Avocado Tostadas

It's been raining avocados.

Last week a man we barely know gifted us with a huge bag of these pears. Unfortunately he ran off before I could marry him.

Most unfortunate agreed my husband.

Almost everyday for the last month someone (bless 'em) has given us an avocado and I've been eating slices of buttery pears daily. A thick, crusty, hops bread with a smash of avocado in between is considered a good meal by me.

There is something about being on vacation that makes me want to avoid the kitchen. Meal preparation is decidedly very low key these days and luckily I have avocados to thank for that. You can prepare some very filling, no-cooking-required dinners with avocados.

Leaving me with more time for reading books, watching re-runs of House....and my all time new favourite  obsession Pinterest which I use to search out recipes of people who are spending more time in their kitchens - go figure.


Avocado Tostadas
(serves 4)
Ingredients

1 ripe avocado
8  tostada shells (from the supermarket)
Black bean, Corn salad with Lime Vinaigrette (recipe here)

Method.
Make salad the night before. Warm tostadas for about 7 mins in a 350 degree oven. Slice avocado and smash with a fork. A lumpy mash is just fine. Spread on to the tostadas. Top with black bean salad. Serve with a tall glass of frosty, cold, lime juice.

Give Your Dog a Makeover

Do your hot dogs need a makeover? Mine did. Honestly I had fallen into a rut. Bun, dog, ketchup, mustard - maybe some slaw at the side - NOT (God forbid) for fear of histrionics and major toddler meltdowns, slaw on the top. Never slaw on the top people!

How many of you are like me in thinking that this is kiddie fare, not suitable for adult tastes? Well think again.....here they are... hot dogs for grown ups! Inspired by my July issue of bon apétit's, Around the world in 80 Hot Dogs'

Topping: caramelized onions, mushrooms, blue cheese


Picture my 4 year old son's face when I said I was making Hot Dogs for lunch. He did a little happy dance/jig. He ran around in a circle singing/screaming HOT DOGS, H - 0 - T Dogzzzzz! We're having HOOOOOOO T DOOOOGS!

Now, imagine the scene when I put these in front of him? Silence. He stared at them for such a long time without saying a word. But his face, oh how his face said it all! Finally, in continued silence he ate. Chew, chew, chew, pause to throw an aggrieved look my way, chew, chew, chew, exaggerated swallow. When he was done he only had one comment " Mom, next time PLEASE don't make 'special' hot dogs for me. Special, said with an inflection that one reserves for the disabled or mentally incapacitated. LOL

Topping: mango chow,Grace mild jerk marinade,Trinidad Seasoning peppers

My friend Thorsten has got me thinking that I should add cucumbers to The Jamaican. Check out his gorgeous photography and his German take on the hot dog here.

Seriously though it's summer time. I don't know about you but I don't like to be in the kitchen much when I am on holiday. You don't need to fire up a grill for these. Boil or fry the hot dogs, toast the buns slightly and you are all set. The more complicated toppings can be prepared in advance.

These were so easy and so good. I want to do more. Do you have any ideas for me to try? Name your hot dog and send your 'special' topping suggestions my way.