A teaser, and a new challenge

I got a new toy a while ago.  Unfortunately, it's not ready for presentation yet, but I'll show you something else that'll give you a hint about what it is.  I've had this for a long time, in anticipation of the new toy.  It's just taken a while to figure out how to make it work in my little city space.

Note the air holes.
No.  Oscar the Grouch has not relocated to Where the Fur Flies.


In other news, I've decided to take on a new personal challenge.  Last year, I read every book that I heard or read good reviews about.  It expanded my horizons, and exposed me to some great books.  This year, I'm focusing on produce.  That's right.  I'm going to try suggested produce (or recipes for produce), even if I'm dubious.  I do have a fairly healthy diet, in that I try to eat a lot of fruits in veggies, but I'm stuck in a rut.    I tend to eat the same things over and over again, and I need to find something new.

So far, I tried Pioneer Woman's Bourbon mushrooms and Dawn in Austin DC's Brussels sprouts.  In both cases, I switched things up a little bit.  Not because I thought my recipe would be better, but because that's what I do.  The mushrooms were a no-brainer (I love mushrooms), but the Brussels sprouts were a little riskier.  I don't dislike Brussels sprouts, but I don't usually love them.  I have to tell you, though - Dawn's Brussels sprouts are good!  I cut way back on the garlic, and added the juice of a lemon while cooking them.  Then I sprinkled with a little bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.  It was so good that I ate it for lunch.  Just a big bowl of Brussels sprouts.  Yum.

My next challenges are to try a dragon fruit, which I've never had before, and guava fruit, which I suspect is the mystery fruit I've had a few times in California and never managed to identify.  Then maybe I'll work up the nerve to make the blueberry hamburger patty recipe that I've been saving for the last 4 years.