Quesadilla-rama

We at Donna's Test Kitchen are heavily into creation of quesadilla recipes until May 1st - the deadline for the first draft of the quesadilla manuscript.

DTK welcomes all quesadilla recipes - the more exotic, the better.

If you entry is accepted, the prize will be an entry on the "Acknowledgements" section of the book AND a gourmet meal cooked for your dining pleasure featuring - you guessed it! - QUESADILLAS!!!

Erin Go Braugh!

"Erin Go Braugh" means "Ireland Forever!" (Amy made me clarify that)

St Patty's Day, THE holiday of the year, was celebrated in grand Kelly style with about 100+ friends/neighbors/folks looking for free food.

I only had one picture on my camera, and then I got too busy running around, so Kate & Neil took the rest of the pics with Neil's new fancy camera he bought in honor of his unemployment. So, here is Amy and Chris, pre-party.

I actually brined my own beef brisket this year, and it is acutally yummy, unlike that inedible strngy stuff you buy at the grocery store that is injected with pink dye.

St Pat's trivia: (OK, yes, I did learn this from Alton Brown, my hero) : Corned beef is NOT eaten in Ireland. It is a strictly Irish-American food item. Even more appropo, I'd say.

The top o' the mornin' to all!

Name That Cookbook Contest

Greetings all clever and creative bloggers!

"Happy Valley Kellys" is proud to announce a contest to name Donna's upcoming cookbook! As a prize, Donna will personally come to your home (or the location of your choice) and cook a gourmet meal for you and 7 of your favorite friends and/or family members! (We PROMISE we are not making this up!)

Donna has been feverishly working on her next cookbook, which is a collection of fast, fresh and flavorful entrees that require 30 minutes or less of prep time. The original title was going to be "The Every Day Gourmet," but Donna's publisher would like to use a different title, and feels that "gourmet" is a word that is over-used these days.

The format of the book will be an easel-style book that folds into an easel and stands on your counter for easy reading while you are cooking. One recipe per page. If you would like to take a look at the index of recipes so far, please let me know and I will email them to you for your perusal.

So, what we need is a clever, catchy title that conveys the essence of the book. That is where you come in. Post your ideas - all REASONABLE suggestions will be considered. No. Jake, we can't use "It tastes good when you put it in your mouth." A panel of marketing experts from around the world -- ok, mostly from Utah County -- will select the winner.

Contest ends: April 15th. (Manuscript deadline for the book is May 1st.)

Jane Goodall

This is Neil and I with Jane Goodall at the Abravenal Hall in Salt Lake. Neil heard her speak when he was a kid in Kenya and she has been one of his heroes. She is an amazing lady and at 72 she still travels 300 days out of the year lecturing about conservation. We had to wait 90 min in line to get to meet her, but it was well worth it.

Tonsil free is the way to be

Hello everyone. Thanks for your thoughts & prayers. They must be working, because I am doing well. I can't really talk or ingest solid foods yet, but for an adult tonsillectomy, it's going fine. Luckily I've got Neil the wonder-nurse to take care of me, so I'll be back on my feet soon. Perhaps Neil is enjoying the silence. ;)

Neil Ransom is Brilliant!

Kuddos to Neil for being brilliant and for doing good in the world!

Neil presented at an "International Field Studies Inquiry Conference" yesterday at BYU. He did his presentation on research he did in India in 2005.

His study was about the effect of private ownership on small farmers in rural India. (as opposed to just leasing). It was so fun to go and hear him speak. And great power point, too.

Way to go Neil!!!

PRAY FOR KATIE

Katie is having surgery this Friday, March 7th, and the doctors are telling her she will be completely down for at least two weeks.

Anything we can do to help cheer her up and relieve Neil on his nursing duties, let's all pitch in and help.

Also, please remember her in your prayers - let's all pray for a quick and full recovery.

We love you, Kate!!!