Wednesday, April 20, 2011

COOKING UP A STORM

I wrote last time about the Mexican market I visited and how Emily and I planned to make a family feast with all the great food I found, and Sunday, that's how we spent our day. Had I known years ago that my first born daughter and I would be cooking along side each other in the kitchen, loving every minute of it...well, I'd have been ecstatic. We really had a good time and Emily has really become quite the chef. She. Is. Good.

I was in charge of the flank stank which I pounded out to tenderize and then marinated in lime juice, olive oil, cumin and garlic. I then layered chorizo sausage, poblano pepers, cilantro and chihuahua cheese over the meat and then rolled it up jelly roll fashion. Tied with kitchen twine, I baked it for an hour and when it was cool, sliced it into little pinwheels. There is a definite lack of pictures here because our hands were always busy and full of messy gook.

Emily cooked the beef riblets in a sauce that she found on the Food Network, a sweet and spicy concoction that had me whimpering when I tasted it. I am going to have to do my own searching online for the recipe as she's not sharing. Little devil. I think the sauce would go well with pork and chicken. After cooking it in the crockpot, she removed the bones and although the meat wouldn't shred, she was able to pull it apart into small chunks and we had it on soft corn tortillas with the sauce, sour cream and cheese.

In addition to this, I steamed tamales and Em made quesadillas. For appetizers, we had nachos, chips and guacamole. Somewhere in the middle of all this, Emily made Irish Soda Bread, in keeping with our own heritage.
In setting the table, I had some bright dishes, but all of my napkins were pretty bland. I think a shopping trip is in store. Emily found some fabric she had from school and fashioned some napkins in red, white and black. Aren't they cute?
The whole gang was here and despite the pretty table, we all ate standing up, walking around and trying all the dishes, laughing and just having a great time. It was truly a fiesta!
Don't you just love the cover of this book? The recipes are pretty wonderful, too. I won it in a giveaway by Sharon Lovejoy who has a great blog called Sharon Lovejoy Writes From Sunflower House And A Little Green Island
Sharon also sent me these cute little note cards she illustrated and some lettuce seeds. If you go to her blog you will see what a wonderful artist and writer she is and stick around for a tour of her magical garden. This is good reading. Thank you so much, Sharon!
I'm off to the grocery store with my list for Easter. I love shopping for holidays, knowing that I'll spend the day in the kitchen and then we will all gather around the table to celebrate and enjoy each other's company. These are the best of times and I am so grateful.

In spite of the rain and wind and gloom, I've had a good week. I do hope it warms up though. I like the sun out on Easter...in fact, I can't remember one that wasn't sunny as far back as I can think. I'll be coloring my eggs on Saturday. No wee ones to help me, but I love it just the same. My best eggs were made one year when I left the eggs in the dye and went to take a shower. When I came out, they were so brilliant, it hurt your eyes! My sister thought they were fake!

Enjoy the rest of your week and I will be back again before Sunday! :-)

74 comments:

vintch said...

gracious! i just finished lunch, but could totally eat any of those delicious culinary wonders you described! the flank steak sounded especially lovely, and what a fun cookbook to win! looks so whimsical:) you're such an inspiration!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I do love the cover of that book!!... and I love Mexican even more. Sadly, I'm the only one in the house that appreciates it.

April said...

Hi Jane! That is definitely some kind of spread you had there! I'm a huge lover of Mexican food, so it's probably a good thing I wasn't in attendance! Abby and I enjoy cooking and baking together, too! Congrats on your giveaway win! :):)

Designs on 47th Street said...

Such a fabulous time you had cooking with your Emily! I love spending time and cooking with my Emily too. Isn't it fun to have grown children too? We still remember their young years and that fun too.

Pretty cookbook! Congrats on the win!

Donna

Rettabug said...

Hi Jane!

