December 11th 2025

Thought of the Day

When joy is habit, love is a reflex.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

These soft, chewy cookies are sure to be a hit at holiday gatherings, or as a classic wintry dessert.

Ingredients

1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
36 chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep
Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately
In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. Make the dough
Gradually mix the dry mixture into the wet mixture until a dough forms. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

4. Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but centers stay soft.

5. Top the cookies
After taking the cookies out of the oven, immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

6. Enjoy
Serve and enjoy this wonderfully nostalgic dessert.

December 10th 2025

Thought of the Day

When you get tired, learn to rest, not quit.

Wet Nose Wednesday: Meet Yarrow and Fern!

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Hey there, superhero enthusiasts! I’m Yarrow, your potential feline sidekick ready to save the day with cuddles and charm. My mission, should you choose to adopt me, is to be the most loving partner-in-crime you could imagine.Whether we’re lounging on the couch or embarking on epic cuddle quests, I promise to be the most devoted sidekick you could ever want. Are you ready to welcome a purr-fect superhero into your life? Your adventure starts with me! How did I get here? Found as a stray by a good samaritan. **I have a sophisticated medical history- please speak with an adoption specialist for details. I have tested positive for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), but the good news is I can still live a long normal cat life! Speak with an adoption specialist for more information.** ~My adoption fee is $65.00.~

Hey there! I’m Fern, and I’m here to leaf a lasting impression on your heart! I’m all about cuddles, companionship, and getting ALL the attention. When I see a potential human, I’m not shy about making my presence known – I’ll be right there with my paws up, ready to shower you with affection and soak up every single pet and scratch you’re willing to give. I’m basically the ultimate cuddle buddy who’s looking for a forever home where I can be your personal shadow. I absolutely adore being close to my humans and will follow you around like your most devoted fan. Whether we’re lounging on the couch or exploring a new room, I’m happiest when I’m right by your side, soaking up love and proving that I’m the most pawsome companion you could ever imagine. So, are you ready to put down roots with this lovable gal? Let’s grow old together and make some amazing memories! I weigh approximately 31 pounds. How did I get here? Transferred from the Wake County Animal Center. ~My adoption fee is waived thanks to a grant from the Grey Muzzle Foundation.~

Meet Yarrow

Meet Fern

Vegetable Soup

This classic vegetable soup is warm, cozy and perfect for chilly nights. Enjoy it this way, or modify with your favorite veggies.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
Optional: 1 cup cooked pasta, rice, or white beans
Optional garnish: fresh parsley, grated parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon

Instructions

1. Sauté the base
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add the veggies
Stir in the carrots, celery, potato and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Build the soup
Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.

4. Simmer
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

5. Finish and serve
Stir in the green beans, corn, and any optional pasta, rice, or beans. Simmer for 5 more minutes and serve warm. Then, curl up and enjoy this cozy meal!

December 9th 2025

Thought of the Day

Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.

Classic Crêpes

This breakfast is so delicious, it could also make a great dessert! Enjoy these classic crêpes with a filling of your choice.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for the pan)
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Filling Ideas:
Nutella & strawberries
Powdered sugar & lemon juice
Cream cheese & berries
Bananas & chocolate syrup
Whipped cream & caramel drizzle

Instructions

1. Mix the batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. Then add the eggs and milk, whisking until smooth, and whisk in the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla.

2. Prep the stove
Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes for the best texture. Then, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly butter it.

3. Cook the crêpes
Pour about ¼ cup of the batter into the pan and immediately swirl to spread it thin. Then, cook for 30–45 seconds until the edges lift and the bottom is lightly golden. Next, flip and cook the other side for about 20–30 seconds. Repeat with the remaining batter.

4. Create your filling
Now for the fun part! Stuff the crêpes with your filling of choice and enjoy your easy yet decadent breakfast.