze really well and I like to do most of the food preparation at the last minute so its as fresh as possible.