I have been trying to find a new hobby for Tony and me to do together since he will not have a motorcycle any more. We already walk and hike together and probably could do it more often once he is feeling better. I would love to get a small camper but even those cost quite a bit of money. Boating would be fun but again…money. I searched online for ideas. Wow is there some stupid things out there.
Poetry…excuse me while I vomit.
Pottery…really it cannot be nearly as sexy as they make it look in the movies. One moment a couple is making a clay pot together, then it is in the shape of a cock, and then they are making love…really…not happening.
Candle making…Am I sure I am still reading a list of hobbies for couples? Sure am and I do not think cancel making is on Tony’s list.
Basket weaving…are they serious with this?
I would love to take cooking classes together but those are hard to come by where we live. Better yet it would be awesome to come home from work one day to find Tony experimenting with a new recipe that does not come out of a box.
I wish Tony would give karate a try so he could join with me. He tends to think we are a bunch of dorks.
Other things we do together that are listed as hobbies include, movie watching, board games, snorkeling, travel, and weight lifting. Even though this website lists these as hobbies for couples I really see these as random activities in our lives rather than hobbies. Still searching for a hobby for us. Any suggestions?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Good-Bye Harley
All State declared Tony's Harley a total loss. They are sending us a check for the value and Saturday Tony and I will go to the local Harley dealer and pull off all of his after market items. We should not come out too bad after selling the parts and the money we are getting for the bike is more than we owe. It will take care of his medical bills and then the rest can get shoved in the savings account. I am so glad we have good medical insurance.
Tony keeps progressing with his recovery. He is gaining back the use of his left arm. He cannot lift anything with the arm right now but it is good to see he is getting some range of motion. We went for a walk last night. Only made it a few blocks before he became tired. It is slow progress.
Tony keeps progressing with his recovery. He is gaining back the use of his left arm. He cannot lift anything with the arm right now but it is good to see he is getting some range of motion. We went for a walk last night. Only made it a few blocks before he became tired. It is slow progress.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Helmets Save Lives
In North Carolina we have a helmet law. When Tony and I lived in WI we never wore helmets. Stupid, I know. After Tony's accident we are so thankful to have a helmet law in NC. Without his helmet I am sure he would have been dead or severely brain damaged. Not one place on his face was injured - not even a scratch.
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| Side view of the helmet. Notice the third skull is scratched off. |
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| Front view of the helmet. |
Tony's Surgery
Thursday Tony went to see my orthopaedic doctor for a second opinion on his collar bone. Friday he went in for surgery to repair it. We are so happy the doctor wanted to operate. Tony's biggest fear was his collar bone not healing properly and being deformed. By fixing his collar bone it will help his shoulder blade heal better as well.
So my birthday present on Friday was Tony getting fixed up. I cannot complain since he is alive and getting better.
Saturday was a difficult day for Tony. The morphine wore off and he was in a lot of pain even on his pain medication. Around 1 PM a power grid went out and we were without power for 2.5 hours. It was over 100 degrees outside. We were very lucky our house did not heat up that badly in the time the power was out.
Sunday Tony had a better day. He was able to shower and take off his bandages. Our neighbor brought over BBQ pork ribs and mac and cheese for dinner. It was so nice of her to do that.
I wear a lot of sun dresses around the house and Tony enjoys lifting them up with his cane. Glad even with his pain he still has a sense of humor.
Our trip to Aruba is now canceled. I filed the paper work over the weekend. We are considering going somewhere in November for a long weekend just to get away for a while. He should be in good condition by then for some swimming and relaxing. We just need to figure out where now.
I received the quote from Harley to fix his bike. There is $11,000 in damages. My guess will be our insurance company junks the bike. They are going to look at it sometime this week.
So my birthday present on Friday was Tony getting fixed up. I cannot complain since he is alive and getting better.
Saturday was a difficult day for Tony. The morphine wore off and he was in a lot of pain even on his pain medication. Around 1 PM a power grid went out and we were without power for 2.5 hours. It was over 100 degrees outside. We were very lucky our house did not heat up that badly in the time the power was out.
Sunday Tony had a better day. He was able to shower and take off his bandages. Our neighbor brought over BBQ pork ribs and mac and cheese for dinner. It was so nice of her to do that.
I wear a lot of sun dresses around the house and Tony enjoys lifting them up with his cane. Glad even with his pain he still has a sense of humor.
