A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.

SON: ‘Daddy, may I ask you a question?’
DAD: ‘Yeah sure, what it is?’ replied the man.
SON: ‘Daddy, how much do you make an hour?’
DAD: ‘That’s none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?’ the man said angrily.
SON: ‘I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?’
DAD: ‘If you must know, I make $50 an hour.’
SON: ‘Oh,’ the little boy replied, with his head down.
SON: ‘Daddy, may I please borrow $25?’

The father was furious, ‘If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don’t work hard everyday for such childish frivolities.’ The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy’s questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money? After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down , and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $25.00 and he really didn’t ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy’s room and opened the door. ‘Are you asleep, son?’ He asked. ‘No daddy, I’m awake,’ replied the boy. ‘I’ve been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier’ said the man. ‘It’s been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here’s the $25 you asked for.’

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. ‘Oh, thank you daddy!’
He yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father. ‘Why do you want more money if you already have some?’ the father grumbled. Because I didn’t have enough, but now I do,’ the little boy replied. ‘Daddy, I have $50 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.’

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness. It’s just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $50 worth of your time with someone you love.

If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of hours. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. A dear friend sent this to me and I burst into tears! I have been working a lot of overtime the last 6 months and for what? Think about this.

This salad recipe is great side dish for any BBQ.

3 ripe Avocados

1 Lemon

Tabasco to taste

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

2 small plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

2 scallions, chopped

1 small can of sweet corn

1 small bunch of cilantro, finely chopped

6 chives, chopped

Coarse salt and pepper to taste

Cut around the pit of each avocado. Twist the avocados and separate them. Remove the pit. Using a large spoon, scoop out each avocado half and arrange them on a plate. Dress the avocados with lemon juice, a few drops of hot sauce and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Combine the tomatoes, scallions, corn chives, cilantro and season with salt and pepper. Fill the avocados with tomato mixture and serve.

This week I was home during the day and I really enjoyed watching the Food Network. This recipe is on my list to try. Thanks to Rachael Ray!

2 1/2 pounds small potatoes, baby Yukon gold or red skinned potatoes

3 tablespoons, sliced jalapenos, hot pepper rings, hot cherry peppers, your choice

1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

4 scallions, chopped

A splash hot pepper juice

3 tablespoons cider or wine vinegar

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper

Chunk up the potatoes, cutting them into large bite-size pieces and place them in a pot of water. Boil until tender, drain and return back to hot pot to dry them out. Add hot peppers, bell peppers and scallions to potatoes, then dress with a splash of hot pepper juice and vinegar. Toss to combine, then drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil to coat the salad evenly and season with salt and pepper.

Every Christmas one of my co-workers always makes this delicious fudge. He promised me that I will be able to make this delicious, fail proof fudge, every time. It was so simple, and yes I can make fudge, just like he can.

Estimated Times:

Preparation - 10 min

Cooking - 6 min

Cooling Time - 2 hrs refrigerating

Yields - 49 pieces

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 2/3 cup (5 fluid-ounce can) CARNATION Evaporated Milk

• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups miniature marshmallows

• 1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Line 8-inch-square baking pan with foil.

Combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in marshmallows, morsels, nuts and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted. Pour into prepared baking pan; refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into pieces.

FOR MILK CHOCOLATE FUDGE:

Substitute 1 3/4 cups (11.5-ounce package) NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Milk Chocolate Morsels for Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels.

FOR BUTTERSCOTCH FUDGE:

Substitute 1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Butterscotch Flavored Morsels for Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels.

FOR PEANUTTY CHOCOLATE FUDGE:

Substitute 1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Peanut Butter & Milk Chocolate Morsels for Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels and 1/2 cup chopped peanuts for pecans or walnuts.

1 (16 ounce) can vegetarian refried beans

1 (16 ounce) can sweet potatoes, mashed

3/4 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

3 tablespoons minced onions

2 mild jalapeno chiles, seeded and minced

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/16 teaspoon ground cinnamon (pinch)

24 small white corn tortillas (approximately 6 to 7 inches across)

Combine refried beans, mashed sweet potatoes, shredded cheese, minced onion, minced chiles and spices and mix well.

