Family Birthdays

Sooo... it's been a while. I've been in a rut. No creative juices were flowing here! So, I didn't write. But then, I got a few comments here and there (What? I got COMMENTS???) about how it had been a while. And how, since I was now one of "those bloggers" I had better keep up! YEAY! It reminded me that I am one of those bloggers now and I get to keep up!

But I'm gonna ease in slowly. I've got a couple posts racked up in my brain but for this one it's gonna be plain and simple; What I did this weekend. You see, my family celebrated our early birthdays. We like to get together a few times a year just to celebrate the surrounding birthdays. So, this weekend we were celebrating the early in the year ones. We have quite a few actually - and it just so happens that mine had to be one of those! Infact, mine was last week. I turned 25. TWENTY FIVE, PEOPLE. (?!?) I consider this one of those young birthdays that is a big deal. I'm not into the "I'm 29 forever" attitude and am choosing to embrace aging. But let's face it, I'm only at 25 so I've got a while to go before I start fretting.

Right? Yeah. (I'm gonna answer for you).

So, anyway. The food this weekend. It was delish (as always). My mom made two cakes! One lactose free and one normal. But funny enough, which one did everyone love??? The lactose free one. YEAH BABY. And it was healthy. Whole grains, no refined sugar and Ghee. num num.

For lunch we had a smorgous (how in the??) board of food. We like to all contribute something and make it potluck. It's more fun that way (and way easier!!). I brought veggies. I happen to love vegetables and am trying to eat and share them however I can.

So I just got a variety of vegetables and made a couple dips. Olive Yogurt Dip and Artichoke & Olive Hummus. (We're big into olives).

I don't actually have any pictures of the dip, but to be honest they weren't the most gorgeous things I've laid eyes on, so that might be ok. But they taste good!! But even as good as these dips were, the vegetables were the main event.

                  (Yes I realize these aren't vegetables. But they were so cute! And tasty.)

The most exciting (for me) vegetable was the Watermelon Radish. I have never had or seen one before and when I saw it in the market I had to try it. (Well, duh.) It looked like a parsnip and beet combined into one. But when I cut into it...SURPRISE! ....Hence the watermelon.

Anyway, these are really great. They are sweeter than the normal radish but still have a spicy kick to them. I think they're best raw and crisp. They go by other names such as "Roseheart Radish" and "Red Meat Radish".  Apparently this radish is an heirloom Chinese Daikon (love daikon radishes!!). 

But what's fascinating to me, is that it's a natural organic pesticide! The radish contains isothiocyanate which is a chemical compound that acts as a pesticide...but it's natural! Radishes are often used as a natural pesticide since pests steer clear of their spicy flavor. (I'd still buy these organic though. They're not invincible!) 

I've always loved the spicy flavor of the radish and am loving the sweet & spicy combo here. You need to go search these bad boys out and give them a try! I highly recommend them. : ) 

Olive Yogurt Dip

To taste and to amount. 

2% or Whole Greek Yogurt (really any works fine!)

Mixture of kalamata olives & green olives (and black if you like). 

Any herbs you have on hand 

Pinch of salt

Plenty of freshly ground black pepper

• Roughly chop olives so you get good texture
• Finely chop herbs
• Put all ingredients into a bowl and mix. Add more to taste. 

Olive and Artichoke Hummus

Serves 6

1 can chickpeas (very well drained) 

Good handful artichokes, olives and roasted garlic

1 tablespoon Tahini

Squeeze of lemon 

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 

Rosemary (or regular) olive oil 

• Cook chickpeas according to the can. I like to detach the outer layer like this.
• Place all ingredients except olive oil into food processor and blend.
• Stream in olive oil until desired consistency.

*These are both super easy dips that really are to taste (just add and mix until you like the taste). I've done a regular hummus recipe with instructions here if you'd prefer more detail.

Now go get some in season veggies and enjoy this spring weather!! yessssss. : )
Anne