Mash Up Monday - Pulled Pork Parfait

What's a mash up if you can't make dinner look like dessert?  Too bad you cant eat dessert for dinner.

I have posted a similar idea, the Meatloaf Cupcake but this, in comparison, is wayyy better.

After the Pork Parfait was created, and consumed I was thinking ... sorta reminds me of the KFC Bowl Meal concept (not that I have eaten one), but mine is prettier, tastier and likely healthier (to some degree).

If this was a "meal in a bowl throw down" I think mine would win hands down, in fact, I challenge KFC or Bobby Flay. 
Ok, maybe not Bobby Flay.  Unless you're reading this Mr. Flay, then bring it!

I suppose you could make this just because however this meal came from the leftover Root Beer Pulled Pork I made over the weekend.  Yes, I will post that recipe also before the week is over.

Normally I am strange duck, I favor my food in separate living areas.  If it was socially acceptable to have those TV dinner or children's plates that separate foods I would use them. 


HA, if these went with my decor I might consider it!

For some reason I was ok with this, maybe because it looked so pretty and made me want to eat dessert?
Naaa, its because it tasted dam good.

Eat your heart out KFC

Here's what you'll need:
pulled pork
cooked peaches and cream corn (off the cob is preferred)
garlic mashed potatoes
baked beans (Bush's is our bean of choice)
chives for garnish
parfait glasses

Assemble with your pork on the bottom, followed by potatoes, beans and corn, potatoes and pulled pork on top.
Enjoy!

I'm Listening to: Iris, Goo Goo Dolls

Apple Maple Bacon Pancakes

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Yup
Right
Got it

How come I don't seem to post many breakkie recipes here?
Probably because the times that I make hot ones are on weekends and they seem to be the generic eggs and bacon, french toast kinds which I assume most make too.  I suppose those are as equally important as the other posts so I am going to try to create more fun weekend mornings and start posting.
Just because I say we're having french toast doesn't necessarily mean I don't stuff it with something or create a syrup to go with it, hence this post.

For some reason I was thinking bacon in our pancakes would make sense.  Probably because you see bacon in everything lately.  Donuts and ice cream - have you seen that?! Drool!

Sometimes I like to have that little bit of porky fat on my plate (who doesn't really) but then I feel a little oinkish when I have a haystack of pancakes AND a side of bacon or vice verse, so deciding to limit the amounts by chopping it up and pretending its like a few chocolate chips made me feel more heroic for my heart. 

If you gave me a plate of bacon I would eat it, I'd feel bad afterwards but only for a few moments and if you asked me if I wanted seconds I'd say yes.
If you gave me pancakes that had bacon in it I wouldn't feel bad at all, and ask for seconds!
Everything in moderation right?

These flatcakes worked, a little sweet, a bit salty and a crunch that you don't normally have with pancakes.
We enjoyed them and will likely have them again
Maybe with a side of bacon ;)

Bread Fried in Butta, or Commonly Known as the Crouton

So you have day old French//Italian/foccacia or bagette?
(HA, unlikely in our house - carb fanatic that I am)
What do you do with it?

When I DO have leftovers I make one of two things:
1.  Breadcrumbs (rosemary foccacia is GREAT for that)
2.  Croutons!!!!

Why spend the extra money when you have the necessary ingredients at your disposal?
I know, who thinks of that?

I don't know what it is but freshly made croutons make any salad delightful.  They are moist yet crispy, a teensy bit hard with a buttery tone.  I suppose I am a fan because it encompasses two of my favorite things.
Honestly, when I make them I am forever popping a few in my mouth as they are toasting.
What?  You have to taste test folks.

Here's how you do it (not rocket science)

1. Cut up your leftover bread into chunks (1x1in or slighly bigger)
2. In a frying pan (I like my cast iron for this) add a few tbsp. of salted butter and melt - on med/high heat
3. Throw in the cubes
4. Toss to coat with the butter
5. Keep an eye out so they dont burn but toss every once in a while
6. Done!  Oh, make sure to taste them as you go because how else are you to know when they are crispy enough?