I just got home from grocery shopping in the cold wind & rain! We always seem to have the same weather. LOL

Your festive table is just that...I sure hope you will share that yummy sauce recipe once you find it. Bribe your DD!! ;-)

I have to ask what is chihuahua cheese??? Never heard of it.

Its funny that you want a nice day for Easter. My Mother used to tell me, that as a poor child in a family of 7 kids, she used to pray for it to be cold & snowy so she would have to wear her winter coat & thus, no one would see that she didn't have any pretty new Easter clothes to wear to church on Easter morning.
I always pray for ugly weather just for that reason. I usually get my wish, too. :/

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

"Happy Easter to you and yours"!!! I LOVED reading this post! And although you didn't have pictures of your meal in progress "I could picture EVERY STEP"! and I know I can smell it too, SO YUMMY!!! Congratulations on your win. I Love Sharon and her blog. She is so Sweet!
Have a wonderful week,
Hugs to you,
Donna

Theresa said...

The menu sounds YUMMY and the table is festive! Cooking with your daughter... perfect!

Sweet book cover and lucky you to win it:) Have a blessed afternoon! BIG HUGS!

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

This sounds great Blondie, now ya'll need to send out invitations next time you do this lol. I know it had to be fun to be in the kitchen with your daughter.

LuLu Kellogg said...

What a feast you had! I love love love Mexican food. It's one of my faves.

Hope you have a fantastic rest of the week!

Love,
LuLu*xoxo

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your mexican feast sounds soooo yummy!!
Hugs,
Penny

Vicki said...

I love Mexican. Your dishes sound wonderful. What a fun win from Sharon too. Have a blessed Easter if I don't talk with you again before then!

Shellbelle said...

You know the food is delicious and the company good when hours later you say, "Darn, I forgot to take photos for my blog."

I also love Mexican and the hotter, the better!

My daughter and I seldom cook together, but we did spend Sunday out at the beach, somewhere I can seldom get her to go. She definitely didn't take after me or her brother, lol.

For me though, there is nothing better than family meals and the more, the better on both counts! Sounds like you feel the same way.

Hugs

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! I'm sure you had a fun cooking time! Your table looks wonderful and I've just finished a cheese sandwich. Don't sound too good after hearing about all your food! shoot! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Anonymous said...

Sounds yummilicious Jane.

I just returned home from purchasing Easter dinner. Our crew will be here Saturday for egg coloring, egg hunting and ham.:-)

Happy Easter!

xinex said...

I love hearing about great family fun, Janie. I miss that since all the kids live in Florida but they are all coming in June, all of them at the same time, which will be the first time they'll be altogether here. I can hardly wait! Your description of your food is making my mouth water. Your table is beautiful....Christine

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, your fiesta sounds sooo yummy!... mmmmm... and how fun you and your daughter cooking together!... the table looks so pretty too, love those napkins she made. Nothing better than fun times with family... also love your cookbook and giveaway wins from Sharon Lovejoy... I remember her from way back when I first read Country Living in the late '70's... she wrote always about her herb farm and home called "Heartsease"... I loved her writing then and I still do... our weather is still cold and gloomy here too... but I also will color Easter eggs on Saturday... I promised Tessy a pink one with her name on it!... have a beautiful Holy Week... xoxo Julie Marie

Unknown said...

Wow, it sounds like everything turned out great! It was quite the feast, the best part though, was everyone was there. Great memories for all of you.

Joyful Things said...

Coronas and lime - yum

Jane said...

Sounds like wonderful food but more importantly, a great day with your daughter. I'm sure the two of you had a blast....and make her share the sauce recipe :)
Jane

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Hi Blondie girl!!!!
Your fiesta looked grand...especially the Corona with lime!
Cooking is fun when everyone gets together and has a good time.
Happy Easter and I do love the cover of the book!
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Lynn said...

Your Fiesta sounds Muy Bueno Jane! Lovin' the fun napkins for your table! We had a day of warmer weather today, back into the 50-60's for the next couple days. Have fun Easter shopping! I still like to dye eggs too, it's just fun-enjoy:@)

Suzann said...