Our trip to Aruba is now canceled. I filed the paper work over the weekend. We are considering going somewhere in November for a long weekend just to get away for a while. He should be in good condition by then for some swimming and relaxing. We just need to figure out where now.
I received the quote from Harley to fix his bike. There is $11,000 in damages. My guess will be our insurance company junks the bike. They are going to look at it sometime this week.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tony's Motorcyle Accident
Thursday morning I was still at home sick. My boss was letting me work from home so I would not get the rest of the office sick. I had an allergic reaction to both medications I was given so my bronchitis and pink eye are still healing on their own.
A little after 6:30 in the morning my phone rang. Normally I do not answer my phone but given the time of day I got out of bed and picked up the phone. It was a woman who said she was with Tony and Tony was in an accident. Tony took his motorcycle that morning to work. She put Tony on the phone and he was screaming in pain but it just hearing his voice and knowing he was alert helped keep me much calmer than I would have been.
I knew it would take a while for Tony to get to the hospital and a bunch of tests before I could even see him so I went to the bike first on my way to the hospital. I took all of his things out of the saddle bags so no one could steal them. His accident was on the news and advertised to criminals where it was. Even a news helicopter was over him.
When I got to the hospital I really thought Tony would not be in that bad of condition given his bike was not very messed up and since I was able to talk to him earlier. When I was finally able to see him I immediately had to keep strong so I would not scare him. He broke his collar bone, shattered his shoulder blade, his lung collapsed, and he had a lot of road rash. The doctors were still examining him when I was there so I did not know everything at that point but with his screaming I could tell it was not good.
We were at the hospital for four days. A lot happened in that time and most of it is a blur. We had friends that visited Tony and I think it was good for him to laugh with his friends. For the most part we had wonderful nurses that cared for him but there was one bad one that was removed from his case after I had a word with her and her manager.
Sunday we were able to go home. We stopped at Walgreens to get his medication. During that time some piece of trash slammed his car door into mine and dented it. Tony was in the car when it happened. When I confronted the guy about it he denied it and when I asked for an apology he threatened Tony fully knowing I had just picked him up from the hospital. Let me tell you – that instinct for the mother bear to protect her young kicked in. I was ready to do any thing to protect Tony. After a yelling match he finally left. We were in his side of town so of course the people around us would stick up for him. Amazing what type of losers are out there. The man was in his 60’s and still acting like a punk.
Let me tell you Tony and I have some amazing friends. I kept facebook updated on his status. So many people cared. Our Dave mowed our lawn for us. Dave and Greg moved our recliner from upstairs to downstairs. And then moved our loveseat upstairs. Right now the most comfortable thing for Tony is the recliner. So far I have not had to make dinner at all. Our friends are taking turns feeding us. I cannot believe what a relief it is not to have to worry about dinner. I never thought something as small as that would make such a huge difference in our day.
My boss has been letting me work from home while I care for Tony. I really work with some amazing people. I cannot imagine how hard this would be if I had to worry about my job through all of this.
So far right now the nights are the worst. It is hard for Tony to get comfortable while sleeping. I have to wake up twice during the night to give him his medication. I do have to say the funniest part is him wearing an old lady night gown that I bought him. It is light purple with butterflies and flowers on it. I figured it would be the most comfortable thing for him to sleep in and it is. He even admits it.
I will try to keep this blog updated on the progress.
A little after 6:30 in the morning my phone rang. Normally I do not answer my phone but given the time of day I got out of bed and picked up the phone. It was a woman who said she was with Tony and Tony was in an accident. Tony took his motorcycle that morning to work. She put Tony on the phone and he was screaming in pain but it just hearing his voice and knowing he was alert helped keep me much calmer than I would have been.
I knew it would take a while for Tony to get to the hospital and a bunch of tests before I could even see him so I went to the bike first on my way to the hospital. I took all of his things out of the saddle bags so no one could steal them. His accident was on the news and advertised to criminals where it was. Even a news helicopter was over him.
When I got to the hospital I really thought Tony would not be in that bad of condition given his bike was not very messed up and since I was able to talk to him earlier. When I was finally able to see him I immediately had to keep strong so I would not scare him. He broke his collar bone, shattered his shoulder blade, his lung collapsed, and he had a lot of road rash. The doctors were still examining him when I was there so I did not know everything at that point but with his screaming I could tell it was not good.
