Avocado Hummus Dip

Are there certain ingredients that speak to you 

when you see them listed in a recipe? 

I've got a bunch...

Cinnamon

Cilantro

Nutella

Lemon 

Avocado

In fact, if I saw a recipe for 
Nutella Avocado Muffins with Cinnamon Cilantro glaze, 
I'd check it out. 

Yup, I would. 

So, last week, when I was catching up on my magazine reading,

(I'm about a year behind...seriously),
my avocado radar went crazy when I came to a page in the February 2014 issue of Food and Wine magazine that showcased four recipes with my favorite green fruit.

Avocado-Hummus Dip?
Oh, yes!



I'd never made hummus before. 
I figured, why bother, when there are so many varieties available in the store?
And for some reason, I thought it would be difficult.
But avocados have a strange power over me, 
so before I knew what was happening, 
I was in the supermarket, asking them where I could find tahini. 

It was such a big jar ($8!), and I only needed a little of it.
but I succumbed, and bought it. 
 I guess I'll be making my own hummus till it's coming out of my ears,
just to use it up. 
But, considering that hummus is a staple in my diet, 
it will end up being cheaper this way.  

Mr. and Junior Goo Shoes aren't big fans.
In fact, the only time I remember them eating hummus was in Israel, 
when we had lunch at a ranch called K'far Kedem,
where you get to see what it was like to be a farmer 1800 years ago. 
We baked our own pita, and then had a meal of hummus and Israeli salad.
Aunt Goo Shoes and I were swooning...
Mr. and Jr. GS...not so much.
Oh, and the best part was that we had to dress up 
like ancient farmers to really get into the feel of it.

Mr. Goo Shoes said, "I am not putting that thing on."
But, the next thing we knew, there he was,
looking all Moses-like, and it was one of those moments 
where a pair of Depends would have come in handy
(I'm pretty sure they didn't have Depends in biblical times).
I don't ever remember laughing as hard as I did then
(well, except maybe on my girls' weekend in Boston).
 It made for some pretty hilarious pictures, but
I can't show you them to you, because, well, 
what happens in K'far Kedem stays in K'far Kedem. 

Here's a little peek, though.

Ok, so, back to present day...

It takes no time to make the hummus -- who knew it was so easy?
Not like 1800 years ago, 
when they had to grind the sesame seeds to a paste by hand.
Just throw everything into the food processor, and...
zip zip zip... 
It's done!

At first bite, I thought it was good.
I did add quite a bit of salt and pepper, 
so you will have to use your own taste buds to determine how much. 

As good as this is with veggies or pita chips,
It's really good on a sandwich, instead of mayo.
Turkey, tomato, cheese, maybe some red onion...
and a shmear of avocado hummus...
Oh boy, I can hardly wait till lunch tomorrow.
 

Aunt Goo Shoes hand-modeling the avocado hummus.

Avocado-Hummus Dip

Recipe by Kay Chun, Food and Wine Magazine

2 avocados, chopped

1 15 oz. can drained chickpeas

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 1/2 tbsp tahini

1/2 cup olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Put all ingredients in a food processor, and puree.

Serve drizzled with olive oil, with crudite or as a sandwich spread.

 Are you a hummus fan...or ho-hum on hummus?


 Linking with:
LouLou Girls Fabulous Party
The Scoop 
Treasure Box Tuesday 
Wow Us Wednesday 
Wake Up Wednesday
What's It Wednesday 
Home and Garden Thursday 
Share Your Style 
Foodie Friday
Tweak It Tuesday 

BEST OF THE WEEKEND #92...AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

Happy Friday, everyone, and welcome to Best of The Weekend #92!

It's Oscar weekend...what's your pick for Best Picture?
I've got a confession...I have not seen ONE of the nominated films.
This is particularly unusual for me, since in my former life,
I had to watch tons of movies for work.
Trust me, that's not as fun as it sounds, especially when it had to be done during personal time on top of all my other responsibilities.

Hollywood is not the only one with winners... 
We've got our own list right here at BOTW!

 We had hundreds of "nominees" last week...
yes, all of you who linked up are contenders! 

I'm fortunate to be working with a great "cast' of talented bloggers...

Lisa from Cooking With Curls
Deb from Cooking On The Front Burner

Sheryl from Lady Behind The Curtain

Cindy from Little Miss Celebration

Ginny from Hello Little Home

When you link up to Best of the Weekend, your posts will be seen on 
ALL SIX of our blogs!

Each of us will select our own favorite posts, 

giving you a better chance of being featured each week,

so be sure to check out Ginny, Cindy, Sheryl, Deb and Lisa,  
and of course, me, Amy, to see if you were featured.

And...we'll also be pinning our features to a new 

Pinterest "Best of the Weekend" Features board!