Your dinner sounds yummy!! I love cooking with my daughter.
Happy Easter to YOU!!

Olive said...

Jane, now I want Mexican and I will not get it tonight but that okay. It sounds like you and Emily had a wonderful time cooking together. You had an early Cinco De Mayo celebration it sounds like! ♥O

petals and vintage said...

Sounds like such a yummy menu! Very special cooking with your daughter and she sounds like such a creative and clever girl.

Wonder where she gets that from?
Pam x

Kerry said...

I'm reading this as I head off to work Jane...and all I can say is just as well it's not dinner time. I was salivating! My daughter can barely boil an egg so it must be lovely to cook with your girl :) And can I just say I am completely in love with that swan of yours...beautiful. Have a lovely break x

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Where was my invite. This sound like my kind of party!!!!! I love Mexican food. YOur flank steak sound fabulous!!!!!!
Have a blessed Easter.
Yvonne

KarenB said...

That's sounds so good! We're actually heading out tonight for Mexican food. I have a great recipe for the crockpot that I cook a roast in with lots of spices. It's great for tacos. I didn't know Sharon Lovejoy had a blog. I bought her Sunflower Houses book years ago when my girls were little. I'm going to have to check it out! Thanks!
Karen

La Dolfina said...

Oh what fun and what a fun group!
You are right... these are the good times to be cherished.
I would love to be a guest in your love filled home :)
Thanks for sharing the food, the love and the good times, but now my stomach is growling!!!
xo

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Such a wonderful fiesta Jane! I really wish I had the talent to cook well, as you and your daughter do. It's super you can share this time together and then bring your bounty to a table of family!
Happy Easter!
- Susan

My Grama's Soul said...

Hi dear Jane.....glad you fiesta turned out so great. MEXICAN FOOD ROCKS!! (O:(O:

xo

Jo

Anonymous said...

Congrats on winning the cookbook! Looks like you'll have more great recipes to share. Love what you did with the flank steak. Sounds delish! Here here on the Irish soda bread, too... from one Irish girl to another :) Oh to have a daughter to cook with, SIGH :) I bet you have a lot of laughs. It all looks great! We are lacking in the sun department, too. Dreary, cold and drizzly here today. Come on Spring!
Always enjoy stopping here! have a great night!
XO,
~Michelle

Elaine said...

How nice for you to be able to share cooking time with your daughter. I just got a slow cooker so I am hoping to make some nice dinners for family and friends.

I am getting ready for Easter too!
Can't decide if I am going to serve brunch fare or go with a ham.
Will have to decide soon.

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter!

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, I just ate supper which just happen to be Mexican. Your meal sounded so yummy and it is a lot of fun doing things with the family. My oldest son likes to cook
which I get to enjoy eating. I want it to warm up. We are going to spend Easter with our family. Grandma gets to enjoy her three boys. They are so much fun. I am having so much fun watching the middle one play soccer. Have a wonderful Easter. Your Missouri Friend.

NanaDiana said...

Jane- Just a few quick blog check ins after work today. I read every word and I can see you smiling talking about cooking with your daughter! That is what life is all aboutk, isn't it? Those stolen moments of young family life to capture and save. YOur food sounds wonderful, decadent, delicious..did I cover it all? Have a great week, Jane! xxoo Diana

Kathleen said...

That is so nice to cook with your dd, what fun!
Love the soda bread with the Mexican food. Very eclectic!
We dye eggs too. The gkids do theirs with their parents, but we have to do ours.
I like to use food coloring, the color is so much better than the egg dye.
Have a very blessed Easter, Jane, and I hope the sun shines too!

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Jane
Love your win. .that cookbook cover and title is fab!!! and sounds like you had a wonderful time cooking up a storm with Emily!! I used to cook a lot with my mum and they are special moments to treasure..

