Paint a masterpiece!

Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can. ~Danny Kaye

If you endeavor to throw around as much paint as possible you will most like end up with a most unique and wonderful masterpiece.  That would be a good thing.  I would encourage you to make the colors bright and full of life.  Try new things...healthy things.  Be a life long learner and savor the excitement of utilizing your new knowledge...even the simple and small lessons or details.

I recently discovered via a cooking show that when cleaning out peppers, the green or colored variety, it is very easy to remove the seeds by shaking them out rather than rinsing them out once you have sliced it open and removed the core.  I had always found the remaining seeds rather pesky.  No need to waste the water, just give them a firm shake.  Voila!  They pop right out.  Like I said, it is a simple lesson, but learning is glorious! 

Here is the dip I made to place into the seeded red pepper.  Simple and delicious!

 Simple Curry Vegetable Dip 
1 cup mayo (can use lite - but regular is best)
2 tsp. Watkins Onion Flakes
1 tsp. Watkins Curry (natural or organic) - may add more for a lite yellow color - and to taste
1 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice (if you like it tangy)
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate for flavors to meld.  This dip looks especially attractive in a red pepper bowl.  Simply slice off one side of the pepper (save for cap or to set to the side as decoration), pull or cut out the seeds and shake out the remainder.  Fill with the dip and place in the center of a plate surrounded by other vegetables.

Can't leave you with just one new dip to try...try one more as well!

Blue Cheese Spread
1/2 cup/125 mL finely-chopped walnuts
1 package (8 oz/227 g) reduced-calorie cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup/125 mL reduced-calorie sour cream
1 package (4 oz/113 g) blue cheese (such as Danish Blue or Maytag), crumbled
1 tbsp/15 mL chopped pimentos
1 tbsp/15 mL minced green pepper
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Watkins Garlic Granules
1/2 tsp/2.5 mLWatkins Onion Granules
Dash Watkins Black Pepper 6 oz

Pan-roast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, shaking skillet and/or stirring constantly, until golden brown. Cool slightly. Beat cream cheese in bowl until smooth and creamy. Blend in sour cream, blue cheese, walnuts and remaining ingredients; mix well. Spoon into attractive serving dish. Keep refrigerated.

Makes 2 cups/500 mL.

Directions to give with spread: Store in refrigerator. Serve with unsalted crackers, party rye or French bread.