Saturday, January 31, 2015

Avocado Hummus~ And little boy pleasers~











It's Saturday night..and unbelievably..Sunday ,Feb 1rst is at our doorstep..
My niece will turn 41..one of our daughters..the baby..will be 38..
Time flies.

I love hummus..in fact I was  very happy when I read that I had won some gift certificates from Les Gourmandises d'Isa~ It was a  treat to get a FedEx envelope at my door ..one frigid morning this past week.. with coupons and a lunchbag from Sabra..Thank you.
In the interim..I made my own..but added avocado this time..
I love avocado ,so adding it to a hummus only made sense..plus I had read about them on different blogs..
My recipe is in my head and rapid..I jotted it down below..
Last June..on Max's 7th birthday he received a Boogie Board..I had never really played with one..but while sitting for the boys last week ..Oli asked me to ask him to spell out words..and write down letters and numbers..he was using this Boogie Board..You write what you want(I was brought back to my Etch-A-Sketch days..I LOVED that thing..in fact I loved it so..I can still feel the feeling I had with the knobs..a scent..and erasing!)..anyways you write what you want and to erase you press that top button..
I was hooked.I don't have an Iphone or similar..and the mini Ipad is a bit big for some bags..
It is my new favorite way of writing down what groceries I would like to get.I just got the Jot.
Big enough,,flat..fits in my purse..the list got a lot longer after reading blogs..beautiful blogs~
I used to have a paper here..a paper there..the back of a ME day -to- day calendar page..you name it..and often the used ones are in my pockets weeks later.
This is clean..no mess..fun.You cannot erase just one line..but all you do is cross off.

For our 2  short spells of after school meet the boys at the bus and snack/homework time..
I made that Banana Cinnamon Swirl bread and added chocolate chips like I always do..for the boys.
This I think is the favorite dessert I make to bring over if we sit..
They do like choclate chip cookies too though..so I brought these the next day..
I added a piece of a mini Hershey milk chocolate bar on each...they don't even need it..
So good!My daughter and I give them thumbs up.

I bought Noah a Paddington book..he loved the movie..I kept looking at the cover and took out my watercolor pencils..I am embarrassed to say I have never used them to do a complete little piece.Until now.
I took them out..sat down on a beautiful sunny cold day and played with them and the cover of Paddington..
I can't get the pencils to look like watercolor..yet they just become  little areas of wet color..but how fun is it to draw.. with them..then wet with your brush and off you go.
Paddington's creator is AMAZING to always get his little face to have such adorable expressions.
I am hooked again...at looking at this bear's face..Carol  also made me love him more..both happened simultaneously:)
Do many of you watch..

Parenthood ?


I fell in love with every character..

I am not speaking about Masterpiece..the BBC.. nor PBS etc..You know what I mean:)
Just a regular..mainstream show.
LOVED it.
I will miss the Bravermans and all the nights I ended up in tears.
The finale had me holding Kleenex beside my eyes to let the tears fall directly into the Kleenex instead of streaming down my face.
Thanks to Jason Katims,Ron Howard,Brian Grazer for such a wonderful show..years of wholesome amazing stories.The great cast..made even better the last couple of years with the endearing Ray Romano.


Loved you guys♥(theme song and video)here is the original

I have also  taken a shine to Last Tango in Halifax..we just discovered it..even the link here is a huge surprise..as we are on season 1..Netflix..I love the characters!
I like it because I'll be 61  I think and Jacques will be 74..
It's not Downton..or The Fall..or Grantchester(another new fave)..but it just sits so right with me.
Downton was good last week..but I need to know if Barlow is suffering Clive Owens sufferance in the Knick..or not..I need Edith to have Marigold..I need Isobel to say yes to Lord Merton..and Mary to love Charles Blake.
I need Miss Bunting back to teaching full time with no time on her hands to dine at Downton..And I would like Violet to have fun with her Russian Prince.

  Back to food:)


Avocado Chick Pea Hummus 

1 can  (yes a can)  of chickpeas..drained and rinsed
3 garlic cloves
a splash or Sriracha
2 tbs of Tahini
Extra Virgin Olive oil
2 avocados
salt..pepper
I put everything in my food processor  and drizzle Eoo in while processing..I can tell when the consistency is right..
I also add a bit of water to loosen.
on top..some chopped parsley..toasted pine nuts and a few red chili pepper flakes.And a swirl of Evoo.

Oli eats this and loves it.:)

You can add lemon juice..I sprayed mine..I have a little Lemon Spray from an Italian grocery store
and you can add cumin..I didn't in this one.


I forgot to say that I read a darling post this week..I read many many ..but this one caught me.


Have a great week.