We were at the hospital for four days. A lot happened in that time and most of it is a blur. We had friends that visited Tony and I think it was good for him to laugh with his friends. For the most part we had wonderful nurses that cared for him but there was one bad one that was removed from his case after I had a word with her and her manager.
Sunday we were able to go home. We stopped at Walgreens to get his medication. During that time some piece of trash slammed his car door into mine and dented it. Tony was in the car when it happened. When I confronted the guy about it he denied it and when I asked for an apology he threatened Tony fully knowing I had just picked him up from the hospital. Let me tell you – that instinct for the mother bear to protect her young kicked in. I was ready to do any thing to protect Tony. After a yelling match he finally left. We were in his side of town so of course the people around us would stick up for him. Amazing what type of losers are out there. The man was in his 60’s and still acting like a punk.
Let me tell you Tony and I have some amazing friends. I kept facebook updated on his status. So many people cared. Our Dave mowed our lawn for us. Dave and Greg moved our recliner from upstairs to downstairs. And then moved our loveseat upstairs. Right now the most comfortable thing for Tony is the recliner. So far I have not had to make dinner at all. Our friends are taking turns feeding us. I cannot believe what a relief it is not to have to worry about dinner. I never thought something as small as that would make such a huge difference in our day.
My boss has been letting me work from home while I care for Tony. I really work with some amazing people. I cannot imagine how hard this would be if I had to worry about my job through all of this.
So far right now the nights are the worst. It is hard for Tony to get comfortable while sleeping. I have to wake up twice during the night to give him his medication. I do have to say the funniest part is him wearing an old lady night gown that I bought him. It is light purple with butterflies and flowers on it. I figured it would be the most comfortable thing for him to sleep in and it is. He even admits it.
I will try to keep this blog updated on the progress.
The Start of a Bad Week
Last week I started it out home sick with bronchitis followed by pink eye. Sunday night when I was trying to fall asleep I could not breathe and it was really scary. Tony took me to the hospital where they gave me breathing treatment and helped clear my lungs out. I really did not want to go to the hospital but I was so scared if I fell asleep I would not wake up. We got home around 2:30 in the morning. I am glad it was not pneumonia. I am still recovering from bronchitis over a week later. It keeps getting better a bit each day. I at least have a voice now. What happened later in the week would make all my problems seem so small.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Top 10 Pet Peeves
Another great find from my facebook notes in 2009.
I find many things annoying and decided to write it all down. Yes I may piss some of you off but you all know I tell it like it is.
1) Kids on airplanes. I love parents that medicate their children and teenage girls. Please do not give them noisy toys thinking it will keep them quiet. Then I have to listen to the fricken thing. Please clean up after your kid after he or she craps themselves. No one wants to smell that. I would pay extra to have a child free flight.
2) People that don’t spay or neuter their pets. There is nothing that pisses me off more than this. If you cannot afford to spay or neuter then you don’t belong having a pet. There are low cost spay and neuter programs for those that need help – please do your research and find the program if you need it. Nine to eleven millions of dogs and cats are put to sleep every year because of people that do not spay and neuter. Yeah you would like to have the experience of puppies and kittens but please stop being so fricken selfish. Still feel like you don’t have to spay or neuter…go volunteer in an animal shelter for a few weeks and then tell me if you still feel the same.
3) Bluetooths. I hate bluetooths. Yeah they are nice for driving which I have no problem with but I cannot stand seeing them in people’s ears. Then they walk around the stores looking like they are talking to themselves.
4) Being asked if I would like to open a store credit card. “Would you like to save $4 today by opening a Kohl’s credit card”. You mean would I like to ruin my credit rating for 4 fricken dollars? Hell no and please stop asking me every time I check out.
5) Parents that let their children run wild in stores. Okay so this may be acceptable in Walmart on some occasions but it is NOT acceptable in Ann Taylor. Under no circumstance should children ever be in Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Macy’s, New York and Company, World Market, Nordstrom, or any other nice store. Any questions about this rule please see my first pet peeve and medicate your children before entering the store doors or just leave them at home with a sitter or your significant other.
6) PJ’s out in public. Please do not wear your PJ’s out in public even if it is to Walmart. You look like crap. Just for Nikki I am revising this to say yoga pants are acceptable.
7) Creepy men with camcorders on the beach. I know you are not recording your wife or your child. Please stop trying to get a shot of boobs when the waves hit…asshole.