Follow Cindy Eikenberg (Little Miss Celebration)'s board Best of the Weekend Features! on Pinterest.

To my non-blogging friends, 
link parties give you a chance to peruse 
hundreds of creative blog posts all in one place!
Simply click on any picture in the link up, 

and it will take you directly to that post.

OK, let's get to the awards...
May I have the envelope, please?

The winner for last week's Most Viewed Link, featured on all six of our blogs is...

Crockpot Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake by Crazy For Cookies and More.

Now, I've been around the block a few times, but this was a new one on me...
who knew you could make cheesecake in a crockpot? 
Not moi, but now that I do know, I have GOT to try this!

 And now, for my personal picks of the week:

The winner in the category for Best Dessert is...

Apple Cinnamon Mini Donut Bites by Lizventures

These are definitely happening this weekend in my house!  

The winner in the category for Best Entree is...

Quick and Easy Jambalaya Casserole by The Seasoned Mom

This has my two favorite recipe ingredients -- Quick and Easy!

It will be on my dinner table next week, for sure. 


The winner in the category for Non-Food Recipe is...

Citrus Basil Body Scrub by You Brew My Tea

Oh, yum...sounds good enough to eat!

If you've been featured, please grab your statue, er, a button, on my sidebar.

Everyone is a winner at this party in my book...

let's link up and see what you've got!  

An InLinkz Link-up

Healthy Carrot-Apple-Coconut Bran Muffins and A Closet Snack-Sneaker

I am not being compensated for any products in this post; however, I have included affiliate links, for which I will be paid a small amount if you order anything from that website. 

Are you a closet snack-sneaker?

You know what I mean...

someone who sneaks a naughty snack when no one's looking? 

I already confessed this to you when I told you how my sister caught me red-handed with a big bag of candy a few months ago.

I am pretty much a very healthy eater, however, 
my weakness is any kind of gummy candy or jelly beans.
I'm really trying to kick the habit, truly, I am.
I'm no dummy. 
I know that although they are yummy, 
gummies go right to the tummy, 
which ultimately, makes me feel crummy.  

But, the other night something happened 
that sent me on a downward chewy candy spiral.

I saw an unopened bag of gummy peach rings on the kitchen counter.
I had enough will-power to keep myself from tearing the bag open, but that was only because they weren't sour gummy peach rings...one of my faves.
Plus, I knew they had to be Junior Goo Shoes', and I couldn't steal my own kid's candy, now, could I? 
Of course I could, but I activated my "behave like a mom" switch, and resisted.

Later in the day, Junior Goo Shoes opened said bag of temptation in front of me.
Let's just say that he may have taunted me a bit, 
since he knows of my confection affection. 

It was all in good fun, but he wouldn't give me any.

Friends, I would only confess this to you..

but I actually paid him a dollar.

For ONE peach ring. 

Pathetic, yes, I know...

That one little peach ring did not satisfy my gummy desire;

in fact, it intensified my craving.

So, when I was in Home Goods the next day, 
and I saw Sour Gummy Worms at the register,

I couldn't help myself.

I ate half the bag, and miraculously, forgot about the rest until yesterday morning. 

I needed an ingredient for these healthy muffins, 
and when I went to pay, I found the worms in my purse.

Yay...Lunch!  

Finding gummies or jelly beans in my purse is the equivalent 
to a normal person finding $100 in their pocket.

 Now, the irony is, that I wanted to make these muffins because they are healthy, and here I am rejoicing over my candy find.

Anyway, about the muffins...

I'd had an amazing muffin at a cafe recently, and I was searching all over for a recipe that would come close to replicating them. 

It was right under my nose the entire time --

on the back the bag of Bob's Red Mill Ground Flaxseed Meal,

which I mix into my oatmeal every morning.

(See, I told you I was a healthy eater).

I was really happy with how the muffins turned out...

they were pretty close to the ones I'd had,

with carrot, apple, flaxseed meal, oat bran, nuts and raisins. 

I added shredded coconut to mine, like the ones I had in the cafe.

Oh, are they delish!

And the flavor is most definitely enhanced 

when served with a side of sour gummy worms.

Some notes about the recipe:

The original recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of shredded carrots;

I used 1 cup; plus 1/2 shredded coconut.

You will need a LARGE bowl to fit the dry ingredients, carrot, apple, and coconut.

It doesn't look like there is enough liquid for the dry ingredients, 
but don't worry, there is.

I super-sized my muffins, and used jumbo muffin tins, which made 8 muffins; regular muffin tins yield 15. 

It took about 30 minutes for my muffins to bake; 15-20 minutes for regular size. 