70 comments:

  1. aww dear Monique, maybe many people tell you but honetly I think that when I come here! All you make look beaitiful and delicious and all your posts are adorables!
    I love parenthood too!!
    And I love the avocado hummus!! We eat a lot of avocados here!! My hubby say "we can´t live without avocados!!!
    I will try your recipe!!
    hugss!!!!

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  2. Dear Gloria..I am sad that Parenthood just had it's final episode here..
    When it ended..my husband said..let' s organize a family baseball game:-) This summer of course..not now.
    He too truly enjoyed this show..we have been watching this family grow since 2010.
    I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite actor..
    We love avos here too..never a week goes by without fresh ones in our home.

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    1. Yes I feel sad when finish some show..
      Now im waiting to see again Dowton Abbey ! I dont see still the last episode!

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  3. Monique, I like your list of Needs for Downtown. I would like to see the same. So sad this is the final season!
    Thank you for your sweet, thoughtful comments on my post today. You always, always make me smile. You are inspiration to my heart! Eager to see Paddington since Carol's post. '-)

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    1. Don't worry.... there is a new season being recorded right now. What will we do when it really does finish I think we all want it to go on for ever.

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    2. Seems I just fell in love with P..I didn't know him as a child and I don't remember my girls having books..I will see the inside of the book today as Noah is coming for lunch:)I didn't know it would be Downton's last season:( after the next one..Thanks Barbara..I will appreciate these next 2 even more if possible..hanging on until the end!

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  4. The addition of the avocado to the hummus is a delicious idea! I've not watched Parenthood but maybe I should. Last Tango in Halifax was a very good show. My big wish for Downton is that Edith find some lasting happiness!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    1. She does! I can't bear to see Marigold living elsewhere..very disappointed in her aunt and Violet to continue with this..Who cares what the world thinks when your baby girl is involved.
      Parenthood is on Netflix now in Canada..not every season yet..but it was on for 5 yrs..so you should have some good viewing:)

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  5. As always a lovely post full of all the good things in life... nice recipes family TV programes. We look forward to Sunday nights viewing of Downton Abbey and Last Tango in Halifax. both so different but true to lifes happenings what ever class. As I love Avocado I'll be trying this recipe sounds and look delicious. Love the idea od using that little board for a shopping list, I'm just like you with bits of paper & back of envelopes still stuffed in my pockets. Your little Paddington sketch is charming. Thank you Monique. Enjoy your Sunday.

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    1. We only have season 1 here of Halifax..Hope I get to see the rest:)
      Was lovely seeing all your art this morning Barbara:)

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  6. Again so much to love here Monique! The houmus, the boogie board, the grands cookies, the watercolour and pencils, paddington, the television show (I had not heard of Parenthood, but know I would love it) and your thoughts on Downton. I am so sad that it was announced that there will only be one more season of Downton after this one. :-( I hope that they tie up all the ends in the last season and that everyone lives happily ever after. I really do. I love Last Tango In Halifax too. Have you watched Fortitude? it just started here and I am hooked. OH, and I was absolutely thrilled about Val's accomplishment too! Such a great week for everyone! Love you lots. Thanks for all that you share. xoxo

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    1. Isn't she great to follow Marie..she does remind me of you..the way you write..and share with us..It was such a dear post!
      I will check to see if we get Fortitude..If you like it..I will.
      So nice to have shows we like at night..Because we are in:)

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  7. Je n'ai pas vu le film Paddington, j'essaierai de le regarder à l'occasion.
    Le temps passe vite et cependant il nous faut aller de l'avant...

    Ce houmous invite à l'apéritif, aux rassemblements. De même que ces cookies, autour d'une bonne tasse de thé ~

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  8. I adore Paddington Bear and love your sketches. I'm so glad he's come back into vogue. I fell in love with him as an adult and have a couple of stuffed ones on my shelf at home. I remember etch-a-sketch and what fun that was too. Avocado in your hummus - count me in, plus the avocado gives it such a pretty color. Stay warm and enjoy your precious boys.
    xxoo
    Sam

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    1. My love for him has begun as an adult too Sam:)The avo does give a nice color..but do add lemon juice..I didn't.. and of course the next day I still had some left ..but it had turned that lovely shade of brown/beige:(
      The boys..3 of them..are even further North today ..!

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  9. Avocado makes anything better. ;) Paddington Bear elicits all kinds of goodness, doesn't he? What fun to get out your watercolor pencils on a crisp day... you know you inspired me to drag out my brushes and tubes... I have them all out... now, to find a bit of time. I am hopeful for the end of next week. Thank you for all your beautiful inspiration. blessings ~ tanna

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    1. If I could knit like you..I would have my needles out Tanna:) And your paintings are beautiful..Everything you do is just so nice.

