Monday, August 24, 2009

Everything Tastes Better With Love

Unknown Mami

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.
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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:
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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.

23 comments:

confused homemaker said...

Very delicious, my husband loves fresh homemade Mexican food as do I. He is not Mexican, and I'm not either, but he like I appreciate any food made with love.

My heart said...

Awe yes this post hits close to home as I am a "beaner" which is another slang for a Mexican...you made me hungry! lol have a wonderful week!

Liz Mays said...

It sounds great and I say bring on the heat! :)

Kelly said...

Sounds yummy! I never thought I liked guacamole until I made it fresh. So good!

Sassy Chica said...

Hola Chica,
Great post!!! My Tia(aunt)has always said to cook with love or your food may turn out tasteless or too spicy and that to some is not enjoyable!

Smooches,
Sassy Chica

sarah @ life {sweet} life said...

You are so funny! And thanks for the recipe - I will definitely give it a shot!!

Anonymous said...

Hola Amiga!!!

You are such a good blog host and blog sitter, Muchacha.
Your "Familias Comida"(Families Food) looks delicious. Mmmmm!
"Tu Mama"(Your Mom) is right! Food that has been cooked without Amor(Love), makes for a sick consumer. Blah!!!

*Thanx for the comment on my "LatinMom's Loco Lunes" post* LOL!!! "I think we might have the same Mom?? Ha!!!
"Can't wait to read the post on your Madre". :0)

~Amor, Familia Y Cultura~
Betty

Italo said...

CIao Unknown Mom, nice pictures, wonderful recipe. Funny post! :D CIAO bella, Italo.

ck said...

Now THAT is my kind of recipe! I had no idea salsa was so easy to make. I know what I'm doing with the rest of the garden tomatoes I have in my fridge right now.

Kathy B! said...

That ginormous tomato tree in my backyard just keep pumpin' out the tomatoes!

I know what we're havin' for dinner... Mexican something (have to see what's in the house!) and fresh salsa!

Yelena R. said...

Hmm, I think your mom is right...cooking in a bad mood is just not a good idea :)

Thanks for the salsa recipe, I've recently developed an affection for Mexican food after years of trying to avoid it. What was I thinking?

Meg said...

Yummm... I'm craving huevos rancheros (it's breakfast time here!). Can't wait to use your tips to make my salsa better! xoxo
(don't you just love Scotland?)

Barely Domestic Mama said...

Mmmmmm...avocados {{drooling}}

I don't know why it has never occured to me to make my own salsa since I use it in a few meals that I love. Hmmm...I'll have to give that a whirl sometime.

Anonymous said...

Yum! Wish we had a garden.

What your mother said reminds me of "Like Water For Chocolate", such a beautiful book, and one instance where I thought the movie was just as good, even better.

I don't know you, but hope you had a great vacation, Helen!

Unknown said...

I didn't want to click over for a visit today since I am so starving I am just about ready to eat the paperwork I am doing, but how could I resist! : )

What a pretty blog. I love food, so I know I will love coming again!

Delightful post Mami. Can you please send your husband to my house to cook? Great. I will be looking for him.

Lori said...

I could eat avocados every day! Dang, they are scrumptious!

Nancy@ifevolutionworks.com said...

Yum!!!!!!!!!! Can I ask you to come make them for me? Pretty please?

Michelle said...

So glad you aren't having to use a barf bag. Silly!

I LOVE guac and salsa... and mmm roasting the veggies first. You should see my guac recipe. Now I want some. and I mean NOW. Your mom sounds so perfect with the cooking with love. Perfect.

Multiple personalities.. said...

Mmmm... *DROOL* this looks so yummy! I love it. And you're a cool blogger friend for taking care of Helen's blog. You rock! :-)

Nicole @ WhenDidIBecomeMyMom.com said...

Congrats on your guest post Mami!
Thanks for the recipe.

Single Mama NYC said...

Two of my favorite bloggers ever - all in one spot! Now THAT'S delicious!

Debbie said...

Yum! We may need to have Mexican food tonight:)

Mrs4444 said...

I can almost smell the yummy goodness! :)