Make Mine Spicy

Have you tried this? My brother found this while exploring the Latin American aisle in the grocery store and he gave me a couple of packets.

It is a Sazon seasoning packet by Goya, spicy flavor. Yum. http://www.goya.com/

This is a type of season salt. Typical ingredients include cilantro, achiote, garlic, and salt.

I've added a packet to a pot of beans, spaghetti sauce, casseroles, etc...My husband and I really like spicy foods in our house. We don't like it as spicy as my brother and his girlfriend (who have asbestos mouths), but this adds a nice kick to our dishes.

Winter Solstice Punch for Super Bowl

My husband and I had a Super Bowl party after being snowed in for the weekend. Washington, DC has had a really tough winter. Our car was trapped in the alley behind the house, but luckily we had a friend with a four-wheel drive truck and he was willing to pick up other friends and bring them to our house.

I wanted to make our guests something special for their trouble and provide a drink that would be warming. So, when I found a recipe for Winter Solstice Punch, I knew I had a winner. This does not have a small amount of alcohol in it. Because of that, I definitely recommend serving it in small portions. It tastes really good, and your guests can start to feel it before you (or they) know it.

Winter Solstice Punch

40 oz. Tuaca liqueur

16 oz. Aperol

16 oz. Campari

24 oz. Cointreau

3 cups lemon juice

2 cups tangerine juice

1 cup Ginger Syrup

First thing you need to do is create an ice block. I used a Bundt pan filled halfway with water and sliced lemons and oranges. You should plan at least 12 hours, longer is better. It made a lovely shape once frozen.

Next make the ginger syrup. Take about a 3-inch piece of fresh ginger. Peel and cut into big chunks. Put it in a saucepan with 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. When mixture boils, reduce heat and simmer until sugar is completely dissolved and syrup is slightly thickened. This took about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, discard ginger and let cool. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Combine all ingredients in a very large pitcher and stir until well blended. I made this ahead of time and put it in the refrigerator so the flavors would meld and be thoroughly chilled.

Serve over ice in a punch bowl. Enjoy! (But not too much...)

Wedding Brisket

We had an amazing wedding near my folks' house in South Texas. The ceremony and reception took place in a citrus grove on property owned by family friends who grow oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, limes, avocados, mangoes, and papayas. All of which were served to our guests.

In order to highlight the local cuisine (and our favorite food), we had a delicious barbeque buffet with smoked brisket and chicken from the charming Mr. Galvan. This was served with tortillas, grilled vegetables, charro beans. My mom baked six varieties of cakes from scratch that everyone enjoyed after BBQ. Everything was just perfect.

Instead of cutting and sharing a wedding cake, the hubby and I decided to ceremoniously cut the brisket and kick-off the buffet line. The even hooked up the electric carving knife for us!

Everyone seemed to enjoy the food and several friends testified to eating themselves sick. We are grateful to everyone who made the trip to Texas and joined the celebration. We count ourselves very lucky to have people to share this wonderful memory with us.

Watermelon Agua Fresca

This is one of my favorite summer treats...so refreshing.

Process about 4 cups of cubed watermelon with about 1/4 cup of sugar in a blender. Seedless is best, but you will strain it later, so don't worry if you can't find a seedless melon. Blend until smooth. Pour mixture

through a fine mesh strainer, discarding solids. Stir in 2 cups of water.

Cover and chill until ready to serve. Serve over ice. I also like to add clear rum and lime slices. It makes about 5 cups.

We enjoyed drinking this several times over the summer while sitting on our porch and watching our crazy neighbors.