Summery daze.... I felt dazed by the end of two in a row.....

Finally...  some nice days and all of a sudden there is just too much to get done in the hours of the two good ones...but... got did (hahahah...got did....I'm reeellly dazed!) ... did get some annuals planted.  How'zat? Got some lovely composted replenshing dirt dug into two separate garden areas.  What fun that has been.  Remember my bag of dirt?  Who knew a bag of dirt could generate so much interest.  Every single neighbour that drove or walked by had to stop and ask about it.  More talking than working if they caught me back there digging (or trying to dig out) a wheelbarrow full of it.... but, finally, I just had to keep on shovelling whilst yakking... daylight was a'wastin'!

Lunches and suppers were pretty simple.  Although, veeerrry tasty.... and tomorrow... I'm making 'burgers.... with store bought buns cuz I've got no time to bake.  Gotta go hit some golf balls tomorrow... along with pick up ant powder, find something to kill Chinch bugs... before they totally kill my lawn...  get some more plants... groceries... oh, man..too much already!  I'll change my mind and do none of the above...except the hitting of balls.... oh, well... there will be more dry days this week!

I've mentioned this dish before.  It can be a salad or a side dish really.  I doubt I've ever made it the same way twice.... it usually depends on what I have in the 'fridge.  Here is the basic recipe ... I love it.  Found it on Bon Apetit...  a few years ago.

Remember the edible bowls? ....

I almost forgot to photo one before it got 'eated'! (as little Miss Daisy would say).   Whew.... thanks to Mr. BV for asking "where's the camera"?...after he carefully constructed HIS salad in HIS bowl.  He knows what blog nuts we've become. Or maybe that's just wingnuts.  How my camera has become almost a mutant appendage.  It's there on walks or drives or when baking or doing crafts...and even, gulp, at the table........ as a matter of fact it's usually sitting right there on the table or the counter right next to it.

Chicken Chick Pea salad never looked better!  I looked back through lots of postings on my food blog and can't find the salad anywhere.  Can't believe I haven't posted it before...but, I guess not.  It's a great salad and I add and subtract items all the time...depending, of course, upon what's in the house.  Don't forget... a recipe is not really a code...it's more like yer guideline, ye see? ....

Here is the original simple recipe from Bon Appetit ....


Chickpea Salad with Parsley, Lemon, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1/4 cup olive oil
1  TBSP. cumin seeds (mostly, I used dried cumin powder)
2  15 oz. cans garbanzo beans (chick peas) rinsed and drained (one is plenty for us)
1  cucumber, seeded and chopped (I use long English so I don't have to seed!)
1/2  cup chopped fresh parsley (or to taste)
1/3  cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced (I just use fresh Roma or vine tomatoes)
1/4  cup lemon juice
1  garlic clove, crushed in a garlic press
1/4  tsp. dried crushed red pepper

Combine oil and cumin seeds in heavy small saucepan.  Cook over medium heat 5 minutes to blend flavours, stirring occasionally.  Cool completely.  (I don't bother with this...just use dried herbs)

Combine remaining ingredients in large bowl.  Add cumin oil and toss to blend.  Season salad to taste with salt and pepper.  Make at least an hour ahead to let flavour develop...

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If I want to  make it a bit more exciting....I add some Balsamic vinegar to the lemon juice, or perhaps a little drop of honey.... things like black olives, finely diced red onions, (or slice some for the Mr. to use on his...they don't like me some days)...    how about some crumbled Feta cheese??, maybe chunks of cooked chicken...and this day..I had a perfect avocado just waiting to be eaten..... we topped it off with a dollop of plain yogurt and a sprinkle of paprika just to make it look nice for the camera.  And, we almost got started polishing it off before I even picci'd it!  thank goodness I got a shot of it....this was the best one yet!      

The cumin in this salad (whether it be the whole seeds or the ground dried version) really adds that little something extra.

Poor guy....I was still at it with the camera...even when we got to the end.....and, may I just say?... there were not even crumbs left for the birds.