Salsa or Seltzer.

Anyone watch Seinfeld? There is one episode in particular where they're talking about salsa. or seltzer. or salsa? 

You have to check it out, it's hilarious:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFzCz9HI8JM

It's fun to say: SALSASALSASALSA, and even better to enjoy at home! What brought on actually making salsa? If you make it you can have super fresh, sufficiently chunky and with customized spiciness. Also, its SUPER DUPER easy and honestly, versatile. I believe George Castanza when he says that it's the #1 condiment (mine would definitely be ketchup though) because you spice up any dish, whether it be salad, roast chicken or good ol' nachos with its deliciousness.

I spent most of this last summer in India. One thing that I appreciated about the food there was the spice- both the heat and the diverse and interesting flavours they used. When I got back I was inspired to go the grocery store and finally buy a big bag of whole dried chillies to use in my cooking. I saw tons of people there eating whole, raw chillies in between bites of food, and while my stomach and tongue aren't quite there yet, each time I crumble up my whole chillies I'm reminded of some amazing experiences and people.

Cookin' Tunes:
More and More [Selah]
He Knows [Dan Bremnes]
I am Sure [Dan Bremnes]

Sweet and Spicy Salsa

1/2 Spanish onion (small or medium sized)

5 On the vine tomatoes (small) or 1 pack cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup Kernel corn

5 dried, pitted dates

1 bunch cilantro (approximately 1/4 cup)

3 dried red chilly peppers (with seeds)

1. Finely dice the spanish onion, tomatoes, dates and cilantro.

2. Combine the first 5 ingredients in a mixing bowl.

3. Crumble the red chillies into the mixture and mix together.

4. Enjoy with tortilla chips, in a salad or alongside come cooling fig yogurt (diced dried figs and plain low fat yogurt).

Mexican Inspired Lunch Bowl

When I think of Mexican food, colourful and vibrant ingredients come to mind. I love the creative use of interesting cuts of meat often incorporated and their wide variety of spices. Growing up I basically considered Taco Bell and a good ol' plate of nachos "Mexican food" but boy oh boy, was I deceived. I wouldn't consider myself any type of expert in Mexican cuisine, but from my limited experience of exploring this culinary culture, my opinions have changed dramatically.





Fresh.



Creative.



Flavourful.



Exciting.



Adjectives that can easily be used to describe good Mexican food. Words that you don't typically think of with the run of the mill taco chips and with pseudo-cheese for dip.




OH OH OH If you're ever in Las Vegas, make sure to check out Tacos El Gordo. Cheap. Delicious. Authentic. My siblings and I stumbled across it and were pleasantly surprised at their menu. Needless to say, I ate a numberrr of delicious tacos there. Definitely worth a visit,,,,or two,,,,or three.:)

Cookin Tunes:

Greater [MercyMe]

With Every Voice [David Leach]

Steady [For King and Country]

Mexican Inspired Lunch Bowl 

1 Large sweet onion

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp your favourite hot sauce

1 tbsp Paprika

1 Large egg

1 half ripe avocado

1 tomato

1 bunch fresh cilantro

salt and pepper to taste

1. Dice onion and place in a frying pan. Saute until softened (if you put the lid on, this will take less time and oil)

2. Add the tomato paste, hot sauce and paprika. If you did not put the lid on the frying pan you may want to add 1-2tbsp of water in order to deglaze the pan.

3. Once the onions are soften and then mixture is well combined, remove the pan from heat and set aside.

4. In another pan, crack the egg and let cook until soft and runny. 

5. While waiting for the egg to cook, dice the tomato and half avocado. You may also wash and chop the cilantro.

6. Place the onions in a bowl, followed by the diced tomato. When the egg is done place it on top, making sure not to break the yoke yet! Add the avocado.

7. Finish with cilantro, salt and pepper! Enjoy!

:)