Thanksgiving in a Smoothie

Temps reached 119 degrees in North Hollywood yesterday.  While I have a small window a/c unit in my bedroom, my main coping skill of this heat wave is lots of cold liquids, frozen ice packs for the pups and I to lie on, and in the hottest hours, escaping to public places with better air conditioning, like movie theaters, IKEA, and the mall.  

It was only around a hundred degrees when I woke up this morning, and I felt like a truck had run over me.  So I knew I'd need a smoothie to make it through the day.  I normally keep a good supply of frozen fruit to get me through the summer, but this is the first heat wave of the season.  Surprisingly I found a bag of frozen cranberries in my freezer, intended for winter cranberry sauce that never got made.  I don't usually like the tartness of cranberries, but I decided to make a smoothie that would transport me to winter holidays in the hopes I could imagine the winter temps.  It turned out yummy and sweet!

What's your favorite smoothie recipe?  How do  you cope with a major heat wave?  Please comment below.

Cranberry-Cacao Smoothie

1/2 c frozen cranberries1/3 c canned pumpkin
1 1/2 Tbsp coconut
1 Tbsp cacao nibs
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2 cups cold soymilk or other nondairy milk

Blend all in a mason jar using an immersion blender and enjoy. 

The Height of 1970s Entertaining - Hidden Valley Ranch Oyster Snack Crackers

My blog was originally meant to be a place to try and store family recipes, that I've remembered eating but hadn't necessarily made myself.  One that I remember my mom making at holidays and whenever they had parties was an oyster cracker snack.  Come to find out, it was such a regular because my dad liked the ranch flavor.  

Last January, with the Superbowl and the Oscars on the calendar, I decided I wanted to make it.  I bought the known ingredients, and asked my mom for her recipe.  We'd discuss it on phone calls, but she never remembered to dig it up for me, and months and events went by.  Finally I decided to do the modern thing, and googled for some recipes.  Various versions came up, but the most common mention was "Hidden Valley Ranch dressing packet."  After printing out a fancy crockpot version finished with Parmesean cheese, I finally went to the store for the golden spice mix.  Lo and behold, the recipe was right there on the box!  So today, in July, I finally got around to trying the recipe I had intended for the Superbowl.  Please tell me your life works like this also.  The timing actually works well as I am starting my season of Hollywood Bowl tickets and have an upcoming trip to Shakespeare in Griffith Park.  All my summer picnics will include this snack, until gone.  Which should take quite a while as I have enough for a party. 

Now that I've mastered the original, I feel confident I can experiment with other snack versions, such as Parmesean Smoked Paprika Oyster Crackers, and Everything Bagel Seasoning Oyster Crackers.  Look for those recipes in upcoming blog posts.  And come on over anytime for Oyster Snack Crackers and White Russians.  

Hidden Valley Oyster Crackers

1 Packet Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix

16 oz Oyster Crackers

1/4 cup Vegetable Oil

1/2 tsp Dill 

1/4 tsp Lemon Pepper or Garlic Powder

Place crackers and oil in a gallon size Ziploc bag and shake to coat.  Add all spices and again toss till well coated. Spread on ungreased baking sheet and bake at 250 degrees for 15-20 mins or until golden brown.