What do you do with your leftover bread?

Pad Thai, My Way

Strangely enough I am not a fan of cooked veggies.  Never have been.

I shy away from stir frys at restaurants in fear of mushy textures and I cringe when someone asks us for dinner and they suggest we would be eating hot, paste like produce.

I prefer my greens, yellows, oranges and reds cold and crispy, clean, and fresh tasting.  There are of course the ones that HAVE to be cooked but I usually don't eat those.

So why then am I blogging about Pad Thai and going on about cooked vegetables? 
Minimal cooked veggies, lots of noodles and I control the textures! 

Such a control freak.

It's also a great dish to make for 1 or for 12 with a variety of spice levels. Me likey the spicy!

So here's my version of the traditional Thai street food.

I'm Listening to: Take On Me - A-HA

Mash Up Monday - Kale Chips

I feel I need to tell you a dubious story about me and chips.

Preface -
I am a sweet eater and Mr. BM is a salty one.  We buy a bag of chips, I might have a handful and the rest is inhaled within a 30 minute sitcom, you buy me a chocolate bar and its gone in 30 seconds.
On occasion I will indulge in some crunch and salt so there's usually 1 bag in the house dedicated for when those urges arise. (That are almost always eaten and replaced again without me even missing them)

So I go looking for the chips one night and can't find them, I am a tad upset.

I mean its not often I want them.

I get that they sit in the cupboard and taunt Mr. BM, but really?  You had your own bag!

How is it that you didn't know I was going to want them right now? Control yourself!

(don't worry, I didn't yell or anything)

Apparently I was visibly hurt by "someone" eating them on me that Mr. BM offered to buy me 7 bags of chips the next time he went out. GUILT

I don;t need 7 bags, I just wanted that one, at that very moment, is that so wrong?

Now I give you this lead up because a few days later I received my 7 bags of chips!

I laughed.  Hard. 

I barely make it through 1 bag and now I have a stockpile (I felt like a hoarder).  I also received 9 tubs of dip because I mistakenly made a comment that I couldn't eat them without dip....

Well, that's where the happiness ends because again, I go to look for the bounty and find it empty.

YOU ATE ALL THE BAGS OF CHIPS?!

C'MON!

Solution?

KALE CHIPS

The boys weren't huge fans, but maybe because when I seasoned them I used mesquite flavoring on some, seasoning salt on others and finally some curry and they are used to generic potatoes and salt?

Whatever the reason is, I don't care, I don't have to share.

I'm Listening to: People Are People - Depeche Mode

Homemade Caesar Dressing

Can I just say that before I knew what I was missing by making my own Caesar dressing I was an avid purchaser of the processed kind.  You know, the kind that plops out through that little hole.
Not anymore!

It is so simple, virtually flawless.  A blender, a handful of ingredients that you likely have already and viola.
Creamy happiness.

You may remember that I have this crazy issue with using raw eggs so this recipe is made with mayo instead of yolks. 
I have a feeling that I may try it with pasteurized eggs soon however because I would like a lighter feeling dressing.  I`ll let ya know how that goes.

For now its a simple side dish but in the future I will use this in my mashed potatoes (because I like it), potato salad or even as a condiment or dipping sauce for pizza or veggies.
I'm Listening To: Redemption Song - Bob Marley

General Tso Chicken Sauce - My Nemisis, My Love

As the title suggests, General Tso chicken is one of my all time favorite dishes and I could go on for days about why every one should eat this and love it too but also a feat I have yet to conquer.

There is a bit of controversy however surrounding the colour of the sauce and which one is better.
My humble opinion - RED!
Red sauce all the way.
You may also run across a brown sauce - not nearly as good, scratch that, I personally wont even eat it if its the brown sauce.

