Because of my job, which I love very much, I travel a lot. It hasn't always been that way. The first 15 years of my marriage I was apart from my wife for a cumulative 3 nights. For the last 2 years, since I became "Chef Harry " instead of just "Harry", I am lucky to be home three nights a week. So many days and nights on the road for this dad has been a big change for our family. It has taken us all a while to adjust, but now it is pretty much part of the routine. Except for the dogs.

I have to hide my suitcases and pack them on the counter or Pongo will urinate on them. Rafikki, all 200 pounds of him, will do his best to stand between me and the symbols that alert the canine media that I am about to embark from the realm of the Royal Hounds. I am amazed by their sensitivity and their brains. I cannot explain to them that I will be back soon and they look at me like I am a captain abandoning the ship with the women, children and dogs still on board. Their eyes say, "This is unacceptable behavior. You are needed here." Feedings, walks, crumbs dropping while I cook... I should expect no less of a reaction. I try and reassure them with a kiss good-bye but Rafikki turns his face for a cheek kiss (how European of him) and Pongo walks away...kind of a Boston Terrier slap in the face. He would roll up a newspaper and wave it at me if he could. I like to take red eye flights because I can get 3 things done at once. I can get to another destination, take a little nap, and write on my laptop without the telephone ringing (just as I am as I write this very column, going from Atlanta to L.A.). I love to do more than one thing at once. It makes me feel industrious. Because of time changes, even if I leave the East Coast as late as 10:00 p.m. eastern time, I still get to LA at 2:00 a.m. Pacific time and home to Malibu around 3:00 a.m. I have written a feature, read a book and grabbed 30 winks before I land and I have time for 2 hours of sleep and an email check at home before I go to the gym.

At 3:00 in the morning, even L.A. is relatively quiet. I can drive down the streets freely and usually develop a rhythm that allows me to catch mostly green lights. It makes up for many hassles endured during the trip home. That drive in the wee hours has almost become pleasant.

RECIPE
Holiday Hound Delight
for a 10 to 20 pound dog:
1 slice healthy bread
1 garlic clove, cut in half
1 cup chopped fresh turkey breast
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked brown rice, cooled
1 tablespoon bacon bits

Toast the bread and rub both sides with the cut side of the garlic clove halves. Cut into bite sized pieces. Toss the remaining ingredients and arrange the "garlic croutons" attractively on the plate or bowl.

Happy Holidays to All!

At home, my wife and daughter have adjusted so well to my travels that they sleep right through my homecoming (not that I blame them). But the dogs are another story. Rafikki greets me first, all 200 pounds of him. There is no question as to how much he loves me when I return. His whole body is wagging and he looks at me as though I were his spouse just returned from a dangerous mission from which my return was less likely than my demise. If he could hug me he would, and no matter how tired I am or how many suitcases I have to bring in, I have to hug him until I almost cry from the feelings he evokes.

After my bear hug of the big dog, I can open my eyes to see Pongo standing there, shaking with excitement, waiting for his kiss. No matter how I try and avoid the French kiss he has perfected, (oh, such morning breath does Pongo have) even with my lips clenched, he manages to slip me the tongue. I should have been so skilled in high school! I arrive exhausted, wrinkled, bleary eyed with hair in several directions and breath of my own that could stop a train but they make me feel like I am the Messiah returned to bring joy to the world.

Speaking of the Messiah, with the Holidays upon us, it is time to start thinking of gifts. Not the gifts that come wrapped in pretty paper with carefully tied ribbons, but the gifts we often ignore or take for granted. Sometimes we forget about the many gifts bestowed upon us. Our health, our families, the beautiful world in which we live-those gifts. The real gifts. I look at my wife and daughter and am in disbelief of God's generosity. I can express my thanks not only in prayer but how I treat them and those around us.

The animals in our lives are a bit harder to convince of our love and appreciation. Just telling them isn't enough and we cannot be sure that we are showing them our love in a way to which they can relate. But, especially as "Chef Harry", there is little doubt in me that they can relate to a gour}et holiday treat created just for them. If, for no more than an instant, I can bring them pleasure that is evident it is worth it. It is the least I can do.

And to all of you, my loyal readers and fans, I wish you happy, healthy Holidays and all the best the new year has to offer.

- Harry Schwartz, celebrity television chef, cookbook author, father, husband, pet lover, columnist and business man, has appeared on many television shows, such as "The Today Show", "Wake Up America" (America's Talking), and on The TV Food Network. Harry's new cooking program debuted early last November on PBS' "Chef Harry and Friends". Check your public broadcasting listings for times and dates of this show.