Last night, I hosted a festive cookie exchange/potluck party and was surprised and delighted to discover that 15 friends and acquaintances showed up with ridiculous amounts of food and sweets galore. Everyone was in the holiday spirit and happy to share their most esteemed recipes from the kitchen. We all gorged ourselves on such offerings as Cheesy Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sesame Asparagus, Creamy Dill Horseradish Salmon and Shrimp and Avocado Tostadas -- and then somehow made room in our blubbery bellies for the sugary second course, which absolutely covered the entire kitchen counter.
All told, we were able to enjoy 14 varieties of resplendent baked goods and take home a diverse assortment of our favorites to share at upcoming holiday gatherings. One friend decided to bring his child to this event, which would have been fine if we had been given advanced notice, but his mini-me's participation was a complete surprise. Now, please understand this -- I have nothing against children -- I especially adore them when their parents raise them well and instill within them manners and decent respect.
Sadly, this was not the case with our particular surprise miniature guest. While his parent seemingly embraced a 'back seat role' of complete and utter oblivion, the mini-tornado swooped in and fondled, smearing, chewed up/spit out, kicked, threw and stomped on a myriad of items throughout our household. Father was simply laughing in the background.
When I witnessed said holy terror literally touching and rubbing about 11 different homemade gingerbread cookies with his snotty, grubby little hands, I got up enough courage to make my outrage known. Amazingly, papa said, "Oh, he must be hungry." Let me cut to the chase. This blog post isn't about clueless parents -- it really should be about green choices. Bear with me -- there is a point to all of this.
Since we found ourselves stuck with 11 bacterially-snotted-up gingerbread cookies after everyone went home and the dust settled, rather than toss them in the garbage, I decided to offer the wildlife in my backyard a special holiday treat. I know, I know. Perhaps it's not the wisest thing to do, but at least they were made with natural sweeteners and whole wheat flour....and I truly HATE to waste good food!! Someone should benefit!!!
Fast forward to this morning at 6:32 AM. I woke up as I always do to feed my brood of squawking, boisterous felines. I simultaneously peeked out the window and saw a small red fox crunching on the assortment of cast away stars, bells, holly leaves, and gingerbread men. I could have sworn that it was grinning ever-so-slightly.
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