Katydid

Katydids are a large group of insects in the order Orthoptera, related to grasshoppers and crickets. Some katydids have been called long-horned grasshoppers because of their long and slender shape, but actually katydids are more closely related to crickets than to any type of grasshopper. There are about 6,400 species worldwide, with the greatest diversity in the tropics. During the day they rest in a specific diurnal roosting posture to make them look even more like just a leaf on the plant. Wing form varies widely, with most having long wings that cover the body, but some species have short wings or are nearly wingless. They tend to be poor flyers, and some only flutter their wings during leaps. Every so often a pink katydid shows up. It’s been estimated that pink coloration occurs in one of about 500 individuals, a condition called erythrism. It is caused by recessive genes, similar to the situation for albino animals. The New Orleans Audubon Insectarium acquired a pink male and a pink female katydid to produce a brood of pink katydids which are now on display there. These individuals would really stand out in their normal green environment and therefore would not be likely to survive as predators could find them too easily. But in the protected insectarium they grow and live just like regular green katydids.

Avocado toast

How to Make the Best Avocado Toast 

1) Pick great avocados 

You want ripe but not over-ripe Hass avocados. Look for avocados that yield a bit to a gentle squeeze, but avoid using avocados that are mushy or stringy on the inside. If you run into any bruised or brown bits when you cut them open, scoop those out and discard before mashing the rest. 

2) Buy good bread and toast it 

Toasted bread offers a sturdy base and a crisp, shattering contrast against the creamy avocado. 

3) Mash your avocado separately

 Mashed avocado is more creamy and luxurious than sliced avocado (think guacamole vs. plain avocado). But don’t mash it on the toast! You risk poking holes in your toast or smashing it. Cut your avocados in half, remove the pit, scoop the flesh into a bowl or onto the side of your plate, and mash it up with a fork. 

4) Don’t forget the salt

You’ll want to mix in at least a pinch of salt per avocado half. 

 

Avocado Toast Bonus Tips 

Here are a few easy ways to take your avocado toast up a notch. Pick one or a few! 

Add garlic: Lightly rub a peeled raw garlic clove over the top of your toast before adding the avocado, or mix a tiny pinch of garlic powder into the avocado. 

Add fresh leafy herbs or your favorite herbed sauce: Chopped fresh basil, cilantro, dill or parsley are all good with avocado. So is a drizzle of pesto, zhoug sauce (spicy cilantro sauce), or chimichurri. 

Put an egg on it: I love to top my avocado toast with a fried egg for extra protein. You can do a poached egg or scrambled egg if you prefer. 

More extras: Quick-pickled onions or radishes or jalapeños, your favorite hot sauce, or a sprinkle of sliced cherry tomatoes.

Chantilly Frosting

Chantilly Cream Frosting

1 stick Salted butter softened

1 16oz Mascarpone cheese softened

1 8oz Cream cheese softened 

3 cups confectioner's sugar 

1 cup Heavy whipping cream whipped thick 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

Cream the butter, mascarpone and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Maybe 4 minutes. Add in the confectioner's sugar and continue to mix. I used my mixer with paddle attachment. In a separate bowl, whip your whipping cream and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form in the whipping cream. If the whipping cream is too soft, it will make the frosting runny. Next, gently fold the whipping cream into your creamed butter and cheese mixture by hand with a rubber spatula. Mix just enough to incorporate to a smooth consistency for frosting your cake or cupcakes. If not using immediately, refrigerate in a closed container and remove 5 to 10 minutes before frosting your cake of cupcakes. 

Waffle bowls

You can buy waffle bowls at the grocery store these days. I microwaved a hand full of semi sweet chocolate chips in the microwave with a little coconut oil, dipped the waffle bows in the melted chocolate, and then decorated with sprinkles, chopped nuts, and frozen smashed raspberries. I had the raspberry rimmed bowl with vanilla icecream and fresh raspberries. I wanted to add sliced peaches, but they aren't ripe just yet. Other family members had mint icecream with chocoalte chips, and vanilla icecream with lots of sprinkles. We tried gummy bears, but they get hard when they are cold and were not appreciated.

Water color

Lupines

Lupin, Lupine or regionaly known as blue bonnets, these flowers grow all over North and South America and the seeds were even used by Native Americans as a food crop.

Leg of lamb

Deboned leg of lamb, grilled over medium low for about 40 minutes.