Category: Food

Pictures of Food

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Memories of Rice

After two attempts, I think I finally understand what goes into “Spanish/Mexican Rice.”

The flavors of tomato sauce, spices and chopped onions held up quite nicely with white rice.
Cardenas Spanish Rice
Inside the newsroom on Cinco de Mayo, my co-worker shared his wife’s rice as part of a Mexican breakfast potluck.

I loved it and I begged him for the Cardenas family recipe. A few days later, he got it from his mother-in-law and shared it with me.

Spicy dinner; chorizo beans and Spanish rice
After simmering for 20 minutes, I served the Cardenas rice with spicy chorizo and kidney beans. I think my hubby enjoyed the spicy, savory dinner.
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Summer Cocktails

It might as well be Summer.

This weekend, I welcomed the first days of 100-degree whether with Jim Bean poured over ice.

First mint julep of 2010 with fresh mint from my garden #fb
I love making mint juleps with fresh mint leaves from my garden. In fact, I’m quite delighted with how my mint and spearmint plants are still thriving after I planted them last year.

I’ve crafted my mint juleps based on how they were made by my DC buddy, Stephanie. Almost a decade ago, she helped me serve mint juleps at our house warming party in the Richmond Hills. Some people thought her icy drinks tasted strong.

  • Jim Bean
  • Mint leaves (use a decent handful if you’re using fresh ones)
  • Sugar
  • Ice Cubes
  • Soda Water

I place the mint leaves at the bottom of the glass. After adding sugar, ice cubes and soda water, I muddled it up with a spoon. I pour Jim Bean on top. After taking a sample sip, I adjust for sweetness and Jim Bean-goodness.

I enjoy my mint julep out on the patio and I like my Southern-inspired cocktail to be sweet with a heavy pour of the whiskey.

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Hopeful on Hops

A few weekends ago – we had a preview of Summertime in the Bay Area. As we waited for the meat on the grill, I sipped on vodka cocktails under sunny skies in Oakland – meeting new friends at a birthday BBQ at Scott’s house.

We got the pickled string beans for our New Year’s Day Bloody Mary’s from Scott’s garden. On this weekend, he introduced us to his new garden project – growing hops.

Beer from scratch

He ordered the seedlings online. He prepped the area near what looked like a flag pole, giving them plenty of space for the vines to climb when they start rocking.
Growing Hops

I’m looking forward to the hoppy harvest. I can’t wait to see/smell/taste the beer from this urban garden.
Hoppy Goodness!

We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying yummy tacos, BBQ chicken and good conversation.
Tacos