Carrot Apple Coconut Bran Muffins

(Recipe adapted from Bob's Red Mill Bran Flax Muffins)  

Yield: 15 regular-sized muffins; 8 jumbo muffins

1 1/2 cups Unbleached White Flour

3/4 cup Flaxseed Meal (I used Bob's Red Mill Flaxseed Meal)

3/4 cup Oat Bran (I used Bob's Red Mill Oat Bran Hot Cereal)

1 cup Brown Sugar

2 tsp. Baking Soda

1 tsp. Baking Powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

2 tsp. Cinnamon

1 cup Carrots, shredded (about 3 large)

2 Apples, peeled and shredded

1/2 cup Coconut, shredded

1/2 cup Raisins (optional)

1 cup Walnuts, chopped

3/4 cup Milk

2 Eggs, beaten

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract 

Preheat oven to 350°.
Lightly grease muffin tins.
Mix together flour, flaxseed meal, oat bran, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl.
Stir in carrots, apples, coconut, raisins (if using), and nuts. 
Combine milk, beaten eggs and vanilla.
Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients.
Stir until ingredients are moistened. Do not over mix. 
Fill muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake regular-sized muffins for 15-20 minutes; bake jumbo muffins for 25-30 minutes.

Enjoy, with or without the gummy worms.

 

Linking with:

Wake Up Wednesday
Wow Us Wednesday
The Scoop 
Tweak It Tuesday 
Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Linky Party 
Share Your Style  
Home and Garden Thursday
Simple and Sweet Friday
Foodie Friday
Let's Get Real  
Snickerdoodle Sunday
Bouquet of Talent  
Weekend Bloggy Reading 
Metamorphosis Monday 
Treasure Box Tuesday 
What's It Wednesday

BEST OF THE WEEKEND #91 AND MY BIG NEWS!!!

Welcome to Best of the Weekend!
I've been floating on Cloud 9 since I found out that I was selected 
to be one of two new co-hosts at one of my favorite linky parties! 

 I am joining an amazing team of bloggers...

Lisa from Cooking With Curls
Deb from Cooking On The Front Burner

Sheryl from Lady Behind The Curtain

Cindy from Little Miss Celebration

Ginny from Hello Little Home

...and I am thrilled to be a part of the Best of the Weekend team!

How's that for Big News?!?!

'Nuff about me...this party is about YOU.

When you link up to Best of the Weekend, your posts will be seen on 
ALL SIX of our blogs...you heard me right...SIX BLOGS!

Each of us will select our own favorite posts, 

giving you a better chance of being featured each week,

so be sure to check out Ginny, Cindy, Sheryl, Deb and Lisa, and of course, me, Amy, to see if you were featured.

And if that's not reason enough to make this your "go-to" party...
(or in my case...the "Goo Too" party, heh heh) each Friday night,

we'll also be pinning our features to a new 
Pinterest "Best of the Weekend" Features board!

To my non-blogging friends, 
link parties give you a chance to peruse hundreds of creative blog posts 
all in one place!
Simply click on any picture in the link up, 

and it will take you directly to that post.

Last week's most viewed link, featured on all six of our blogs was...

Cherry Cheesecake Krispie Treat Bar by Shibley Smiles

That is one "snap-crackle-pop" bar of awesomeness, 
complete with cherries on top!

This is my very first week of selecting features, 

and I had no idea how hard it would be!

There were over 440 link-ups last week,

and I was blown away by all of the creativity out there.

 Here are a few that intrigued me.

 Italian Style Veggie Soup from Living The Gourmet
Perfect for this weekend's frigid temperatures!

Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Salsa Verde
from A Dish of Daily Life
I'm always drawn to Mexican food...looks so yummy!

Sweet Grapefruit Kiss Cocktail from Pink Recipe Box

 Three ingredients: grapefruit juice, coconut rum, triple sec...I'm swooning!

The three of those would make one pretty fantabulous meal, don't you agree?

 If you were featured, grab a button so that you can boast to all the world!

OK everyone, start your party engines, and link like crazy!

(And PLEASE visit a few links while you're here!)
I can't wait to see this week's mosaic of creativity!

An InLinkz Link-up

Mega Mansion Tour - Part 4

This is part 4 of a multi-part series.

Do you remember the mansion tour series that I started many months ago?

I kind of put it on the back burner because 
there was always something more timely to write about.

As I was skimming through my photo library, 
I remembered how "ab-fab" that mansion was,

so even though it's been a few months, I'm bringing it back. 
I am determined to finish showing you the entire home!

If you missed the first three parts, click here for part 1, here for part 2, and here for part 3.
If you are interested in seeing where the rooms are located, click on the floor plan.

I'll number the rooms so you can follow along.

Let's continue making our way through the second floor. 

Salon De Thé

British Home Emporium
Map Location 20

Who wants tea?

You want tea?
We've got a room for that...
the Salon de Thé!