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have called restaurants to inquire about this dish. (easily 30)

"Hi, how are you?  Good, I see you have General Tso's chicken.  I'm excited.  Could you please tell me what colour your sauce is?"
Silence....here's where I have fingers AND toes crossed for the right answer...
"Brown? Oh (sadly), thanks anyway" Then I hang up nearly in tears!
Its especially strange when I walk into a restaurant asking the same question and turning to leave when I am let down.  Poor restaurant workers, they must think I'm crazy.  My poor family who wants to eat and now I have turned away likely another good place to eat because of my obsession.

The red sauce is like a safely guarded little secret.  Trust me, of only the 3 restaurants I have found (which by the way are at least 45 minutes from my house) I have asked repeatedly for some insight.  They won't give it to me!  I don\t want to start my own General Tso shop, I just don't want to have to drive 2 hours for dinner - but I will, and I have, and until I find out I will do it again and again.  Please just give me the recipe!!

I have scoured they internet too, none of them compare, I've tried, trust me.
But my quest may be nearly executed. Almost.

I found a recipe that isn't quite red, but yet mimics practically the same taste that I have grown so fondly of.
Hats off to Ricardo Larrivée of Ricardo & Friends on the FoodNetwork Canada.
You have given me hope of cracking the case.  And I will keep forging on until I can make it perfect, one day, one sweet day.

PS my boys couldn't get enough of this version and I passed it along to my mother the next day for her meal and she called me to tell me that her only regret....was that she didn't make more!

I'm Listening to: Pinch Me, Barenaked Ladies

FIRE!!!

Get your attention?
Sure got mine tonight when I had a mini heart attack after my store bought lasagna burst into flames in the oven!!  I am not over reacting nor am I exaggerating.  Literally flames shooting out everywhere!

Deciding to be frugal today and purchase an "on sale" pre made lasagna was a decision that will haunt me forever. 
I'm so ashamed. 

I can honestly say that in the last 10 years I have maybe purchased 2 frozen lasagnas.
I always, always make them from scratch.
I don't know what I was thinking.
Wait, yes I do.  Time constraints and pocket books.

Here's how it went down:

Get to the grocery store, walk around aimlessly trying to decide what to make (I haven't seen my sister in law and nephew since the previous weekend and I haven't cooked my MIL a home cooked meal in 2 weeks - long story, so I offered to make dinner for them this evening).
Little Ugh wants lasagna.
Um, its 4 o'clock, mine usually take about an hour to make sauce and prepare, let alone bake....oh wait, this one is on sale for $4.99, SOLD.
Get home, take it out of the box. Proceed to curse because I got a paper cut (should have known this dinner was doomed right then and there)
Read the instructions, because remember, I have only done this twice before.
Set the oven temp to 375F.
Double check box that likes to maim, it tells me to lift each corner of the plastic coating and place on a baking sheet.
I even put tin foil underneath.
Throw it into the oven, shut the door and start making my croutons.

A few minutes later start smelling a distinct fiery smell.  Shaking my head in confusion I go back to crouton toasting.
Double check again as the smell is stronger - notice that I can virtually see bright light in the oven and think to myself...I didn't turn on the interior light.
HOLY S(*&*&%^T
FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now my mind is racing like a greyhound after a rabbit.
Water, too far away as the flames are literally billowing off the thing.

Picture this...me...blowing, patting, blowing, reaching for anything to get this to stop.
It felt like it was never going to end and my MIL's house was going to burn down.
I finally get the flames to where its manageable with oven mitt and tea towels and bring the tray to the sink - damp cloths, water....
OUT

only in the oven maybe 5 minutes before the flames began!

look at all the soot :(

For pete's sake...what the heck are we going to have for dinner NOW?!

maybe I should start product reviews?  Sobey's "Compliment" brand meat lasagna = fire starter
I'm Listening to: Firestarter, Prodigy

MashUp Monday - Smore Brownies Please

This Monday's Mashup was created for the Relay for Life Bake Sale that Little Ugh held last Friday at his school.
Hey, just because we had it on Friday doesn't mean I didn't dream it up especially for M-UM! Hey, now there's an acronym if I ever saw one ;)

We wanted something different to sell since we knew the teachers would be bringing the traditional cookies, rice krispies and cupcakes and since the premise of the mashup is to take different foods and meld them together this recipe was a perfect fit all around.