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  10. I finally made the cinnamon swirl banana bread :) Didn't remember to put the chocolate chips in though! Next time. Your boys are so lucky to have you nearby to share all of those wonderful treats with them. I found an app called Cozi that I use on my iPhone and iPad just for making grocery lists - no more paper either but the boogie board is a great idea too and now you've given me a gift idea for the boys too ♥ Paddington is adorable and your of him better than the book cover! I have to ask my daughter if our boys have any of the books. I never watched Parenthood - sad I missed it. I'll have to find Last Tango in Halifax. Downton is a regular here. I wish for the very same things! Snowing hard and very cold here today - we may get 10 inches. I feel a baking day coming :)

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    1. Forgot to say I love the idea of adding avocado to hummus!

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    2. The Boogie Board is probably even less $ in the US..It is a fun little gift..Handy for the car w/ kids too..Or me;)
      I hope they liked the cinnamon swirl banana bread.
      I thought of you today..M being a teacher and such a book lover..just sold 3 lots of 10 books each for $5.00 each lot..I said oh I could have mailed them to Susan..she said mom..do you know how much shipping books is?
      True..but I would have rather you had them at your house for the boys..all new etc..:)
      No uise crying over spilled milk now;)
      I like the pip in the hummus..gleaned I assure you..
      I heard you were getting more snow..I am petrified my first garlic harvest will be pitiful..we have Siberian cold with a small amount of snow cover..maybe 1 ft max.

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  11. Such multi-faceted fun you are creating & having! Bravo for your little drawing! Yes, I think the Paddington illustrations are so alive & charming! Bon février! Are you all having all the snows as we are here in Maine?

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    1. No.. hardlly any snow with sub sub zero temps..the fire is going a lot this year..cozy..but messy too..bringing in the wood etc..C'est la vie au Québec!
      It is fun to play..Noah drew a great Paddington today! Impressed was nana:)

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  12. The photo of the avocado hummus looks delicious. Thank you for reminding me that colored pencils are a no excuses way to exercise the art brain.

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  13. Happy February!
    I must look for those Water Colour Pencils....would love to try them...
    Love Avacadoes here....in a salad or on my best Burger....creamy deliciousness!
    Enjoy your week ahead....snowing here!
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. They are fun! No new snowfall for us..We could use it for the perennials!

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    2. It has been snowing here all day...think we are supposed to get 15cms...
      oh.. don't worry about the perennials....they are tough cookies!!

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  14. Edith should Not have taken Marigold from original adoptive family, nor should she rip the British adoptive family apart by taking their daughter. Marigold is their daughter, not Edith's any longer. Edith chose to have premarital sex, not to have an abortion( thank goodness)- now she has to live with consequences of her decisions. Mgail

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    1. My heart says Marigold should be with Edith .She was forced into this.
      I appreciate your opinion..that's what makes the world go round..

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  15. How lucky the boys are to have you pick them up and serve treats. If I were accross the street from my crew I would want to do the same. I have not heard of many of those shows but I will have to look into some. Most hummus is not my thing but add the avocado and it sounds more appealing. I have spent the day making Dorie Greenspan's recipe for short ribs in wine and port from her book around my french table. So I am prepared for tomorrow's icy snowy weather. Will be watching Downton Abbey soon. BTW did you get the William Sanoma catalog? There Valentine spread it so cute and the Easter goodies are going to have to be ordered.

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    1. Terry I have that book..the recipe sounds so good!
      I don't get the WS catalogue..we finally have one..in Laval..quite a bit away from where I live..I certainly can't get there..my daughters bring me..you know ..if we order..it is shipped from the US..Boohoo..have you seen the value of our Canadian dollar?Pitiful.
      I will look online to see the cute things!
      Thanks for telling me!

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    2. Can't even access the catalogue anymore..since they came to QC...

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    3. Finally was able to access catalogue..not site..going to look..beautiful photography!

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  16. The small set of valentine cookie stamps are tempting. Just the right size for me. They have one cut out that is 7" which is too big. How could I give a 2 yr old that? Now Frankie, who is 11, would be lovin it. Actually she would too but their mommy's would not be too happy with treats that size.

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    1. I know:) Small is better..I did but one larger scalopped heart..not sure if I will use it..In fact since we are going to one of our daughter's and I am intent on making the Paddingtons..not sure what else I will make.. too much is not good:)

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  17. Love yr Paddington drawing!!!
    I got so caught up in the driving link I forgot to comment.
    If only I could get back behind a wheel..
    I have 'cocktail' avocados here and will try them with the hummos. Yum!

