BIG DADDY'S BROCCI-SLAW!!

I don't have too many photos of Big Daddy in my blog, because he's a little bit camera shy--believe it or not. BUT, here's one I just have to share with you all, because it's absolutely PRICELESS.......we call this masterpiece "Frenchie".......

See, winters can get loooong and boring here in the Northwoods, and when cabin fever sets in, we like to pretend we're somewhere else....this particular night, we were in Gay Pareeee! By the way, that is not an actual cigarette dangling from Big Daddy's lips, but a Bic pen. And we used my eye pencil to fashion his stylish moustache and divot, AND that's an actual beret he's sporting.....waddya think? He just cracks us up....

Before I get started on my favorite subject....FOOD....I just have to share with you my latest Willow House acquisition, the Maribel Tabletop Clock......

Here's another photo, with maybe a little bit better lighting.....

Isn't it just the cutest thing? The color is really a soft sage green, not the apple green my camera decided it would be--aargh! I really needed a nice looking, about  10 inch tall clock for my computer desk, and I got this little number for FREE, just for hosting my Willow House party! That, and other products, too. The hostess incentives with this company are insaaaannnnee. Anyways, if you'd like to have this clock for your very own, you can order it (item number 41464, $39.96) by calling me directly at (315)369-5210, or by going to my website, located at the top righthand margin of this blog, or by going HERE! One other thing--if you have not checked out the Outlet store on my website, well, you are just really missing out, sistahs! Incredible bargains to be had, some at over 70% off. Just ask my mom--she just ordered a gorgeous red casserole AND a Calphalon-style roasting pan for just pennies! So, check it out when you have un momento!!

So far this summer, we have actually had to pretend it's SUMMER here in New York, because it's been raining, almost every single day. Last night was no exception....cold and rainy, and all we wanted to do was BBQ and eat outside! But, we stoic Willards BBQ'd anyways, and I whipped up a quick batch of one of our favorite side dishes, Big Daddy's Brocci-Slaw. In case you're wondering what Brocci-Slaw actually IS, well, it's just like Cole Slaw, but made with shredded broccoli stems (the part of the broccoli that I usually don't eat--what a waste). Super good for you, and a crunchier texture than the traditional cabbage slaws. Here's what it looks like, right outa the package......

First thing you'll want to do is mix some Mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, and sugar........

Add salt and pepper to mayo mixture, to taste......

Pour mayo mixture over broccoli and mix well. Cover and chill in one of these bad boys for at least 3-4 hours, stirring once or twice.....

Serve with whatever you're grilling....last night, we enjoyed some marinated flank steak with our Brocci-slaw.....MMM MMM Good!...........

(this is Big Daddy's plate--I ate only half that much, really!)

Here's the recipe...

BIG DADDY'S BROCCI-SLAW

Serves 4

1 package Shredded broccoli (found in the produce aisle)

1 cup mayonnaise (lowfat is fine)

2 tblsp. milk

3 tblsp. apple cider vinegar

1 tsp. prepared horseradish (or more, if you like it spicy)

2 tblsp. sugar

salt and pepper, to taste

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and all remaining ingredients. Pour over broccoli and mix well. Cover and chill for a minimum of 3 hours, stirring once or twice. Serve with a slotted spoon.

TODAY I'M SO GRATEFUL FOR.....

*The fact that I finally learned to text about 6 months ago, so I can chat with my husband and daughter, no matter where they are!

*My friend Lynn in Omaha, who came through a pretty hairy surgery just fine, despite still being pretty uncomfortable. I am so proud of your strength, Lynn!

*My darling friend Jimmy O., who sent shivers up my spine yesterday, telling me ghost stories for HOURS! Can't wait to do our psychic reading together, Jimmy.

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