8) People that drive slow in the middle lanes on the highway. If you are driving slow stay to the right. I hate having to swerve around you and the other people going somewhat slow in the fast lanes. It is very annoying and I probably will rear end one of you assholes some day. You also slow down rush hour traffic by having you and the other douche bag in the slow lane going the same speed.
9) Overweight people that complain they cannot loose weight but then stuff their faces with doughnuts and French fries. I have nothing against people being overweight but if you are overweight and complain how fat you are and how you can never loose weight and then 10 seconds later you are in the drive thru at McDonalds…stop complaining. Love yourself for who you are or make a lifestyle change. To you f*ckers that created BMI - I did not realize a size 4/6 was over weight. Maybe if I subtract my implants, long hair, and go to the bathroom before I weigh I will be normal. Oh yeah - you pricks do not take weight lifters into consideration.
10) Stupid people – need I say more.
I find many things annoying and decided to write it all down. Yes I may piss some of you off but you all know I tell it like it is.
1) Kids on airplanes. I love parents that medicate their children and teenage girls. Please do not give them noisy toys thinking it will keep them quiet. Then I have to listen to the fricken thing. Please clean up after your kid after he or she craps themselves. No one wants to smell that. I would pay extra to have a child free flight.
2) People that don’t spay or neuter their pets. There is nothing that pisses me off more than this. If you cannot afford to spay or neuter then you don’t belong having a pet. There are low cost spay and neuter programs for those that need help – please do your research and find the program if you need it. Nine to eleven millions of dogs and cats are put to sleep every year because of people that do not spay and neuter. Yeah you would like to have the experience of puppies and kittens but please stop being so fricken selfish. Still feel like you don’t have to spay or neuter…go volunteer in an animal shelter for a few weeks and then tell me if you still feel the same.
3) Bluetooths. I hate bluetooths. Yeah they are nice for driving which I have no problem with but I cannot stand seeing them in people’s ears. Then they walk around the stores looking like they are talking to themselves.
4) Being asked if I would like to open a store credit card. “Would you like to save $4 today by opening a Kohl’s credit card”. You mean would I like to ruin my credit rating for 4 fricken dollars? Hell no and please stop asking me every time I check out.
5) Parents that let their children run wild in stores. Okay so this may be acceptable in Walmart on some occasions but it is NOT acceptable in Ann Taylor. Under no circumstance should children ever be in Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Macy’s, New York and Company, World Market, Nordstrom, or any other nice store. Any questions about this rule please see my first pet peeve and medicate your children before entering the store doors or just leave them at home with a sitter or your significant other.
6) PJ’s out in public. Please do not wear your PJ’s out in public even if it is to Walmart. You look like crap. Just for Nikki I am revising this to say yoga pants are acceptable.
7) Creepy men with camcorders on the beach. I know you are not recording your wife or your child. Please stop trying to get a shot of boobs when the waves hit…asshole.
8) People that drive slow in the middle lanes on the highway. If you are driving slow stay to the right. I hate having to swerve around you and the other people going somewhat slow in the fast lanes. It is very annoying and I probably will rear end one of you assholes some day. You also slow down rush hour traffic by having you and the other douche bag in the slow lane going the same speed.
9) Overweight people that complain they cannot loose weight but then stuff their faces with doughnuts and French fries. I have nothing against people being overweight but if you are overweight and complain how fat you are and how you can never loose weight and then 10 seconds later you are in the drive thru at McDonalds…stop complaining. Love yourself for who you are or make a lifestyle change. To you f*ckers that created BMI - I did not realize a size 4/6 was over weight. Maybe if I subtract my implants, long hair, and go to the bathroom before I weigh I will be normal. Oh yeah - you pricks do not take weight lifters into consideration.
10) Stupid people – need I say more.
Random Life Lessons
This was in my Facebook account under my notes from 2009. Enjoy!
Random Life Lessons from Laura Hilt.
1. Cellulite does not just appear dimple by dimple. You wake up one morning to find the collagen in your legs turned into a vacuum cleaner.
2. The secret to great skin is to stay out of the sun but yet tans look sexy. I am to embrace porcelain skin after years of tanning.
3. People who don’t think dogs prepare you for children never had my four dogs. They taught me patience, how to care for babies and the elderly, my furniture will always have dings, scratches, and teeth marks, and best of all my house will never be quiet.
4. You can’t fight gravity as you get older unless you have a great plastic surgeon. Never in my life did I think I would own control top panties like my mom and fall in love with Spanx.