Heat tortillas one at a time very briefly (just a few seconds or so) in frying pan with no oil to soften and then move to a basket or tortilla keeper lined with a damp towel to keep soft until you are ready to use.

Place a large Tablespoon or so (when rolled up, each one is about 1 inch wide) of mixture in center of each small tortilla (Filling should not come too close to the ends, or it will fall out).

Roll up tortilla around bean/sweet potato mixture and secure with a wooden toothpick.

Fry in Canola oil one or two at a time for 3 to 5 minutes each until golden brown and crisp.

Drain on paper toweling for a few moments before serving.

Serve with your favorite salsa and sour cream or guacamole.

These can be frozen and reheated on a baking sheet in 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes.

2 medium zucchini, chopped (about 1-3/4 cups)
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/2 tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. celery seed
1/4 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients in a medium microwave-safe bowl and stir well. Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes, stirring once or twice. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes. Serve on grilled hot dogs. Can be refrigerated up to 3 days.

Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 2 minutes Chill time: at least 30 minutes Makes about 1 cup.

Nutrition Per Serving: (based on a 2-tbsp. serving): 5 calories, 0 g protein, 0 g total fat (0 g sat.), 1 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 0 mg cholesterol, 75 mg sodium, <1 point

1 medium onion, chopped
3/4 cup each: diced zucchini, yellow squash and tomatoes
1/2 cup corn
1 (4-oz.) can Diced Green Chiles
1 (2.25-oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained
2 tsp. Mexican Seasoning
2 (14-oz.) cans Red or Green Enchilada Sauce
1 (14.6-oz.) package Corn Tortillas
1 (8-oz.) bag shredded reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese, divided
Light sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Spray a large nonstick skillet liberally with nonstick cooking spray and place over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. Stir in zucchini, squash, tomatoes, corn, chiles, olives and seasoning; cook for 5 minutes more.

Preheat oven to 375°F and cover the bottom of a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with enchilada sauce. Place tortillas on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute to soften. Dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce and spoon about 1/3 cup vegetables and 1 tbsp. cheese inside of each. Roll up and place seam side down in baking dish. Tent loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake for 10 minutes more.

Serve with sour cream, green onions and cilantro.

Nutrition Per Serving: (based on 1 enchilada): 240 calories, 11 g protein, 12 g total fat (5 g sat., 0 g trans), 27 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 30 mg cholesterol, 400 mg sodium, 5 points

3 Roma tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 serrano chile pepper, stemmed
1 Tbsp (15mL) extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (20g) fresh cilantro leaves
1 Tbsp (15mL) fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp (3g) sea salt
1-1/2 cups (360mL) water
1-1/4 cups (250g) couscous
2 scallions, diced

In a food processor or blender, puree tomatoes, garlic, chile pepper, oil, cilantro, lime juice and salt. Bring water to a boil and add couscous. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Add pureed ingredients to couscous and top with scallions.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Yield: 6 servings

Nutrition Per Serving: Calories: 184, fat: 2g, % fat calories: 13%, cholesterol: 0mg, carbohydrate: 35g, fiber: 3g

2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp. lime juice
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and stir well to blend. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour for flavors to blend. Serve over grilled chicken or pork.

Prep time: 10 minutes Chill time: 1 hour Makes 3 cups.

Nutrition Per Serving: 30 calories, <1 g protein, 0 g fat, 7 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 98 mg sodium

1-1/3 cups extra crunchy peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup honey
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 cups quick oats
1 cup flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray; set aside. In a medium bowl, cream together peanut butter, brown sugar, butter and honey. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients, mixing until well combined. Spread evenly into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting into 18 bars.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Makes 18 servings.

Nutrition Per Serving: 280 calories, 8 g protein, 16 g fat, 29 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 40 mg cholesterol, 310 mg sodium, 6 points