Ooey, soft and gooey marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolaty fudgey goodness!  Who doesn't love a good smore?

Only thing missing is the open flame with the sparks of the fire dancing in the nights sky.

Actually, I was traumitizingly surprised at how many children didn't know what a smore was.  Really, c'mon REALLY?
I don't get it, have you ever roasted a marshmallow?  75% said no to that too.  WHAT!?

Its sad that I live in such a metropolis where people apparently don't participate in outdoor activities outside the realms of the skyscrapers and concrete parks with their children unless they own a cottage or trailer.
Now, don;t get me wrong, I am not a huge fan of camping myself but I've done it and I do do it (even if you see me kicking and screaming along the way). 
I do it because it gets my kid outside, enjoying the fresh air in a different environment away from electronics.
A place where he can run around collecting bugs, hike, swim, explore.
I just sit and make smores :)

I'm Listening to: Lynyrd Skynyrd vs. Nelly

Gievaway Winner Announced!

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Now, I don't have one of those fancy dancy automated winner picker thingy mabobs so I did the next best thing....

I had Little Ugh go through the posts, check every blog site and pick his favorite.
And the winner is.....

Carina over at http://kitchengroovy.blogspot.com. 

Her site is so cute, a home cook with 3 kids, great tastes and super recipes!

We like how she incorporates her kids in the kitchen and this is one of the reasons she was chosen, Little Ugh wants to see some of the recipes from the book created by the kiddos so Carina, he is challenging you :)

We look forward to seeing some cupcake posts soon!

*Carina has been contacted through twitter and thru FB and has been alloted 5 days to respond.  We hate to waste a good giveaway so here's hoping we hear back soon!*

Sweet n Salty Pretzel Bars

First and foremost I give mad props to the man behind the recipe Outrageous Pretzel Bars - Justin Chapple, Food Tester for Food and Wine Magazine. (@justinchapple - twitter user, funny man, follow him!)

Last week he tweeted this recipe and I just knew it was going to become our newest venture and had the perfect reason for making them (other than it sounded simply delicious), bake sale.
It was ideal.

No nuts - since the allergy conditions at all schools
Chocolaty
Fudgy
Salty
Super easy for Little Ugh to make
PERFECT

This was not my pursuit - not this time, I was simply the photographer.
We did revise slightly to put our own twist on things and I have to admit, I was a little hesitant at the long bake time since cookies normally don't take 45 minutes but they turned out amazing. 
Soft and chewy with the crunch of the salty pretzels on top.
Totally drool worthy and a must make again!

We're Listening to: Kick Start My Heart - Motley Crue

Bake Sale Day!!!

WHAT a wonderful morning, in every way.
It was destined to rain, it didn't, nope - sunny and warm.  We were up early packing, preparing and selling and it couldn't have gone better! 
If you haven't read my post about the Relay for Life from a few days ago, that's ok but this might not mean as much to you if you haven't.


The teachers came through with a myriad of items for us to sell (god sent really), the principal was so accommodating and the students who came to purchase goods were ready for a sugar rush.
Boy did they score.
Cupcakes, cookies, macaroons, rice krispie squares, chocolate brownies, smore brownies, pretzel bars, ring pops, candy, marshmallow pops, cake pops...sugar mountain!
Poor, poor teachers - I really didn't envy being in their shoes come 10am.  I found it quite amusing that they extended recess and even had "outdoor activities" later in the afternoon.  If it was me, I think I would have gone insane.

