In Which We Recreate Abby's Favorite Salad From O'Charley's

One of our favorite things to do in the kitchen is try to recreate special dishes from favorite restaurants. Since Abby is always raving about the California Salad from O'Charley's, it was a natural choice for our test kitchen. While we were at the grocery, we grabbed all the ingredients for it, then came home and got busy.

First we threw some brown sugar in a skillet and tossed in some pecan halves, to toast and glaze them.

Then we sliced some chicken breasts into strips and sauteed them in butter and a wonderful garlic and herb seasoning.

Next we assembled the rest of the players: iceberg and romaine lettuces, mandarin oranges, sliced strawberries, dried cranberries, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

It creates a beautiful, colorful plate.

Thanks for the idea, Abby. We all loved it, especially Dad!

Danicin' in the Rain

Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day.....

Rain, Rain, Rain.....Clouds, Wind, Rain.

The past week we've been socked in by Hurricane Fay. She has just camped out right over us with her dreary self. We are so ready to see the sun again. Of course, I realize she is helping relieve the drought conditions in the Southeast. And, obviously, our roses are loving this.

So, this evening the girls decided to play in rain. I mean, if you can't beat 'um, join 'um, right? That's the idea here.

Four girls

and a dog

in the rain.