Thursday, June 23, 2011

Flower Power Car

 
You couldn't help but be anything but happy toddling around in this adorable flowered car.

Hedgehog in A Wooden Bucket

I think Beatrix Potter is responsible for my love of hedgehogs so how could I possibly resist posting this adorable photo?

Morning Sun Rays in The Netherlands

Shower of Light
by Lars Van Goor - A cyclist in the Netherlands


This lovely photo looks nothing like the pea soup foggy mist this morning at the cottage. You can cut the atmosphere with a knife it's so heavy. Looks as if it's an indoor day today.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Window Seat in The Kitchen

Don't you love the look of this window seat near the refrigerator? Every kitchen needs one. I might need a more comfortable pillow arrangement so I could enjoy a cup of coffee and read cookbooks or use my laptop here. Maybe a full cushion on the seat with the pillows for my back while I lean against the side of the cupboard occasionally looking out the window. Nice, isn't it?

The Lone Hydrangea Here At My Cottage

I took this photo of my hydrangea from the balcony looking down to the lower level. A lady let me dig this up from her yard last year because she was moving. It really likes the spot where it's planted because it is so beautiful this year. I don't know the name of this variety but the flowers only bloom on the outer edges. The fluffy centers remain that way. Last year I kept waiting for all the buds to open to no avail. How does your garden grow?

Vegan Baked Guacamole Bean Dip Recipe | Yum

SERVES 8
 ~ From The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone

INGREDIENTS
1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
 (Read the label to make sure there is no lard, an animal fat. Look for the 'fat free' canned refried beans.)
3 large avocados

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 (8-ounce) containers nondairy sour cream
1 packet taco seasoning (Such as Bearitos, but if you are avoiding all white sugar, make your own mix with chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, hot paprika or cayenne, and salt)

1/2 cup diced mild green chiles, drained

1/2 cup sliced black olives, or more if you like
5 tomatoes, chopped

2 cups shredded vegan Cheddar cheese



STEPS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

Spread a layer of refried beans in the bottom of an 8 inch by 8 inch quart glass baking dish. 

Pit and peel the avocados, and place in a bowl. 

Mash the avocados together with the lime juice, and spread on top of the refried beans.
Stir together the sour cream and taco seasoning, and spread over the avocado.

Sprinkle the chiles over the sour cream, and top with a layer of black olives.

Add the tomatoes, and sprinkle with the cheese.

Heat the dip for 15-30 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is a bit melted.

Serve warm or at room temperature.