Cadillac Ranch & a computer on the blink

On our way home from Colorado / New Mexico we decided to stop by old route 66 for some old time history and flavor - it was great. The highlight for my kids was the cadillac ranch. I can remember as a kid seeing these cars all lined up (although I don't remember the spray paint). The kids were enthralled ... was it that these cars were sticking half out of the ground ... or was it that they were allowed to spray paint as they wish. A little of both I am sure!

I returned from our vacation .. refreshed and ready to cook .. and create .. and enjoy the last few days of summer. Alas my computer crashed (video card or something) and won't be back for a week. So I promise to be more inspired soon. For now

Here is a delicious hummus wrap I had for lunch.

Spread some of your favorite hummus on a tortilla. Layer some lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. Sprinkle some feta and some pico. Wrap it up and enjoy!

Funny how life is when it is turned upside down. When we see and everyday item in a totally new way. Funny how that is! Have a great weekend.

{in the pot} avocado "chill" soup

It's 105. Heat index 110 - 115. Hot doesn't do this justice. Oppressive, monsterous, dominant, heavy, looming. When you walk outside it is like breathing in gasoline. It clouds my mind! Have I said enough? You get where I am at?

So being inspired to cook anything is tough. I am trying to cook refreshing, uplifting meals ... not easy. But this recipe, thanks to my good friend and inspired cook, Shari (from rotten bananas) is refreshing. It satisfies ... cools and is delicious. It is just what I needed.

Isn't she beautiful!

If you haven't met Shari or followed her blog rotten bananas you should take a look. She is a wonderful contemporary quilter, with a keen eye for design and color and a fab cook to boot. She is bright and refreshing and a beautiful story teller. This is her recipe (or one that she loves) and I thank her again for sharing it.

It is the cool pool of green I needed in this soup of sweat we are in.

cold avocado soup "saves the day" by shari

1 english cucumber, peeled and cut into 1/4 in. cubes

2 avocados, pitted and peeled

4 scallions chopped

1/2 c. non fat plain yogurt

3 T. fresh lime juice

1 small minced jalapeno (seeds and ribs removed for less heat, if desired)

2 T. chopped fresh cilantro

course salt and pepper (I add a little cayenne too! Did I say I love or hate the heat?)

1 t. olive oil

1. In a blender, combine half the cucumber and 1 avocado with the yogurt, lime juice, jalapeno, scallions, 1 T cilantro, 1 c. ice water, 1 1/2 t. salt and 1/4 t pepper. Puree until completely smooth. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Cut remaining avocado into 1/4 inch cubes. Stir avodado and remaining cucumber into soup. Thin with 1/2 to 1 c. water, as desired. Season again with salt and pepper. Chill about 1 hour. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

I thought some slivers of these cool radishes would make a good garnish as well. They were so pretty I just had to add. And below is a hunk of leftover crab cake floating in the cool pool of avocado soup - Ahhhhhh!

enjoy!

{nibble} simple avocado

Just looking at this amazing fruit makes me smile. First the beautiful colors - the vast contrast between the dark skin and its bumpy texture to the vibrant green and bright, yellow, soft and creamy middle to the warm brown, firm seed. Really just take a look.

Sometimes simple is best or at least really really good.

Now the first time I had an avocado I was in pre-school. WOW it must have made such an impression. The teacher served it sliced with some miracle whip salad dressing. I thought I was so adult because I actually liked it. In fact this experience might have begun my long climb to adoring food. The simple avocado ... I can't think of a better introduction!

simple avocado appetizer by ann west

2 firm-ripe avocados chunked

good olive oil

kosher salt

cracked pepper

I am not even giving instructions because you know what to do. Every time I serve this everyone loves it. enjoy!