This is a bitter sweet article to write. As many of you know, we lost our dear Abby, to cancer this past August.  Champion Jackpott's Absolut retired from the dog show circuit in August 2006 to become Abby, the devoted greeter at both our B&B and at our Dresden Welcome Center. She loved spending time with all of our guests, and from the influx of codolences we received, we know that she was well-loved by many people.

 

Through the loss of Abby, we are now able to give a home to another bulldog.  She, like Abby, belonged to my father and, like Abby, had a very illustrious career in the shows and a name to go with it: Champion Jackpott's Sicilian Kiss.  To us she is just sweet little Sicily (or Sissy for short).  She is 2 years old and has been training very hard for her duties as the mascot for The Pines.

 

While Abby remains in our hearts and memories, we are so happy to welcome Sicily into our hearts and home.  We invite all of you to come meet our newest addition to The Pines.

 

8 slices bacon

2 cups milk

11/4 cups water

1 cup quick-cooking grits

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup pure maple syrup*

4 eggs

Fresh chives

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon reserving 2 tablespoons bacon drippings. Combine milk, water, grits and salt in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil , stirring frequently. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes until mixture thickens, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in syrup and bacon drippings. Crumble bacon; save 1/4 cup for garnish. Stir remaining bacon into grits mixture. Beat eggs in medium bowl. Gradually stir small amount of grits mixture into eggs, then stir back into remaining grits mixture. Pour into greased casserole dish.

Bake 1 hour and 20 minutes. Top with bacon and fresh chives. Serve immediately. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

 *it is very important to use pure maple syrup.