12.13.2011

December 13, 2011

White Dog said, "Don't try this when you are home alone, momma!" It is Steve's ultra late night and I thought it might be a good time to get a jump on wrapping gifts. I lugged out the box of Christmas papers and ribbons, and tags. In just the time it took me to leave that box to get scissors and clear tape, Yo had already pulled a tube of paper out and was chewing on the end while Nuka paced back and forth across the unrolling paper (crinkling it and leaving nail tears). I hadn't even gotten the gifts to be wrapped out yet!

White Dog smirked. I sat down to develop a strategy. Every scenario ended with..."and Steve keeps the White Dog Army occupied as he puts tags and ribbons on the wrapped packages." White Dog was right, this was a Family project. I dragged the box back into the closet.

"What's next?" asked my floofy smarty pants. "Want to make cookies?" I shot her a glare as Quinn and YoYoMa headed for the kitchen chanting, "Cookies! Cookies! Let's make cookies!" Puff sat down beside me and shyly voiced her opinion that cookie making was an even worse idea than present wrapping.

For the second day in a row it is grey and rainy (unusual New Mexico weather) AND this was going to be a long night. Already the WDA was getting bored and restless. Nobody liked my idea of practicing basic training skills...even for treats. We needed some kind of diversion.

"How about this," I proposed. "If you help me put together the spice blend gifts we are making by keeping watch over the bags and tags and such, I will use some of the Italian seasoning when we are done to make bagel cheese pizzas for each of you afterward." There was mumbling as they WDA discussed their options...DOUBLE cheese?... and finally they agreed.

We have been drying herbs from the garden since summer with the plan to combine them into a very special Italian meets the Southwest Seasoning Blend to give as gifts. So with the help of the WDA I crushed herbs and mixed with spices and stirred to blend. Then White Dog handed me the bags to make individual packets and Quinn pushed over a label that I had made earlier. Nuka kept count as I placed each packet into a basket and YoYoMa provided quality control by giving each pack a deep sniff. Puff laid in the kitchen doorway as a reminder of the pizza promise. Everyone, for a time, was engaged and didn't watch the clock.

After, I sliced open bagels and mixed a few teaspoons of our blend as well as a bit of Parmesan into ricotta cheese. This I spread on the bagel halves and topped each with a slice of mozzarella. To Yo's I added a slice of tomato. The entire WDA sat in front of the oven while their snack baked and then they paced until the pizzas were cool enough to be served into their bowls.

Full, and tired from helping, the WDA decided on an early evening nap in preparation for the long wait for Steve.

13 comments:

Dachshund Nola said...

Those sound so yummy! What good (albeit bribed) helpers!
Dachshund Nola

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Yummy!

You certainly have a wonderful group of helpers!

:o)

Sally Ann and Andy said...

I'm coming, save one for me.
WDFA

Sally Ann and Andy said...

I'm coming, save one for me.
WDFA

Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie said...

Sounding tastey! Wanted to visit to see who little Andy has a crush on. You really do have an army don't you?!
Smooches from pooches,
BabyRD & Hootie

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I would do anything for extra cheeese!! You made me hungry!
love
tweedles

Teddy Bear said...

What a great treat for such lovely Helpers.:)

Love,
Teddy Bear & Sierra

bichonpawz said...

We sure wish we could come and share with you!!! Great Snacks for your helpers!!! xoxo Chloe and LadyBug and the mama .... who absolutely LOVES New Mexico!!!

Kari in Alaska said...

THe pups were just adding their touches to the wrapping :)

Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Prints the Cat said...

The WDA are such good negotiators! Reminds me of my little sis!

Bailey Be Good! said...

Dropping off some woofs & hugs. Happy Wednesday!! ;)

Woofs & hugs, <3

~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

KB said...

I'd love to have one of those bagels about now! The Runner is having a late night... so I understand!

Glad that things went better than last week.

Sagira said...

The spices would be a wonderful and thoughtful gift and a great idea.

Those pizza bagels sound YUMMY!