Another Birthday!

I had a birthday last week. I really enjoyed the day. My friend, Tonya Beutler, picked me up in the morning and we went to a temple session together. Then, she treated me to lunch. I had a veggie burrito at Bajio - one of my favorites! It was so nice to visit with Tonya. She is a wonderful friend. She also gave me a kitchen apron, dishtowel and hotpad set. I felt spoiled!!! It was a great morning.

My dad sent me some flowers:

Sadie and Kristi made dinner. We had a salad with Italian Cheese Bread (a recipe that Sadie introduced us to. She made it in one of her foods classes last year). Kristi made it for the first time, for my birthday.

She did a great job! It was as irresistible as ever!

The kids shared some gifts of love...

and I enjoyed opening cards and gifts from loved ones far away.

My "cake" was a pazooki (or BIG COOKIE), baked in a round cakepan and served with vanilla ice cream. That was Mike's idea, and it was a good one!

I was able to visit with Cari, my mom, my brother and my sisters on the phone. Sara sent me some sweaters too! It was a happy day. Thanks to everyone who thought of me and made me feel special!

Italian Cheese Bread

2 1/2 c. flour

1 t. salt

1 t. sugar

1 T. yeast

1 c. warm water

1 T. vegetable oil

Combine the first three ingredients in a bowl. Combine water and yeast and let sit for 5 minutes. Add oil to liquid and then add to flour mixture. Add additional flour if needed to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface: knead for 2 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 15 minutes. After rising, punch the dough down and place on greased 12 inch pizza pan and pat into a 12 inch circle.

Brush the top of the dough with 1/4 c. prepared Italian salad dressing. Then, sprinkle the dough with:

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. garlic powder

1/4 t. oregano

1/4 t. thyme

dash of pepper

Then sprinkle with:

1 T. grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese

Bake at 450 for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.