Hope the weather improves for you.. perhaps a bit of sunshine for easter!! ciao xxx Julie

Melissa: Write it in Lipstick said...

I cant remember one that wasnt Sunny either. I think that is what Easter is all about Sunshine and happiness :)

Charlene said...

Sounds divine!!!! I know both of you enjoyed making the memories as much as the food. LUCKY YOU!!! And LUCKY Emily. Have a wonderful week! Charlene

Nancy's Notes said...

Oh my, everything sounds scrumptious! Next time you and Emily are together, maybe we should all be there too! You two sound like a great team and I bet you could put on a great party for us! Love your table decor too! Lucky you to win that book!

Nancy

Lynne said...

Jane! Such a feast! I love the soda bread touch...my maiden name was Sullivan! I think the whole country has missed out on Spring. They are predicting good weather for the weekend here in the Northwest...I hope your skies are sunny as well! Have a blessed Holiday with your sweet family!
Lynne
{with love}

Daydream Living said...

Hi Jane,
Love mexican food, enjoyed it a lot when we lived in Houston.
Have a lovely easter, we are going tomorrow to France, so I will catch you next week.
Maureen x

Sonny G said...

oh Jane, yummmmmmm on the mexican meal..
I wish you an your family a joyful Easter...

xoxoxoxoxo
Sonny

Anonymous said...

what beautiful photos and my my how hungry it makes one reading your posts,, thankyou for sharing

Knitty said...

Well that sounded delicious! If you find her secret recipe, I hope you will share. I promise not to tell on you. ;-)

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Glad you had a great at-home Festival Meal!!!

Enjoy your holiday meal shopping. I can not say I enjoy it, but..... Viva individuality! :-)

Gentle hugs...

High Street Cottage said...

Jane, your Fiesta sounds yummy! Not to mention your pretty table setting.
For some reason now...I'm thirsty;)

Anonymous said...

Happy Easter to you as well,, this is an exciting adventure for sure.Thank you for your lovely comments,, i would be lost without my girls,,i love your photos and can't wait to see whats next,,

Rebecca said...

Oh, what a wonderful day! Aren't daughters such a blessing.
It all sounds yummy. and the table was such fun.
Wishing you a blessed Easter
Rebecca

June said...

Gosh Jane, it sounds like a wonderful time! Good food, beautiful family, and laughing...perfect!
Sharons's giveaway was such an awesome win! Congratulations!!!!
sending hugs...

bj said...

ummm, Blondie...your menu sounds WONDERFUL. We all love Mexican food!!

So glad you had fun with your daughter. Aren't they such blessings.

I'm going to the store for Easter on Friday...everyone coming on Sun. evening. I am doing colored eggs, too.:)))

Musings From A French Cottage said...

That sounds like the best fiesta ever! What fun you two must have had. I love when family gathers like that - good times!

Your cookbook is wonderful. I love the cover too.

Have a Happy Easter and thank you so much for visiting my blog. I really appreciate your comments!

xo and God Bless,
Kathleen

Sue said...

This sounds like such a fun meal. I really wanted pictures!! I love Mexican food...yummy!

The Charm of Home said...

Your table is very cute. Have a lovely Easter!
Sherry

Gypsy Heart said...

Now you're speaking my language! I LOVE mexican food and everything you two made sounds delish. I'd love the recipes if you're willing to share.

Glad you won such a great book and little treats! I'll have to go by and check out her blog.

Hope you and yours have a Happy & Blessed Easter!

xoxo
Pat

Sharing with Sherri said...

Jane I definitely got a bit misty as you described the all the fun, laughter, and good food, you shared with your family... It brought back many of my own family memories.
I know you will miss your dad this year, I'm so sorry for that. Just hold on a bit tighter to those who'll still be with you...

P.S. LOVE that gorgeous silver candleholder with the fleur-de-lis design, and congrats on your giveaway treasures!

