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Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back.  'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini

Cucumber Sandwich Spread



We are beginning to get a lot of cucumbers. Our neighbors are sharing and I have a little plant in the employee garden at work that is just starting to produce. One of our favorite snacks this time of year is a cucumber sandwich. "Sandwich" isn't really the proper work since we like the spread on crackers (my favorite are Triscuits).

Although I had heard of cucumber sandwiches my entire life, it wasn't until I was an adult that I actually tried one.

The following recipe makes quite a bit but it can be refrigerated.

Cucumber Sandwich Spread

Cucumbers (sliced)
16 oz. cream cheese (2 8 oz. packages) (softened)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 TBS. Hidden Valley Ranch Dip mix (you can use the entire 1 oz. packet but we find that it is too strong and salty)
1 tsp. dill
1/8 tsp. Worcesthershire sauce

Blend the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, dip mix, dill and Worcestershire sauce together until smooth.

Slick cucumbers thinly.

Spread on bread or crackers. Enjoy!


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Phillip, I am so making this. Thank you!~~Dee

    ReplyDelete
  2. The kind of a healthy snack I can eat all day, every day...

    ReplyDelete

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