Random Thoughts About Collecting.... And A Bonus Recipe!!

I love fireplaces.... the ambiance, the smell, the popcorn popping, the Smore making, and so much more! Sadly, I have never in my life lived in a house with a fireplace (not holding any grudges, Mom and Dad). But alas!!!! I now have TWO!!! Visions of many fall and winter evenings are dancing in my head! A little bit of firewood and we'll be ready to go!

Of course, now that I have two fireplaces, I have to decorate the mantels. Easier said than done as I consider myself "home decor challenged". I am tempted to just hang Christmas stockings and garland, but I think my family would object. Anyway, in my dilemma I have consulted many websites on mantel decorating. All use terms that are foreign to me such as the "Three to One" method. What?! Most did suggest, however, displaying some of the things you collect. OK. Easy enough. So I thought. Then it occurred to me that I really don't have a collection of anything. As a kid I collected stickers, buttons, and erasers, but what do I collect as an adult? I have a few cherished seashells from my Grandpa and Grandma, but they are currently in my master bathroom with the pink toilet (another story for another day). Am I missing out on life by not collecting anything?

Then, today in my kitchen, I had a moment of clarity. I do have a collection. Not a collection I can put on my mantel, but a collection none-the-less.

"Hello, my name is Connie, and I am a Cookbook-aholic".

Oh, yes, it's true. I am obsessed with cookbooks. I love them all. None of this looking up recipes on the web for me! I have to flip through the pages and look at the pictures. I stopped counting my cookbooks when I reached 75, but I'm guessing I have close to 125. And that doesn't even include the little recipe books by Pillsbury and Betty Crocker that you pick up at the check out line. And how about all of my issues of Cooks Illustrated?! Wow. I have a serious problem! But, on my defense, I actually use them regularly as I love to cook and bake. Trying a new recipe is so exciting!

So, my search for the perfect mantel continues. I will gladly accept free decorating advice from those less decor challenged. For now, I will share a yummy recipe I found on the back of Mann's Broccoli Cole Slaw. I LOVE salads, and this is quickly becoming my favorite "take to a summer picnic" dish. It might actually replace my Strawberry Spinach salad....

Sweet Broccoli Salad

4 c. Mann's Broccoli Wokly
2 c. Mann's Broccoli Cole Slaw
1 c. red onion, slivered
3/4 c. real bacon bits
1 c. slivered almonds
1 c. Craisins

Dressing:
1 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. white vinegar

Whisk dressing ingredients together in a bowl. Keep chilled. Lightly blanch Broccoli Wokly in boiling water for about one minute. Remove and immediately rinse in cold water. Let cool. In a large bowl, combine the Broccoli Cole Slaw, red onion, bacon bits, almonds, and Craisins. Add blanched broccoli. Toss with dressing to coat. Keep chilled.