Feliz Cumpleanos Papi

Today is my dad's 69th Birthday.

He is 69 years young today, and he can move as if he were still in his twenties. He is the most amazing person, he provided everything for me and my sister, he worked hard for everything he got, and deserves every bit of it. Most people know this, but he migrated from Cuba right after Castro took over, he left everything and everyone he knew to make a better life for himself in the United States. He met my mom in Louisiana and they soon got married. Our friends call them Lucy and Desi - they now have been married for over 40 years! I have always wanted to see where my father grew up, to see his home, and his city, and to meet the rest of my family. He has such an inspiring story and I am proud to have him as my father. Happy Birthday Papi love your favorite Daughter Number 2

A Gift

As a gift to my best friend I decided to start a scrapbook for her new baby little Miss Turner Renee, whom I love to pieces - she is my "pseudo" niece. I am going to continue to add pages for her as Ang sends them to me. I love doing these types of things for others, I did a book for Ang as a wedding gift to her with all of our pictures from college and she loved it, I think it was a great personalized gift to her. I am not sure why but it is so much easier for me to create these things for others than to do my own!

Here is how the book ended up looking:

Before
After

Chicken Get Your Chicken Here

I swear this is not turning into a recipe blog, because frankly it would be done now. It is very hard to cook for my husband. He really likes eating healthy, like sometimes bland and blah food so it is not uncommon for us to fend for ourselves during the week. Well I was really wanting to find some new meals for us to eat together - the first one I tried, which I won't even mention came out HORRIBLE and I thought he would ban me from the kitchen all together. I started searching online for some good, healthy chicken meals and I came across some with black beans. We both love black beans so I thought I would give it a try. I came home super excited to cook it, but also nervous that he would not like it.

Outcome: LOVED it!
Grade: A+

Woohoo, it was so tasty and my husband loved it...so much he was making it the next week, and making extras so he could eat left overs for lunch, etc...

Here is the recipe, I modified it a little bit so I will give you my version

3-4 Boneless Chicken Breasts
1 Can of Rotel
Half of a large Onion - Chopped
1 - 26 oz Can of Black Beans (we use a larger can because we like black beans)
1 - 15 oz can of Corn - Drained

I dice the chicken then cook in a pan on the stove, with olive oil. I also season with some Tony's, because I use it on everything
Once the chicken is nearly cooked, toss in diced onion, rotel, beans, and corn
Stir and let simmer for 15-20 minutes
I sprinkle cheese on after and enjoy!

**score one for the dinner rotation!**

Killer Guac'

A couple weeks ago we had some people over to help celebrate us finally getting settled into our new home. A co-worker found a guacamole recipe that sounded amazing so I decided to give it a try. I modified it a little bit and it was a hit. So I thought I would share it with you:

Ingredients

• 5 strip(s) medium-thick bacon (full-flavored smoky bacon is great here)
• 3 medium-large, ripe avocados (about 1 1/4 pounds)
• 1/2 medium-large white onion, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 can of Rotel, drained
  
• Salt
• 1 tablespoon(s) fresh lime juice, up to 2 tablespoons

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Directions

1. In a large, 10-inch skillet, cook bacon in a single layer over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp and browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
2. Cut around each avocado, from stem to blossom end and back again, then twist 2 halves apart. Scoop out pit and discard. Scoop flesh from skin into a large bowl. Using an old-fashioned potato masher or a large fork or spoon, mash avocados into a coarse puree.
3. Scoop onion into a small strainer and rinse under cold water. Shake off excess water and transfer to bowl, along with the Rotel and bacon. (If guacamole isn't being served right away, don't add bacon until just before serving, because it loses crispness as it sits in guacamole.) Gently stir to combine all ingredients. Taste and season with salt (usually about 1/2 teaspoon) and enough lime juice to add a little sparkle.
4. Cover with plastic wrap directly on surface of guacamole and refrigerate until ready to serve. Scoop guacamole into a serving dish and you're ready to serve.
   

I have never really had people ask me for a recipe, I am guessing it is because I do not really cook, so I am kind of proud of this dip everyone seemed to love. I also served a homemade potato salad that was a hit as well - and numerous people have asked for that recipe. I actually enjoyed cooking and cleaning - which was a first. I guess I am slowly becoming a domesticated queen..that will always enjoy her drinks!

Speaking of drinks I will leave you with this yummy summer beverage that a friend gave me:

• 750 ml Bottle of Vodka
• 2 Liter of Sparkling Water
• 2 10 oz Bags of Frozen Strawberries - I used 2 16 oz bags
• 1 Can of Frozen Lemonade - I used 1.5 cans
• Mix and Enjoy!