Brennan and I had such a great time creating the signs, baking up a storm, and selling to his peers.
I took a few pictures throughout the course of the day and my favorite had to be the kindergartens.
They were just in awe of all of the items to choose from and I think they were the biggest spenders too, bless their hearts.

We even had a few students check things out, realize they didn't really want anything and hand over a pocketful of change to support cancer research anyway.  I was so touched.

Brennan selected 2 helpers, one I am pretty sure he has the BIGGEST crush on (don't tell him I said that) and another really good friend of his.  He made sure to select kids who didn't just want to be "out of class for the day" (which I didn't even need to instill) and who really believed in what he was doing.

With only 280 students in the school we hoped to raise about $150.00 to go towards his walk.
We surpassed that and raised a whopping $276.55!!!
AND, they want us to come back with the minimal leftovers on Monday to sell the rest (which means I will be baking more this weekend).

Honestly, this was one of the best days of my life.  Just to watch your child do something that he feels so strongly about and not care what others think of him (because of course he was pretty proud of making his own baked goods and wasn't afraid to announce that he bakes) made my heart happy.
I always knew he had a heart of gold, but it was so nice to see him in his element.

On behalf of my little man, thank you to the school, Lincoln Avenue Public School, the most wonderful principal, Ms. Robinson, all of the teachers who brought in things so that we didn't have to spend countless more hours in the kitchen and gaining 20 lbs just by eating cookie dough and of course to the students who helped support this great cause!!
XO

A Gourmet Dinner Party for 4

Ever heard of it?
I hadn't either until this one fine day about a year ago when I was invited to a good friends for a dinner and card night.
Now I don't want to say she cant cook because I am sure she can, its more like she doesn't cook, so when the invitation came out I already had a back up Big Mac on my mind.
All of the guests were told "don't worry, if you don't like it or you get sick you only have yourself to blame".
Pardon?
Now I'm confused and slightly concerned until....I arrived and feasted my eyes on this humongous spread on the table.

You cook your own food, in little frying pans, over a burner much like the fondue ones.  Its so interactive, so unique and so much fun! WHEEEEEEEE!

Now don't confuse this with a raclette set, its different.  See....different.  Gourmet = better.

raclette  (source - wikipedia.com)

I WANTED ONE, bad.

I went home and started googling.  Nadda.
Finally found something in the States (dam you US companies for not shipping to Canada!) and of course I found others in Holland (which is where her family purchased theirs from - its big there)
Drat!
My hopes of hosting my own Gourmet dinner were on the back burner (how witty am I?) until my dear friend purchased me a set of my own, an early wedding present.
I heart you Melissa *aka Muffy*!

YAY, I now have my very own and last night was the first night I cracked it from the box.
Success!
Here is the list of our spread:

diced chicken breast
scallops
meatballs (wrapped in bacon)
mushrooms
celery
onions
bean sprouts
peppers
broccoli
basmati rice (pre cooked and cooled)
diced parboiled potatoes
Little Ugh and Amanda made mini grilled cheeses and smashed meatball hamburgers.

You also will want some form of grease for the pans: chop up bacon strips or place out some garlic butter and olive oil.
Then come the sauces.  Soy, sirachi, general tso, honey garlic, bbq the possibilities are endless!!

Such a fun night, such a fantastic idea, one of my favorite gifts of all time!

The start of adding items to the table

Amanda's creation with cheese slices

Just so you know, no one got sick, everyone had fun and Little Ugh said it was the best dinner EVER!



Relay for Life and a Heavy Heart

I apologize now for the heart strings that might be pulled when you read this, I had to get it out and this was the best place for me to do it because there is someone who needs your support!

When I started writing this post I wanted to tell you all how thrilled that my 13 year old has registered himself to participate in the Relay for Life, a 12 hour walk for Cancer.
He joined me last year in the walk and when the "team" began talks of this years event he was eager to participate again this go around.  There is a difference this time, he will be walking without me and we have a few people in our hearts to walk for.

