Monthly Archives: August 2008

Happy Birthday, Kitty!

Dear Al A. Carte,

My friend and I both have cats whose birthdays are in the same month and we were thinking of having a party to celebrate our favorite felines’ special moment. Any suggestions?

The Cat’s Pajamas

Dear Pajamas,

To make your celebration PURRfect, a theme party could include CATchatore, Chocolate MOUSsE, or RATatouille.

RATatouille

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
1 medium red pepper, cut into strips
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 medium eggplant, peeled and sliced
2 small zucchini, thinly sliced
1 8 oz. can stewed tomatoes
2 TBL parsley, chopped and crushed
1 TBL basil leaves
2 tsp oregano
Pepper to taste

Spray a large saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Sauté garlic, onion, pepper and mushrooms until golden; about 8 minutes. Add eggplant and zucchini; sauté 10 minutes longer. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

* * *

A ball of yarn, catnip, and a toy mouse are great treats for the Goodie Bag for your feline friends.

Teen Trouble

Dear Al A. Carte,

I am having a terrible time with my teenage son. He has been lying to me about going to college and it really upsets me because I am supporting him while he’s there. He received a two-year grant that is paying for college and I fear he will lose it at the end of this semester. I thought I was helping him achieve his career goal, but now I feel taken advantage of by my own son. I’m uncertain what to do about it. Do you have any advice?

Frazzled Mom

Dear Mom,

BEEF FRANK with your son.

Beef Franks

1 package beef franks
1 package hot dog buns
mustard
ketchup
relish
chopped onions
pickles
tomatoes
sauerkraut

Grill beef franks over medium heat. Turn occasionally. Takes about 5 minutes.

Toast buns on grill. Then pile on the toppings.

* * *

Tell your son that if he is not in school, he will have to get a job and help out with the bills. This should give him an idea of what life in the real world is like.