Taquitos de Frijoles

To go along with the previous post, here is another look at refried bean taquitos with other garnishments.

I used cucumbers, tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and cabbage.  It was refreshing especially if served during the summer.

Light eating and since beans are very fulfilling they tend to fill you up fast with small amounts.

ENJOY

Taquitos frijoles vegetales

Taquitos de Frijoles - Bean Taquitos - Home made

Back during the soccer days sometimes I needed something light right before a game.  I could not possibly think of eating anything heavy otherwise I was not going to be able to run.

I decided to experiment and make my own bean taquitos.  How could it not work? Well thankfully it did.  Some experiments are just that and they do not work, but the positive attitude is that we tried!

So, take some flour tortillas, refried beans, and roll your taquitos.  fry and allow them to sit for a few.  They can be very hot as soon as they come off the frying pan.

The toppings: Because I love cabbage, I mean who doesn't right? I chose the cabbage because of it's crunchiness and because it has better flavor (at least to me).

The avocado was sliced with some green salsa, fresh cilantro, onions, and you can add some tomatoes if you desire, I chose radish for the crunchiness.

The last thing you add is crumbled fresh cheese.  DELICIOUS! Simple, fresh, and very tasteful.  And running in my game was a breeze.  I did not feel bloated nor burping the taste.

Ropa Vieja - My First Try

Oh Ropa Vieja! It is a Cuban delight.

As I sit in the kitchen contemplating what i should make for dinner, my mind wonders to Miami.  Home of the most authentic Cuban Cuisine in the states.  I had many opportunities to travel and enjoy the good food in Miami.  I was instantly in love with Cuban food.  So I decided I would learn to cook.

I did not have the opportunity to go to cooking school and learn the art of mixing cultures and ingredients. Another part I lack is presentation.  Needless, I have mastered the art of discovering the spices by simply enjoying the meals and thinking of ways to improve it.

When I visit a restaurant, I typically order something new each time and try to see if the price is worth the portion offered and most importantly if the flavors are up to my taste bud's standards.

So, the story with Ropa Vieja.  In Charleston, I had some new found friends from Cuba and of course in Charleston at the time there was no Cuban restaurants.  I invited them to my house one day and decided to prepare something that they could either approve or disapprove off. 

Served Ropa Vieja with tostones or fried plantains with garlic and onion sauce.  

It was an instant success and delight! They enjoyed it and yes, they did provide their constructive criticism.  Turns out the secret in most of the Cuban dishes is Oregano! WHO KNEW! 

Detailed recipe coming soon with better image. This is taken with my phone. 

#Ropavieja

#Cubanfood

#cubancuisine 

- Skirt Steak boiled and shredded

- Cooking Wine

- Oregano

- Onions

- Tomatoes

- garlic

- garlic salt and or powder

Served over White Rice with Tostones (see my post on Tostones)

Can also serve with Cuban black beans.

Vegetales y crab cakes

Fresh Home Made Crab Cakes garnished with a lot of fresh vegetables and served with grilled vegetables.

Here is what went into making the crab cakes:

- Fresh Crab meat
-  celery
-Onions
- garlic
- chives
- green bell pepper
- red sweet pepper
- dill
- Old Bay Spice
- Black Pepper & Salt
- Bread Crumbs (fresh made or use some Italian Bread Crumbs)
- eggs
- mayonnaise

For most cooks, you look at the Crab Cakes and think it is not worth adding that many items and dressing the cake patties so much.  You do not loose the flavor of the Crab Meat.  Actually, you appreciate it more!  Basically you add these ingredients based on how much you want.

Now the Secret to serving these is the sauce.  Back a few years while eating out, I had sampled a lot of various sauces and none made such an impact to my taste buds as the one I decided to make.

I took basic ideas and samples and refined what I thought would be the best compliment.  I am guessing if you read the ingredients you will think it is disgusting.  Wait for it.  Test it.  And sample away!

The Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Pickle Juice
- Pickles
- Onion
- dill weed
- Ketchup
- Mustard

These can be processed in a small blender or food processor.  exact measurements I can discuss later.

When serving Crab cakes, you want to have a party of vegetables in your mouth and enjoy the textures and flavors.  I used Broccoli, new potatoes, peppers, asparagus, zucchinis and squash roasted on the grill.

YUM!

Ceviche - Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp Ceviche, inspired by observing some local Mexican restaurants serving it, yet I was wanting to add an extra touch.

So, I changed it.  I made my own version.  I love dressing my foods so this is what I came up with!
Notice that if you are like me, anything raw sounds a bit distasteful! (eww, lol.)  Hence I cooked my shrimpies.

Added extra veggies, extra cilantro, onions, tomatoes and some radish.  Using extra lime it made it have an extra kick. Of course add some Jalapeño and or other goodies.

It is #healthy!

Braised Lamb

Happy Easter to all!

As part of new experiences un life, another interesting meal I had was braised lamb over a bed of rice.

Note, I had not eaten lamb before so this is a first time. I was polite to try and ate a few bites, but it was not my kind of taste as my taste buds were not used to it.

It was an empowering taste. Gamey, the rosemary added some great flavor, but the lamb was a new experience. 

It was tasty, strong, and new to me. I liked it, but could only eat five bites. 

Cheers to new experiences!!! What has been the most ranfom foods you have eaten? Please share! 

Grilled Avocado

Alright, yes, sounds very strange and trust me, I was a bit concerned.

It is an avocado halved and a egg on it. Broiled for about 5minutes. Not too bad, but if you are not used to eating hot avocado like me, you will throw a dramatic fit. 

This is what it looked like after it was cooked. Sprinkled some salt and eate it with some left over tortillas and cheese, not too bad after all. 

Lets just say I have eaten some abnormal foods! Bon apetit!