I have written and re-written sentences countless times over the past few days trying to compile my thoughts about the Relay and cancer and what it means to me and each time I erase them and begin again with tears in my eyes.

Last week we received some terrible news from a good friend of ours.
Her son, Liam, has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Of ALL of the people in our lives that have been diagnosed, suffered and passed on, or have been brave, fought and won, we have never had a child so close to home have to deal with this.

For some reason this diagnosis and news is killing me inside, even more so then when my Nanny was sick.
It makes me sick to think about how hard of a struggle this is going to be for Liam, and for his family.
He is a fighter though and the survival rates are quite high - 80-85% which is such great news.
His family is close and he has the support of so many others who know him and love him!  I just wish they didn't have to go through this, but at least they are not alone.

It still doesn't erase the hurt I have in my stomach each time I receive emails with his journal posts which is such a great way to keep track of how he is doing. 
The Hospital for Sick Kids here in Toronto has set him up with his own website where he can post journal updates, notes, photos etc. about his journey which I think is phenomenal for his self esteem, getting his thoughts out there and for people who love and care about him can have updates without making his parents go through the same questions over and over and over.

Brennan has decided to dedicate this year's walk to our Opa and to Liam!
I should also mention that along with running around getting pledges, he has asked his principal if he can host a bake sale to raise money for the walk and they have graciously allowed him to do so and its THIS FRIDAY!!  Guess that means a lot of baking posts in the near future!
The teachers in the school have banded together and put a sign up sheet to donate baked goods to sell as well, thank goodness because I was afraid of having carpal tunnel from piping 400 cupcakes and gaining an additional 20 lbs just from eating cookie batter ;)

The past few days we have been scouring the internet for some unique recipes for the sale and we think we've found a winner - check out my post on Friday for the details :)

Today he made his signs. 

A list of all of the ribbons associated with the different forms of cancers!
He did a great job researching.
Wish I could get him to do all his homework with such passion.

We are SO looking forward to Friday and hoping the kids enjoy all of the treats.

To all of you who have had to deal with this horrendous disease, we feel your pain, we do this walk because of you, because even the smallest amount helps to fund initiatives and research and also medical equipment , drugs and support services among other things.

I'm so proud of my son for wanting to do this for Liam, for our Opa and for others in this world.
Stay strong!

MashUp Monday - Meatloaf Cupcakes

Not cupcakes that taste like meatloaf because that would be gross, but meatloaf that looks like a cupcake!!
It's almost like you are eating your dessert for dinner, you aren't but it's fun to pretend anyway isn't it?

When I announced dinner plans I had aberrant reactions.
Really?  What's not to love? 
I think they thought I was making cupcakes that tasted like meatloaf - remember...gaaarrooosss, wouldn't do that.
Once they were made however they got rave reviews.

A few tips I discovered while trying this out:

• Make sure your muffin cups or pan is heavily greased or else they will come out looking like you regurgitated dinner and threw it on a plate (ok that was gross, sorry)
• Lumps in pastry bags = messy, make sure your mashed potatoes are not only mashed but whipped

Those are 2 main ones, from experience.
Also, I think when I make this again I will incorporate chives or other herbs and some cheese for the "sprinkle look" or maybe tint the potatoes with beet juice or use sweet potatoes as well for variety.

All in all, it was a great way to incorporate your meat and your potatoes in one bite!

I'm Listening to: Bob Marley vs. Beatles  (two of my fav's)

Mexican Inspired Salad

Ever try jicama?
Its pronounced hicema.  A root veggie that resembles a large turnip that you peel like a potato and tastes something of a combination of an apple/green bean maybe? 

Whatever it is its darn good!

I have seen it used many times on tv and in magazines and for the life of me I wasn't sure why we'd never had it before until last night!  It is commonly eaten raw - which is how I prepared it but I've also seen recipes for soups and stir frys using the veg.

