If you aren’t a dog lover, today’s article may not make a lot of sense to you.
This past week, we had to put our beloved Shih Tzu, Dixie Belle, to sleep. She would have been 15 years old in May. She wouldn’t eat, could barely get around and slept all the time. We couldn’t stand to see her suffer. We actually had her for 15 months more than we thought we would. It was around Christmastime last year our vet told us that we were probably going to have to make a decision about her after the holidays. I cried all the way home and made a promise that I would prepare food for her and make her as happy as I could. I fed her canned chicken, cheese and scrambled eggs. She rallied and was fine for a little over a year. See what good food can do for you — even canines.
Dixie was the cutest puppy you have ever seen. She was also very feisty. We took her on afternoon rides in the truck. She has slept with us every night for the past 15 years. When I was home, she followed me from room to room, and she sat and watched television with us every night. Every Christmas, she loved all the wrapping paper on the floor and would run and jump on it and tear it to shreds.
If we came home in the afternoons and left again without taking her, you knew to put the garbage cans up because she would turn them over and trash would be all over the house. It was like she knew you had to go to work, but after work was her time.
I chose a picture of me with Dixie together for the cover of my cookbook. My family went on the back cover. The family gave me a hard time about that. You wouldn’t believe how many people commented on how cute she was. She rocked that photo shoot and all but smiled for the camera.
Dixie Belle tolerated the cats. When they were kittens, they drove her crazy. As they got out of the kitten stage, they became pals. I would often find all of them asleep on her bed or on the ottoman of Steve’s living room chair. They would all curl up together side by side. It is unbelievable how empty my house feels. I was sick with a stomach bug last week and was in bed all day. I missed her so much that day, because if somebody was sick, she was with them in the bed the entire time. Almost as if she was taking care of you.
I still expect to see her coming around the corner or sleeping in her old haunts. But I know she’s not, and it breaks my heart.
I have written before that in my own pet lover’s mind, I think there is a special place in heaven for pets. Dogs are happy, healthy, eating T-bone steaks and sleeping in the sunshine. Rest in peace, Dixie Belle, we love and miss the very best dog ever.
I want to say a special thank you to Dr. Blane Cooper and all the people who have helped take care of her for all these years. Your love and compassion has meant so much to our family. We are fortunate to have Cooper Animal Hospital in Greenwood.
I hope you will give these different sauce recipes a try. Thanks for reading.
JEZEBEL SAUCE
1 (18-ounce) jar peach preserves
1 (18-ounce) jar apple jelly
1 (5-ounce) jar horseradish
1 (1.75-ounce) can dry mustard
2 heaping tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
Put preserves and jelly in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring until melted together. Remove from heat, and add horseradish, mustard and black pepper. Stir to blend. Pour into jars and refrigerate. Will keep forever in the fridge.
(This is a great sauce for serving with ham. Pour it over cream cheese, and serve with crackers. Serve it on top of broiled fish or chicken. It is great for dipping shrimp. A bit on your favorite sandwich is also a terrific addition.)
BARBECUE SAUCE
(It is getting to be that time of year for grilling.)
½ cup chopped onion
3 tablespoons oil
1 (64-ounce) bottle ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Louisiana hot sauce
4 tablespoons prepared mustard
¾ cup packed brown sugar
Cook onions in a large pot in oil for about 5 minutes. Add all the remaining ingredients, stir thoroughly and simmer for about 45 minutes. Cool and put into jars to store in the refrigerator. Baste on chicken, ribs, pork or beef. It’s good to have some extra for dipping at the table.
COMEBACK SAUCE
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons grated onion
¼ cup chili sauce
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup pickle relish
1 tablespoon Worcestershire
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Tabasco
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Combine all ingredients, and store in refrigerator.
(This sauce is great on salads, a dip for fresh vegetables or just with saltine crackers.)
• Contact Lee Ann Flemming at lafkitchen@hughes.net.
