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