Have a Happy Easter hunny bunny!
XO, Sherri:)

Ashley said...

Sounds like you had a delicious meal! Mexican food has to be one of my favorites too. Happy Easter to you and your family!

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

The book you won looks like great fun! Your meal sounded wonderful too!

Melanie said...

Wow, what a fiesta! That flank steak sounds SO good. I think I'm going to have to try that. :-)

Donna said...

What a fun Mexican dinner you put on...cute table too!! The book and illustrated note cards are terrific! Going to her site now!

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

It sounds as if it was a wonderful day...from cooking with your daughter to sharing all that delicious food with your family! I hope you have a wonderful Easter! :)

Ann-Marie ~ Brambly said...

My mouth is watering! It all sounds so delicious. Such wonderful things to win.

Ann-Marie

FLOWERSHOPGURL said...

Hi Jane, Everything sounds so yummy... good food, family and friends, it doesn't get better than that! I hope your Easter is "sunny"!
Hugz,
Kim

Curtains in My Tree said...

I am hungry and now i am really hungry

I love mexican food but can't eat the real hot stuff

Looks like it's going to be a rainy Easter day here

I know little kids in the family excited for an Easter egg hunt may be indoors

Privet and Holly said...

Congrats on winning
Sharon's giveaway!
I am a member of her
gardening club and
wish this darn weather
would improve so I
can get my containers
started! Your menu
has my mouth watering,
especially since I had
fantastic Mexican food
in San Antonio : ) Sending
you WARM Easter wishes!
xx Suzanne

Unknown said...

Whoa! I am in on the mexican dinner!!! That sounds fabulous. Yes, the cover is fab on the book ... creative presentation to catch the egg, for sure.

May you have an eggs-tra special Easter.
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

Babs said...

What fun it would be to cook with you and try new recipes. All those sound delicious.
Congratulations on winning the giveaway.
I'm glad you're dying eggs. I haven't done that in years with no little ones here. I am, however, making deviled eggs for Easter. Does that count? LOL
Have a lovely Easter.
Babs

Mary said...

Happy Easter and blessings to you and your wonderful family Jane.

Hugs - Mary

Cass @ That Old House said...

Oh YUM ... and what fun to cook WITh a daughter. My daughters prefer me out of the kitchen if they cook -- they don't like my interference. I'm afraid I'm a bit of a boss....

That cookbook is charming, and I love Sharon's illustrations -- what life and verve they have.

I wish you a blessed weekend, and maybe just a little bit of SUN on Sunday? You get to cook with your daughter, I'll color eggs with mine. She's an artist, and makes beautiful eggs ... mine look like nursery school projects next to hers.

Love, Cass

Joanne Kennedy said...

Those dishes sound so yummy! I can see why you would have been distracted and forget to take pictures. That's when you know you are having such a good time, you forget to take the pictures even :)

Your tablescape was darling.

You know, I miss coloring eggs too but since I don't have any little ones I figured my colored egg days were over. It never even dawned on me to color them for myself.

Guess what I'm going to do tomorrow? Yes! Color eggs. I'll be thinking of you when I do :)

Joanne

Brawley Wentworth Construction said...

Hi Jane! Your flank steak sounds delish!! My hubby loves Mexican food and I am sure he would love this one. It sounds like you all had such a fun time. Happy Easter to you and your family!

Lots of love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Sylvia said...

I love reading this post ! You won a wonderful giveaway ! I wish you success with this year eggs coloring. Thank you for visiting my blog and writing a kind comment !
I wish you and yours a very Happy Easter !

Anonymous said...

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Annesphamily said...

Yum! Our favorite food is Mexican! In fact my Sweets worked with women who swore he must have been married to a Mexican woman! He is the better cook! Ha Ha!
Love that cookbook win! Lucky lady! Anne

Stacey said...

you must be so proud of Emily:-)maybe i can come over one evening as i'm a big fan of Mexican food. XX