Since yesterday was Cinco de Mayo and we had Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas I thought this salad fitting as a side.
Now I found this recipe on Epicurious' website but I removed some of the ingredients (i.e. tomatoes and radishes because I didn't have any)

First thing I did was peel and cut the jicama into matchstick pieces so that I could try it out and I have to say it took me a little bit to put it to my lips. 

I actually gave it to Little Ugh first and said "here, you'll like it".

I'm not sure why I felt his palate would encourage me to try it, maybe seeing his reaction?
He tried to tell me it tasted like onion - could have been that I was chopping onion prior too - teehee he is not a fan of onions.  But he didn't spit it out or cringe so I being the brave mom that I am threw a whole chunk in my mouth.
By George! I think I love it!

Folks, Jicama gets 2 thumbs up from this gal!

I'm Listening to: Let's Go Surfing - The Drums (thanks Amanda!)

Mexican Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

1 head of green leaf lettuce
1 can of peaches and cream corn, drained and rinsed
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 c. jicama, sliced into matchstick pieces (or more because its great)
1 red pepper, sliced into matchstick pieces
1 avocado, cubed
crumbled feta cheese (because my stores do not carry Queso Fresco)

Dressing:
1/4 c. lime juice
1/4 c. olive oil
2 1/2 tbsp. honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 jalapeno, seeded and minced

Pretty straight forward.  Rinse and drain the beans and corn.  Prepare your jicama and pepper by cutting it into small matchstick slices. Cube your avocado. Toss all of that into your bowl

Add in your leaf lettuce and toss around.
To make your dressing, simply add all ingredients into a bowl and whisk together.

Drizzle 1/2 over the salad and mix to coat.  I found that this recipe made quite a lot of dressing and didn't want to feel like it was swimming so add a bit more if you need to.
Serve cold

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas OLE!

What is Cinco de Mayo was the question I got this morning when I said we were having a dish to commemorate.
Well son, you see, there's this little website I like to call Wikipedia, if you don't know about it, you should Google that while you're at it.
I'm such a jerk

Actually, I think having him research it is a much better way of him understanding what it is don't you?
Here's what I got:

"MOM, just tell me"
no, you like your computer so much figure it out
"UGH, fine...."
After a few minutes, yelling from the other room "Mexico beat France in a war and so they should be celebrated"
Fair enough.

For those of you who don't know, the small Mexican army beat France in 1862 which was a feat that was not expected.  France invaded Mexico because they wanted their money back and were not willing to negotiate (the civil wars left them bankrupt and not able to repay debts).
Anyway, this isn't a history lesson so if you'd like to learn more visit here.

Now, I normally don't create dishes based on events i.e. St. Patricks day, Valentines Day etc. but hey,  I like Mexico and their food and so here is me commemorating the day!

Ok, that's not me but I wish I had a dress like that and could dance in the rain!

I'm Listening to: Guantanamera

MashUp Monday - Taco Tators

Happy MashUp Monday Friends!!

This Monday started off somber, grey skies and more raindrops.  I am not even sure I remember what the sun looks like its been so long....oh wait, there it is, right by the moon which is getting brighter since its nearly 8pm.
The day itself was grand minus the rain, I spent a few hours with a dear friend, got some snuggle time in with my little monkey man, and shopped for tonight's mash up.

This evenings dinner came late late late last night while I watched re-runs of Diners Drive-Ins and Dives (this show makes me want to stop at the sketchiest of places just to see if they are good, you?).  I couldn't tell you the episode so please don't ask.  I just remember tacos (which I heart) and then some bbq joint with baked potatoes (I also heart starch) and it came to me, why not put everything to do with a taco ON my baked potato??

Some may call me mad, it could have been the fact that I was running on 3 hours sleep, but this had to be done.

This is much like a loaded baked potato only difference is this dish is a meal in itself, there is no need for a side salad or any meat product because it already incorporates everything you would need.
See for yourself!!!

I'm Listening To: Let It Be Me - Shaggy Vs. Beatles