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A Closer Look at Winter Damage

But first, take a look at this gorgeous rainbow that we had on Friday! The five-day stretch of warm temperatures last week really jump-started the garden. Now that plants are putting out new growth, it is easier to see what kind of damage the winter left. Back in mid-January, we experienced five straight days of below-freezing temperatures. This caused much damage in Portland and areas where frigid winds were a factor. Here, we were fortunate to not get the wind and the cold temperatures were dampened by a blanket of snow. That said, it was a tough time for the garden and there are noticeable casualties but no outright deaths that I have seen. The bottlebrush ( Callistemon 'Woodlander's Red') did not like the cold at all. It was planted six years ago, in the north-facing garden no less, and I've not experienced die-back on it until now. A local expert said to cut it all the way back so that is what I did. If it doesn't make it, I won't be too distraught. It is

Spinach Dip



Michael's aunt and cousin from Mississippi and our friend Joann from Memphis will be here this weekend for their annual hair appointments so I've been in the kitchen.

This is our favorite dip (sooo addictive) and it is simple to do (just a lot of chopping). This recipe comes from the Knorr's Vegetable Soup Mix box. It calls for 1 cup of mayonnaise in addition to the sour cream but we prefer just the sour cream so we use all sour cream and it is delicious. I also think fresh spinach is much better than the frozen spinach. It is great served with Hawaiian Bread or just crackers.

INGREDIENTS
1 package (10 oz.) baby spinach, chopped or 1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 container (16 oz.) sour cream
1 cup Mayonnaise (or sour cream)
1 package Knorr® Vegetable recipe mix
1 can (8 oz.) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
3 green onions, chopped (optional)

Combine all ingredients and chill about 2 hours.

Now is that easy or what? I sense of game of Mexican Train coming on!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. This was always my favorite growing up. We'd put it in a bread bowl using good San Francisco sourdough. Enjoy!

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  2. I loooove spinach dip and have a recipe that will knock you bloomers off!

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  3. Whoo hooo, sounds like a good time and the dip looks delicious.

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  4. Heavenly!!!! Thanks Phillip! Have fun!

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  5. I make this dip too, and it is sooo good. I like to put it in a bowl of bread.

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  6. Our spinach crop has continued even with the 20degree nights we have had. Now I know what we can do with some of the harvest!

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  7. Yummy...It's important to have a few excellent dip recipes to serve visitors and residents on cold wintry days! gail

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  8. I so love that stuff. I've never made it but have eaten PLENTY!

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  9. Hope you are having fun! I just took a picture of a red bird in the snow and it made me think of you.

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