Purrfect Day!

You wouldn't think to look at me that I wasn't just laying around being a pretty boy, but I was told to take a few days off and rest up. Vet's orders ! Can you see me fighting it?  I actually had an abcess on my left paw!  Hurt really bad too!  One nasty kitty took a bite and had a piece of me.  As for me, I am a lover, not a fighter, but no matter, It was worth it for my humans to make such a fuss over me.

I got to lay in bed all day!  It was just Puuuuurrrrrrfect!  Mom gave me treats and Daddy got fed too!  He said it was the best onion soup and bacon and onion tart he ever had!

Bacon and Onion Tart

serves 6-8

6 oz. bacon cut into 1/4" matchsticks

4 tbsp. butter

2 - 3 med. onions sliced length wise

1 1/2 cups flour

2 tsp. dry mustard

1 1/4 cups milk

3 eggs lightly beaten

heat back until fat renders and bacon is crisp in a skillet.  Pour bacon fat in a 9X13 baking dish.  Drain bacon on a paper towel.  Return skillet to the stove and heat med. high. add butter and  onions.  Cook until caramelized (about 10 min.)  Set aside.  Heat oven to 425 degrees.  In a large bowl, whisk flour, mustard, and pepper.  Add milk and eggs and stir until smooth.  Let batter rest for 10 min.  Meanwhile, place the baking dish in oven and let heat for 10 min.  Remove from oven and pour in batter and sprinkle with the bacon and caramelized onions.  Return to oven and bake until puffed and golden brown, about 30 min.

French Onion Soup

Serves 5-6

6-8 onions sliced thin or chopped in small chunks

3 Tbs. butter

4 cups of chicken broth

1 3/4 cups of beef broth (can substitute and add 4 bullion cubes to water)

1/4 cup dry red wine (I used Merlot)

1 bay leaf

sprig of fresh thyme

Provolone cheese

seasoned croutons 

Cook onions and butter until caramelized.  Put in a sauce pan and add all ingredients except for the red wine.  Bring to a boil, add wine, turn down and simmer for 20 min.  Remove herbs.  Place soup in a mug on a foil lined tray.  Add hot soup, seasoned croutons and a thick slice of provolone cheese. (Note fill mug full so cheese does not collapse but will melt over the edge) Place under a broiler and let the cheese melt and slightly brown.  Serve with additional glass of chilled Merlot!  Enjoy!