5. Nothing is better than wine, popcorn, and a movie with my husband.
6. Seventeen is too young to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life. If I could go back in time I would not choose to be part of corporate America but would choose to help others.
7. People that bad mouth others do so out of their own insecurities. The only view of yourself that matters is your own. Never waste your time on rumors or hurtful comments from others.
8. Complimenting random strangers on their hair or a piece of clothing can put a great smile on their face. Never miss an opportunity to make someone’s day even if you don’t know them.
9. Life is not about waiting for things to happen; it is about getting of your butt and making great things happen.
10. Life is very short. Tell the ones close to you how much you love them because you never know when it will be the last time.
11. You can’t change how people act but you can change how you react to them.
12. The one thing people cannot take away from you is your education.
13. Nothing puts a smile on my husbands face more than a home cooked dinner.
14. The only cure for a hangover is to not drink so much the night before.
15. Southern people are not slow. They (we) take the time to enjoy life and realize how beautiful it is.
16. Road rage is not worth it.
17. The only thing in this world that will be excited to see you every time you walk in the door is your dog.
18. Bad things happen to people. Some worse than others. Rather than having a pity party use the experience to grow and learn from it. Courage happens when we pick ourselves back up and tackle the unknown.
19. An hourglass figure is far more attractive than skin and bones. Of course I say this since some how my ass seems to be related to Jennifer Lopez.
20. Every year I say I will not go shopping on Black Friday and yet every year some store has a too good to be true ad.
Random Life Lessons from Laura Hilt.
1. Cellulite does not just appear dimple by dimple. You wake up one morning to find the collagen in your legs turned into a vacuum cleaner.
2. The secret to great skin is to stay out of the sun but yet tans look sexy. I am to embrace porcelain skin after years of tanning.
3. People who don’t think dogs prepare you for children never had my four dogs. They taught me patience, how to care for babies and the elderly, my furniture will always have dings, scratches, and teeth marks, and best of all my house will never be quiet.
4. You can’t fight gravity as you get older unless you have a great plastic surgeon. Never in my life did I think I would own control top panties like my mom and fall in love with Spanx.
5. Nothing is better than wine, popcorn, and a movie with my husband.
6. Seventeen is too young to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life. If I could go back in time I would not choose to be part of corporate America but would choose to help others.
7. People that bad mouth others do so out of their own insecurities. The only view of yourself that matters is your own. Never waste your time on rumors or hurtful comments from others.
8. Complimenting random strangers on their hair or a piece of clothing can put a great smile on their face. Never miss an opportunity to make someone’s day even if you don’t know them.
9. Life is not about waiting for things to happen; it is about getting of your butt and making great things happen.
10. Life is very short. Tell the ones close to you how much you love them because you never know when it will be the last time.
11. You can’t change how people act but you can change how you react to them.
12. The one thing people cannot take away from you is your education.
13. Nothing puts a smile on my husbands face more than a home cooked dinner.
14. The only cure for a hangover is to not drink so much the night before.
15. Southern people are not slow. They (we) take the time to enjoy life and realize how beautiful it is.
16. Road rage is not worth it.
17. The only thing in this world that will be excited to see you every time you walk in the door is your dog.
18. Bad things happen to people. Some worse than others. Rather than having a pity party use the experience to grow and learn from it. Courage happens when we pick ourselves back up and tackle the unknown.
19. An hourglass figure is far more attractive than skin and bones. Of course I say this since some how my ass seems to be related to Jennifer Lopez.
20. Every year I say I will not go shopping on Black Friday and yet every year some store has a too good to be true ad.
My Birthday Gift From Tony
It is amazing how priorities change as I get older. A few years ago I would have asked Tony for a new purse. This year what I asked for is spider vein treatment and Botox. Happy Birthday to me.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
4th of July Weekend
This year Tony and I did not go to WI for the 4th of July. It did feel a little strange not being around family this time of year but we did make the most of our weekend.