Even though Ms. Toody Goo Shoes is a "Miss Goody Two Shoes," I might be tempted to break the rules and sip a cup of joe in this lovely space.

 

Looks like the table is all set with some macarons and palmiers.

Ooh la lah!
Very appropriate choices for a room with toile drapes.

I wonder if it's ok to save your teabag for a second cup, in the Salon de Thé.

I bet even castor oil would taste good in this pretty tea cup.

Time to move on down the hallway.

Great Room

Linda Benson Interiors

Map Location 21

 

Not only is there a room for every day of the week, in this house,
there's a room for every day of the month, and then some...
This would be my Sunday morning room. 
You know, for those times when you're feeling too lazy 
to shlep downstairs to eat breakfast? 
Does that ever happen to you?
Nah, me either...
I'd walk a mile in my pajamas for food.

But, it's nice to know that if I was feeling slothful,

I could simply drag myself down the hall for some

pancakes, a little TV, and the Sunday papers...

And, after the table is cleared, it would be a darn good place to fold sheets, 
don't you think? 

 Nursery

Kristin Ashley Interiors

Map Location 22

Hmmm, I don't have a baby.

Maybe I can get one of those dolls that they give kids in school 

to teach them about responsibility...

you know, the ones that are like real babies. 

It would be worth it, just to have an excuse to come into this sweet room.

I may be sticking my neck out here, but who invited Mr. Giraffe to tea?
Oh...he must be the waiter!

Children's Room

Houndstooth Interior Design, LLC

Map Location 23

First off, I need to find me some kids named Florence and Marjory,
since their names are already on the beds.

I wonder if Flo and Marj will leave their clothes in a heap on the floor...

and if they will put a big sign on the door that says "KEEP OUT!"

Will they tape posters of One Direction all over the walls?

Will they fight over who gets the bathroom first? 

Speaking of bathrooms...

Shared Bathroom

James Rixner Inc.; Sherle Wagner; Garden State Tile

Map Location 24

So this is where the kids bathe, huh?
I hope that Florence and Marjory don't throw the fake baby out with the bathwater.

If Flo and Marj are anything like Junior Goo Shoes, 

this gorgeous sink is going to be splattered with gobs of blue toothpaste...

and I fear for those pretty white towels.

Living Room

Curren Design Associates, Inc.

Map Location 25
 

I'm feeling generous, so I'm going to designate this room 
to be used exclusively by Mr. and Junior Goo Shoes.

I'm nice like that...

plus, there are 51 other rooms in this house that I can lay claim to.

They can watch TV, play cards, nap and snore to their hearts' content...

or do whatever it is that men do in their man caves.

I don't want to know.

They can leave their stinky shoes and smelly socks lying around here if they want...

As long as I don't have to see it, who cares???
 

I'll have to cover up these light couches though, with some throws,

or else they will be covered in buffalo wing sauce, in no time.

 

And maybe they won't notice if I steal this coffee table 

and put it in one of my rooms.

Linen Closet

Tres Joli Interior Design

Map Location 27

A walk-in linen closest...need I say more?

If I ever go missing, I suggest you look for me, in here, first.
I'm likely to be sitting on floor reading a good book.

What a great place to sneak off to! 

La Chambre Du Chiot (The Puppy Suite)

Re-Feather Your Nest Decorating, LLC

Map Location 29

These pictures  are not the greatest, 
but how could I omit the pupster's private boudoir? 
This is where we literally let sleeping dogs lie, eh?

I suppose even Sadie needs her own space every now and then,

but I'm guessing she'd still end up in our bed at night.

 (Yeah, we're into the the canine co-sleeping thing).

Then again, if she was dog-tired, 

she'd probably like to curl up in here for an afternoon nap.

It's a dog's life, for sure.

Art Collector's Sanctuary

James Yarosh Associates Fine Art Gallery

Map Location 30

Junior Goo Shoes created a lot of "fine" art over the years,

and this would be the perfect place to display it, lol! 

Seriously, how inspiring would it be to sit in a room surrounded by phenomenal art?

We could lounge around for hours debating Realism vs. Impressionism...

We could discuss the similarities between Michaelangelo and da Vinci...

 And when those subjects are exhausted, we can critique "The Kramer"...
and decide whether or not to add it to our museum-quality collection. 

"He is a loathsome, offensive brute, yet I can't look away."

Ah, yes, the so-called good life...
Stay tuned for Part 5.

 What is your favorite room in this collection?

Linking With:
Best of the Weekend
Weekend Social 
Let's Get Real
Sunday Showcase  
Bouquet of Talent
Metamorphosis Monday 
Treasure Box Tuesday 
Wake Up Wednesday 
Wow Us Wednesday 
The Scoop  
Tweak It Tuesday
Share Your Style 
Home and Garden Thursday  
Weekend Bloggy Reading