Everything Tastes Better With Love

Hola! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Unknown Mami and I am so very pleased to meet you. My friend Helen is off enjoying herself in Canada and she has seen fit to let me entertain in her absence.

Can you imagine how nervous I am? I mean you've seen the delicious goodies that Helen makes on a daily basis. They look so scrumptious that I've been tempted to take a bite out of my screen at times.

I mean how can I live up? The truth is that although I can cook I don't very often because I am blessed with a husband that happens to be a great cook.

I love eating food that other people make and I always have. I grew up surrounded by great cooks. Everyone in my family, male or female, can cook.

This weekend I went to visit family in Roseville, CA and they were excited to cook for us. They made us 3 different types of tamales, refried beans, homemade salsa verde, and salad. This picture does not do the food justice, but trust me when I tell you it was delicious and you could taste the love and cariño (affection) in each bite.

It's a good thing I was born into a Mexican family because I love Mexican food. I wish you could taste my family's food. It's amazing and I am never disappointed.

I was looking around my cousin's garden and it occurred to me that I could bring a little of my family's flavor to you. I don't particularly like to follow recipes or give them, but these are so ridiculously simple that it would be a crime not to share. I thought I would share how to make salsa and the easiest guacamole in the world. The inspiration came from seeing these lovelies:

There are no measurements because it is all to taste (your taste).

For the salsa you will need:
Fresh tomatoes,
onion,
garlic,
peppers (jalapeños, serranos, or whatever you please)
and a touch of cilantro.

Chop all the ingredients, mix them together and salt to taste. Leave it as is or add a touch of olive oil and vinegar if you would like more liquid.

If you would like a salsa of smoother consistency, simply roast the tomatoes and peppers then put them and the rest of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. The roasted tomatoes and peppers give the salsa added depth and flavor.

Depending on how spicy you like your salsa you can include the seeds of the peppers or if you are a lightweight take them out.

Now for the easiest guacamole in the world, you will need:
Ripe avocados (as many as you like)
A bit of lime or lemon
Salt

Remove the avocados from the peel, place in a bowl, mash them up with a fork or potato masher, add salt to taste, and squeeze a bit of lemon or lime to preserve the color and mix. I know it sounds plain, but honestly sometimes you can not improve on nature. If you are already having salsa then why add the same ingredients to the guacamole? Every time I make this people tell me it's great and ask me for the recipe. The truth is there is no recipe. Avocados are just damn good!

And remember that with any recipe you make you should include some love. My mother will not eat food that was made by someone in a bad mood because she says it will make her sick. I think she's right.

I've really enjoyed my visit! Pop over and see me whenever you are in my bloggerhood; I always enjoy a visit.