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German Cheddar and Beer Fondue
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray
Prep Time: 10 min Inactive Prep Time: -- Cook Time: 12 min Level:
Easy Serves: 4 servings Ingredients
Ingredients: 1 sack, 10 ounces, 2 1/2 cups, shredded sharp Cheddar, available on dairy aisle
1/4 to 1/3 pound, 4 to 6 ounces, Gruyere, shredded
1 rounded tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup German lager beer
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
A few drops hot sauce
A few drops Worcestershire sauce
For Serving:
1 1/2 pounds cubed or thick sliced and browned wursts: knock, brat
1 package mini party franks (recommended: Boars Head)
1 head cauliflower, separated into florets
1 small jar mini Gherkin pickles, drained
1 small jar pickled onions, available on vegetable aisle
1 small, round loaf rye, pumpernickel or sour dough bread, cubed
Directions:
Combine cheeses in a bowl with flour. Add beer to a small pot and bring up to a bubble over medium heat. Reduce the heat to simmer and add cheese in handfuls. Stir constantly, melting the cheese in batches. Stir in a figure-eight pattern with wooden spoon. When the cheese has been incorporated fully, stir in the mustard, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Transfer fondue to warm fondue pot.
In a large skillet, bring 2-inches of water to a boil and blanch the cauliflower for 2 to 3 minutes, drain and arrange around the fondue pot.
In the same pan, bring the cooking water back to a boil and add the mini franks and sliced wursts. Cook, uncovered until all the liquid has evaporated. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan to crisp the casings. Pile wursts and dogs near fondue. Complete the dipping selections with dishes of pickles, onions and cubed bread.
Friday night we went to First Friday which Raleigh puts on the first Friday of every month. The galleries open up for viewing along with wine, snacks, and discounted specials at local restaurants. This was the first time Tony and I went to this event. We had a lot of fun but the art was not what we expected. It was terrible. We visited art galleries in Palm Springs and Scottsdale in the past and saw amazing art. Raleigh's art tour was put on by people that rented space to display their art. Most of it was so bad and you have to wonder how they price this garbage. I saw one framed art that was three pieces of wall paper in strips and they wanted like $600 for it. Are you kidding me? We did at least find a neat African store and homemade lotions. Tony and I met up with our friends and by that point in the night I had a few drinks in me. They took video of my last fall riding a mechanical bull and now they have video of me hula hooping while buzzed.
Saturday evening I made fondue. The first batch was horrible. I tried a new recipe and the cheese stuck together. My friend and I had to run out and get the ingredients for a different fondue that I made in the past. I did not get any pictures of it but can tell you this German Beer Fondue is really good. After dinner we met up with our other friends to watch the fireworks. The fireworks reminded me of Bill. He always used to volunteer with the fireworks. It was like for a moment in time he was still with us.
Sunday was a grill out at our friend's parent's house. They have a pool so we got a lot of exercise in. We went back Monday for more swimming.
Saturday I found these really cool hanging lights for outside at Ross. They were $6 for 3. I hung them from the trees. I found some items in my house to make glass candle holders. I took sea shells, votive candles, canning jars, ribbon, and sand to make these. It was super simple and the fact it did not cost me any thing was even better. All of the candle light and tiki torches really light up or back yard.
 |
| Hanging lights from Ross |
German Cheddar and Beer Fondue
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray
Prep Time: 10 min Inactive Prep Time: -- Cook Time: 12 min Level:
Easy Serves: 4 servings Ingredients
Ingredients: 1 sack, 10 ounces, 2 1/2 cups, shredded sharp Cheddar, available on dairy aisle
1/4 to 1/3 pound, 4 to 6 ounces, Gruyere, shredded
1 rounded tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup German lager beer
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
A few drops hot sauce
A few drops Worcestershire sauce
For Serving:
1 1/2 pounds cubed or thick sliced and browned wursts: knock, brat
1 package mini party franks (recommended: Boars Head)
1 head cauliflower, separated into florets
1 small jar mini Gherkin pickles, drained
1 small jar pickled onions, available on vegetable aisle
1 small, round loaf rye, pumpernickel or sour dough bread, cubed
Directions:
Combine cheeses in a bowl with flour. Add beer to a small pot and bring up to a bubble over medium heat. Reduce the heat to simmer and add cheese in handfuls. Stir constantly, melting the cheese in batches. Stir in a figure-eight pattern with wooden spoon. When the cheese has been incorporated fully, stir in the mustard, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Transfer fondue to warm fondue pot.
In a large skillet, bring 2-inches of water to a boil and blanch the cauliflower for 2 to 3 minutes, drain and arrange around the fondue pot.
In the same pan, bring the cooking water back to a boil and add the mini franks and sliced wursts. Cook, uncovered until all the liquid has evaporated. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan to crisp the casings. Pile wursts and dogs near fondue. Complete the dipping selections with dishes of pickles, onions and cubed bread.
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