Circus Poodles Then and Now Plus Two Awesome Recipes

Many  people know of the poodles reputation as a circus dog.  Their friendly personalities, agility, intelligence, biddability, and easily styled hair make them perfect performers.  Shortly after Tuvok joined our family I saw this charming photo on Pinterest of Tommy Bentley's Poodle Review.  A Mid century poodle circus troupe!

I wish I could find out more about them, but alas no luck. The picture did lead me to Tuvok's leash and collar.  After seeing it I decided on the circus print leash and collar from Day Dog Designs. 

I think it suits him very well (even if he can't perform any circus tricks) 

Now for the recipes. I love to cook but I haven't shared any of my cooking on the blog in a long time.  This weekend I made two things from other bloggers that were so good I have to share  recipes. 

The first is the Everything Bagel Strata from Yes to Yolks

For the Strata:

4 everything bagels, cut into 1-in cubes

2 tablespoons butter, divided

8 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 sprigs thyme, stemmed and chopped

2 cups of half-and-half

6 large eggs

6 oz grated sharp cheddar cheese ( I used 8) 

3 oz grated gruyere cheese

2-3 tablespoons of the “everything bagel” spice (below)

For the “Everything Bagel” Spice:

2 tablespoons dried minced onion (I used minced dried shallot) 

2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 tablespoon dried minced garlic (I used 1/8 tsp go garlic powder) 

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350°F and spread out bagel cubes in an even layer. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and then pour it over the bagel cubes. Toast the bagel cubes in the oven, tossing occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crunchy. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Transfer to a large baking dish.

Meanwhile, crisp the bacon in the skillet.  Remove and crumble. Set aside 1/4 cup and then add the rest to the bagel cubes.  Pour off the fat in the skillet and melt the remaining tbsp of butter. Sauté the onion until it is transculuscent and add to the bagel cubes and bacon. Whisk the half half eggs, thyme,  and 2/3 of the grated cheese together in a large bowl and pour over the bagel cubes, pressing on them to submerge.  Cover and refrigerate overnight. 

In the morning preheat the oven to 350. Stir together the ingredients for the everything bagel spice. Remove the casserole from the fridge and top with the remaining cheese, bacon, and some of the spice mix. Bake for about 1 hour.  

The second recipe is for Salted Caramel Crack(ers) from Smitten Kitchen

About 35 saltines 

2 sticks butter 

1/2 cup light brown sugar 

Pinch of sea salt 

1 tsp vanilla 

12 ounces semisweet chips 

Sliced Almonds 

Preheat the oven to 350. Line a jelly roll pan with foil and top with a single layer of saltines, no gaps! Melt the butter, and sugar over medium heat stirring to combine. Bring to boil then turn down to a simmer and cook 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the salt and vanilla.  Pour over the crackers and bake for 15 minutes watching closely so it doesn't burn. Remove from the oven and sprinkle over the chocolate chips.  Let sit 5 min and spread evenly. Sprinkle over the almonds and cool completely. 

Enjoy!