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    1. Quite the story..she writes well too I find..Always true..engaging.
      I bet you can do anything.In fact I know it.
      :)

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  18. I am going to look for the Last Tango in Halifax. I do not envy you the cold weather.

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    1. It's not only about septuagenerians..Caroline and Gillian are in their 40's..Raffi is a teen.Some in their 30's...so you might like it Esme:)

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  19. I never thought of avocado in hummus. I'll have to tell my daughter as she and the babies love hummus. My blog is still 1!#&%!!ed. I'm about to give up hope on it, but still I wait that maybe one day it will be back to normal. That, and I got a new Mac laptop this weekend and shouldn't have, because after messing with the blog for weeks now, the Mac has caused my head to explode. But, Monique, you are perfection my dear. What we should all aspire to be. You're painting was precious too.

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    1. You got a new Mac.. well that sounds like fun.
      I am just getting familiar w/ Apple products because of the little mini..But I bet if you log into your account..your reader list will appear..Try it!?:)

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  20. I loved, loved Last Tango in Halifax and wish there would be new ones; I miss it! Grantchester is really good also. I tried to watch Parenthood, just couldn't get into it for some reason. Here's to Edith and Marigold!

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    1. Yes!!
      Parenthood..I think you had to get hooked 5 yrs ago maybe..and see the family grow:)

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  21. Hi M ~ I'll have to try the Avocado and hummus. Last Tango in Halifax is a favorite of mine as well and I never miss an episode of Downton Abbey.
    Cheers!
    Ry

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  22. Good Morning dear Monique,

    I never tried avocado hummus before, but I love everything with avocado, so must try this beautiful recipe of yours. Did you ever see "Enchanted April" movie, if not put on you list immediately!!

    Hugs,

    Yelena

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    1. I loved Enchanted April Yelena..One of my favorites..I should watch it again..and again..Thank you in case I had not.I love recommendations..

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    2. Thats my favorite movie ever!!! I also watch it again and again-)))

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  23. I love a good hummus and this sounds wonderful Monique. I love your photos and your whole blog!

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  24. Your hummus is so special with the avocados. I read Val's story about getting her license. It was very touching. Bravery in facing a challenge. Always food for thought here.

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    1. I am glad you went to visit Val..Most of the things she writes.. really touching..She is my youngest daughter's age..
      She's a determined young girl..
      Thanks Penny:)

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  25. Hi Monique, I never saw Parenthood, not once, will have check it out.....also your hummus looks wonderful, I love anything avocado.

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  26. So many shows to catch up with on netflix....I get hooked and then find out they were canceled and there won't be any more. :(
    I don't see anything good happening in the future with either Isobel OR Mary on Downton. But that's why we watch. Right?
    Hate to admit it, but have never heard of watercolor pencils. How amazing! Love your Paddington, no matter what you say.

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    1. :) That's the way to talk to me:)
      Netflix..GREAT invention IMHO.
      Love Sunday night:)

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  27. Monique, Avocado hummus sounds delicious!! Happy, Happy Birthday to your little daughter, now 38!! Yes, time does fly by too fast!!
    What a wonderful family you have now! Love Paddington too!!
    Hugs,
    Jody

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    1. I cannot believe our eldest will be forty ..40..this August!

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  28. You have given me an extra special treat, Monique. I had never watched Parenthood and, on your recommendation, found the pilot episode on Amazon and I LOVED it. I have six years of episodes to catch up on. I'm always looking for good programs and I know I will get hours of enjoyment out of this series. The characters are wonderful and I don't know how I missed it all these years. The addition of avocado to hummus sounds delicious.

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    1. I am so happy you found it and like it!
      You must watch until the very end.
      Very moving.
      Happy I could share something we all have loved here with you.

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  29. That hummus seriously looks amazing!

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  30. Thanks Cathleen..I eat with my eyes first..I do..and the green is just so appealing:)

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  31. The hummus, the cookies, your drawings - everything looks just perfect, Monique. Thanks for the heads up on Parenthood. I never watched but look forward to seeing all seasons on Amazon.

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    1. Hmm..must look into this Amazon thing:)

      Thanks Susan!

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  32. I thought I had commented on this, but maybe my brain was over-whelmed when I was sick. Wonderful recipe, especially with avocados. I have never watched Parenthood, so it's something to check out.
    Have a fabulous week-end.

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  33. Next time I make hummus I'll have to try with avocadoes, that must be so good. And these cookies look so good.

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  34. Having problems with comments again…off into thin air. What a fun post…I had not seen or heard of a boogie board other than the ones for the water. Love your Paddington drawings, I'm sure Noah will too. Your avocado hummus sounds yummy, I'll get it a try the next time we are entertaining friends…I'm sure it will be a big hit.

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