Sunday, May 31, 2009

Will They Eat It? Japanese Crab Snacks


Talk about a hardcore snack - these crunchy little whole crabs are coated with a savory soy glaze and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. As soon as I saw this unique snack from Japan, it jumped to the top of the "Will They Eat It?" list.


Yes, this is really a snack! Sadie was ready to go and could hardly wait for me to set up the shot.


Hmmmm? Crunchy crab snack? I am so ready!


Love this shot! Bye Mr. Crabs!


Lillie was a little more skeptical but said she loved them. She put on a good show. Check the video at the end for her Oscar-caliber performance.


Check out the video! Sadie crunching the crab is so funny and Lillie's hesitant praise is dead on. I ate one and could barely get it down. The intense and concentrated seafood flavor was over the top.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Best Guacamole Ever


Best Guacamole Ever

3 ripe Haas avocados
1/4 cup minced red onion
2 Tbsp minced fresh cilantro
1/2 lime, juiced
1/2 small jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 small tomato, seeded and 1/4 inch cubed
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp salt
ground pepper to taste (1/4 tsp recommended)


Cut avocados in half and use your blade to twist and pop out the pit.


Slice a crisscross (Jump Jump!) pattern down into the halved avocados without piercing the skin.


Flip inside out and drop the two softest avocados into a mixing bowl. Save the firmest avocado for last.


Use a fork to mash the first two avocados.


Add the remaining ingredients...


Mix well with your fork and then gently fold in the last avocado for some more solid density and texture.


Serve! Here is a video of me serving the girls guacamole in the musical sombrero. The reaction is priceless.




This easy fresh-flavored dip is perfect for chips or fajitas.


Thursday, May 21, 2009

First Tomato


I planted three different tomato varieties in April and the first tomato is finally ripe enough to eat! Hallelujah! Lillie picked it all by herself. Looks like the motherload will hit in about two weeks with another 12 or so ripening around then. These beefsteak tomatoes are so dense and full of flavor - nothing like the bland mediocre tomatoes in the grocery store. I'm already daydreaming about what I can create with them...more tomato goodness to come.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Ladybug Lost in the Baby Greens


Look who I found hiding in the tub of baby greens. I've had this in the fridge for about a week - poor guy. I brought him outside and put him with the tomato plants.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Mr. Pickle


Mr. Pickle (3487)
Originally uploaded by acb

I found this dancing pickle while surfing for some Pickles and Cake logo inspiration. An anthropomorphic slice of cake and a smiling pickle to drive home the kid angle seems to be what the blog is missing. I envision an old time concession stand feel from movie theaters past - dancing candy and soda pop singing "Let's Go Out To the Movies!"