Everybody thinks they have the best dog in the world, and the truth is that nobody is wrong. All dogs are wonderful, loving, and loyal companions, who, when treated with kindness, give it back a thousand times more. There few things in our lives that bring us such joy. Dogs make us kinder, gentler, and happier people.
As you may know, I now have three dogs. Before this wonderful trio, I had Maggie. She was a Boston terrier, and in typical Boston fashion, she had one eye that looked straight and the other looked off to the left. We did everything together. She was the most loving animal I have ever known. My soul mate. She made everyone love her. When my children were younger, Maggie would wait at the door for the car to pull into the driveway. She would run full tilt out the door and jump in the car to see the children. They loved her and she loved them. I miss her with all my heart.
Many of her qualities were because she was raised with love and care, but she was also bred specifically with certain characteristics in mind, as humans have been doing for thousands of years. Through genetic selection, early humans were able to domesticate dogs to work by our sides and be companions for life. Dogs truly have some amazing qualities, and I’ve found some dog facts you might not know:
Dogs have wet noses because their noses secrete a thin layer of mucus that helps them absorb scent. They then lick their noses to sample the scent.
A dog’s smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more accurate as that of a human.
Dogs eyes contain a membrane called the tapetum lucidum, which allows them to see in the dark.
Dogs ears are extremely expressive because they have more than a dozen muscles that control their movements.
As of 2017, there are over 600,000 dogs in New York City alone, and the number has surely grown from there.
Speaking of New York City, today’s recipe feels straight out of a New York deli. When I saw this salad recipe by Ina Garten, I knew it had to be wonderful. Turns out, I was right. The salmon is combined with capers and red onion, just like a proper New York shmear. The capers give it small bursts of salty goodness and the red onion add just the right amount of heat. The raspberry vinegar joins together the tart and sweet. The best part is that it is SO easy to make. This dish is wonderful for a Sunday morning brunch or lunch.
This recipe will serve 4 people who will be taken back to New York for a quick bite!
Ingredients for Salmon Salad:
2 pounds cooked salmon, chilled
1 cup small-diced celery (3 stalks)
1/2 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)
2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
2 tablespoons capers, drained
2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
2 tablespoons good olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Break the salmon into very large flakes, removing any skin and bones, and place the salmon in a bowl.
Add the celery and red onion.
Add dill, capers, raspberry vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Season, to taste.
Mix well and serve cold or at room temperature.
It’s that simple!
