The Gourmet Canine

Ok, so recently I have been under a bit of criticism from friends for feeding my dogs more than just kibble. But, can you imagine eating kibble, three meals a day, every day of your life? I can't? So why not mix it up a little and let your dogs enjoy some healthy, delicious food just like you get to eat?

Here is a common, healthy meal that the dogs get all the time. We call it, Kibble Scramble. It's just a couple of eggs (one egg white and one whole egg) and this time they got some lean sausage mixed in. It is split between both of them evenly. Now they don't get this everyday, but once or twice a week doesn't hurt, does it?

Other favorites are mixing in a half can of green beans with the kibble or even just a little bit of rice. They also love veggies like carrots, romaine hearts, tomato and fruits like apple and watermelon!

All right. I'll admit, they are probably spoiled. But don't our furry little companions deserve something more than kibble every once in a while? What do you think?

Salmon and Spinach Salad w/Smoothie

This was a simple grilled salmon and spinach salad. It was served with a watermelon, strawberry, blackberry, and banana fruit smoothie!

Yum!

Cool!

This was created at Photofunia.com

An Alternative to a Summer Favorite, Burgers and Fries

Veggie Burger with Turkey Bacon and Rosemary Garlic Potatoes

During the summer, there is nothing more classic than a good old grilled burger and fries. This recipe adds a healthier twist to the old summer classic by utilizing frozen veggie patties, deli turkey instead of bacon, and lightly fried home style potatoes seasoned with rosemary and garlic. And what would a summer be without grilled corn on the cob!

Here's how you can enjoy it:

Turkey Bacon

2 Slices of medium sliced deli oven roasted turkey
1 Tablespoon of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried rosemary

1. Heat the olive oil in a non stick pan
2. Slice the sliced deli turkey into bacon size slices
3. Sprinkle pepper and rosemary on both sides of bacon
4. Lay slices in pan and let sizzle for 1 minute on each side or until the edges become a dark red

Lay bacon aside for burgers.

Rosemary Garlic Potatoes

4-5 medium sized potatoes
1 teaspoon fresh or dried rosemary
1/4 red onion
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

1. Slice potatoes into circular pieces from one end to another
2. Heat olive oil in a non stick pan or skillet
3. Dice onions and simmer in olive oil for 1-2 minutes
4. Add potatoes, rosemary, onion, salt, pepper
5. Simmer on low for 25-30 minutes stirring frequently

Veggie Burgers
Buy Gardenburger Original Veggie burger and grill on both sides for 5 minutes

Corn
While you have the grill going, grill the corn until it is slightly brown and the corn turns a shade darker.

Garnish with your favorite burger garnishes! Enjoy!

Close up of "turkey bacon."

Turkey Burger on Whole Wheat Pita

Here is a delicious lunch!

This is a grilled turkey burger on a whole wheat pita bread with red onion, spinach, tomato, and mustard!

And yes... those are Cheezits.

Food

Trisha came up with a great idea yesterday. She said that I should start posting my food creations. So every time I create something delicious, I will put it up here.

This was lunch yesterday.

Raspberry Pecan Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
1/4 cup pecans
1/4 cup feta cheese
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp. pepper


For the dressing:

Combine the olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette in a medium size bowl. Crush 8-10 of the raspberries in the same bowl. Add the pepper. Whip with a fork for a minute.

For the salad:

Combine the remaining ingredients in a salad bowl and top with dressing.

Enjoy!

Scout's Great Escape

Ever since day one, Scout has been plotting his escape. He has had two or three almost successful attempts, but every time he has gotten close I have managed to somehow foil his plans. It looks like he finally got us this time and documented his journey. I wonder where they stored the ramp and ramp building materials for so long without our knowledge?

PhotoFunia

This website is awesome! PhotFunia.com

All you do is upload your picture, like this photo of me in sun glasses and holding a light beer. And then it does magic! Look at a couple examples here!

Jack the Ripper...

Don't let innocent Jack fool you.

Although he may look cute here, all cuddly and innocent, it all changes when we leave the house. The first week we had him, we came home to one of Trisha's Cosmopolitan magazines ripped to shreds. He was very proud of his accomplishment-- proud of the fact that he had torn the magazine into at least 7 million pieces and redecorated the living room with it.

At first we thought this was cute...but then he struck again. No paper in the house was safe. He has even learned how to open our trash can lid by stepping on the pedal to get the papers out of the kitchen garbage can! Once, he broke into a closet and tore up 60, yes 60 wrapped presents that were for Trisha's mom's B-day. And just like that, the 60 days of Linda was decimated.

His favorite is toilet paper and tissue paper. Especially used tissue paper! But he has torn up just about everything, underwear and floss not excluded. Beware, Jack the Ripper is on the loose!

Gimme Lean

For those of you vegetarian friendly people who still like the taste of meat... I just discovered Gimme Lean sausage! It comes in a tube like real sausage, but is made out of 100% veggies with NO fat. It is just as delicious. (Yes I do receive 3% of their sales. When you buy it, tell them Mike sent you.) I made it into a delicious breakfast burrito this morning with eggs and cheese!

Thanks Brett!

2nd post

That was mildly invigorating.

First post.

This is my first post. My first attempt at blogging. One small key stroke for man, one giant leap for Mike.

Most likely, this blog will contain my random musings. It will be a poverty of substance. I will actually be shocked if anyone dares to read anything on this page.

Really, if you are reading this, you must ask yourself, "Why?" Either you feel obligated because you are an immediate family member and as part of your job you must humor me or risk harming my self esteem, like when you tell me I am good looking and intelligent, or you are at work and can't be looking at porn. Is this really more entertaining than talking dogs on Youtube, your fantasy 2nd Life, and adorable pictures of kittens in hilarious human situations such as drinking coffee and wielding sniper rifles from the sixth floor of the book depository? If so, then welcome.

I came. I blogged. I conquered.