My 100th post

I just realized after loading pictures for a new recipe I tried the other day, that post was going to be my 100th post on this blog.  I know to many people that fact might not mean much but for me, it feels like an accomplishment.  My interest in this blog has definitely waxed and waned but in the end I feel such excitement in my soul when I get to take pictures of food, try new recipes, and be creative.

In honor of my 100th post (and basically the one year anniversary of this blog which was started September 13, 2012), I am going to post some of my favorite photos from the last year instead of a new recipe.  I did not know that I would get such joy from taking photographs of friends, food, and just plain ol' objects when I started this thing. Thanks to all of you for being so encouraging along this continued process and for being a part of this blogging adventure with me!  I hope you have enjoyed (and will continue to enjoy) the ride!

Fresh Spicy Pepper Hummus

So recently I have stopped buying hummus from the grocery store.  I almost always have every ingredient on hand that we might need to whip up a batch at any given moment.  I thought about it a couple weeks ago and realized I am wasting $2.99 per week by buying something we can already make at home.  The only thing that I am often lacking is a some sort of pepper to add to the hummus.  Matt loves spicy hummus and if I want him to help me eat some of it (which if I am being honest, some weeks I really just don't-I want to hog all the hummus to myself), I know I need to make it spicy.

So with that spicy challenge in mind, I bought a Cubanelle pepper this week at Publix.  It cost me $.18.  I love that price!  I am working on perfecting my homemade hummus to Mat''s heat-level liking but I am pretty sure I hit the jackpot this week.  (Here's a little information on the Cubanelle Pepper just in case you were interested.)  I love making hummus.  I love how easy it is, how versatile, and how interesting the flavors can be.  Hummus is just a winner all around.  I hope you like this recipe if you have the chance to make it.  It literally took me less than 15 minutes from start to finish and yielded just about 2 cups.  What more could you ask for?  I hope you enjoy!

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Fresh Pepper Hummus

1 medium-sized pepper (jalapeno, cubanelle, red pepper, whatever kind and hotness you prefer)
1 1/2 cups chickpeas
6 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1/4 cup water
salt to taste

Seed and roughly chop the pepper.  Place it in the food processor.  Process until finely minced.  Add the chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and water to the food processor.  Process for approximately 4-7 minutes.  This will allow for ultimate hummus creaminess.  Every once in a while during the 4-7 minutes, stop the food processor, add any needed salt, and see if the desired consistency has been reached.  Once desired consistency is reached, chill and enjoy!

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Labor Day Weekend Fun

This past weekend Matt and I were able to head a little south of Atlanta to visit with part of my family.  It was such a relaxing time of taking life slow and doing things that are just fun to do.  We read a lot of magazines, talked about future plans, ate a lot of cupcakes, and watched a lot of TV.  All the fun things you crave to do while on a short weekend vacation.

My sweet mother and sister went on a walk with me last night around the neighborhood.  They allowed me to use themselves and their dogs as models as I practiced my photography.  These photos are some of the results of that walk.  I am trying to work on my lighting skills and see how the sun affects the contrast and shadows.  I had a lot of fun playing around with these pictures.

I don't quite know why I love the very top picture I have placed on today's post.  As I continue to look at it, I think it might be the stark blackness of Pippi's fur against the gray of the concrete mixed with the orange/brown of the leaves and pine needles.  I don't really know why I am so drawn to it especially because it is out of focus.  I just think it is very interesting.  Anyway, thanks for allowing me to share part of my weekend.  I hope you had a relaxing one too!