Fallen Tree

A tree fell down at work... actually part of a tree. It wasn't windy or anything; it was just a big rotten eucalyptus whose time had come. It very nearly caused damage but just brushed the side of the library. Imagine the librarian's surprise to find this out his window on Monday morning!

Anyway this is Ryan demonstrating what would have happened if it fell during lunch time.

Photo courtesy of Sunny Chung.

Fruit Salad Dressing

This is a recipe I made up... not stolen from anyone. :) Therefore the measurements are totally arbitrary. This is an fabulous dessert for a hot summer's day.

1/2 c. Plain Yogurt (French Style creamline yogurt from TJ's is the best)
1 T. Brown sugar

Mix together and toss with fresh fruit.

Variation: use 1 T. real maple syrup (not Aunt Jemima) instead of brown sugar. Mm, mm, mm. Tastes extra good in the fall drizzled over apples and persimmons.

Jamaican Black Bean Pot with White Rice

from One Pot Meals Cookbook

2 14.5 oz cans black beans, drained
1 bay leaf
2 T. oil
1 lg. onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 T. molasses
2 T. brown sugar
1 tsp. dried thyme
½ tsp. cayenne pepper or dried chili flakes
Salt & pepper
1 2/3 c. broth
1 red pepper diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 ½ lb. butternut squash, seeded/peeled and diced (1/2 inch dice)

1. Preheat oven to 350. Place beans and bay leaf in casserole dish with lid.

2. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium low heat. Sauté onion and garlic about 5 min or until soft. Stir in molasses, sugar, thyme, cayenne/chili flakes and S&P. Cook about 1 minute. Pour into casserole dish. Add broth to casserole dish, mix all well. Bake uncovered 25 minutes.

3. Remove dish from oven, add peppers and squash, mix well. Cover dish, bake for 45 minutes more. Serve with hot rice.