in the kitchen – tex mex

 

Dinner has sort of morphed into a group sport of late.  I thought it was due to a little bit of a lull in the daily schedule but when I look at the schedule it's pretty full.  The weeks are full but the days seem to have a nice steady pace and we have been able to dig into some new projects, one of which has been cooking putzy food together. My husband started this train rolling earlier this summer and we have just kept chugging along trying new techniques and new tastes. I am sharing the keepers. : ) 

This dinner came from Eva Longoria's book. I didn't realize it was the actress until I had it home honestly.  Turns out it is full of fresh natural ingredients that taste just like the dishes we enjoyed living in San Antonio.  My family has really enjoyed it all so far. 

 

Flank Steak with Lime Marinade

mix together:

3T extra virgin olive oil

3T lime juice

4 garlic cloves thinly sliced

1 serrano pepper cored and sliced

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp kosher salt

 

Marinade 1.5 lbs flank steak in above for at least 2 hrs. Using paper towel, thoroughly dry the steak before grilling. (to prevent steaming vs browning crisply)  Grill 8-10 min total turning once for medium rare. Let sit on cutting board for 5 more minutes. Cut across the grain in thin slices. 

Turned out great. Husband's plate looks more rare than it was in the sunset. ; ) 

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Amazon (linked above) saved me time here by including the recipe for the mint lemonade (we did the limeade version) which I loved.  For the hater's who dis'd her for including the ants on a log recipe, shame on you. Turns out Eva has a developmentally disabled sister who asked her to please put her 'recipe' into the book too.  She did. 

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absolute all

 

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“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. ” 
―Roger Caras 

If this is so, our Aidan without a doubt has made the best dog deals ever made.  He is in Germany this week.  His buddy is waiting patiently for his return.  

Literally.  

By the door.

The Charlecote Deer

 

They surprised us to say the least, those deer.  Moira finished her dance competition early in the day and since we were already a couple hours from home we hoped to see something of the area before we left it.  We chose the Charlecote estate, home to the Lucy family since the 12th century the brochure said.  

Jun 2013 charlecote 2 web

 

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It was late in the day by then so the manor house was closing to the public but the grounds were open.  We read there were deer on the property but it can be hit and miss with brochures and sightings we have learned.  Yet, there they were.  Down, down the trail, across the pasture, through the gate, up the hill and there.they.were. 

 

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I was in a skirt and full of scratches from trudging through brush to get right up close. It was very cool to walk amongst the herd instead of peering through fences. That made it well worth the battle scars on my part.  They were not tagged and, though cautious, did not startle easily. This was great for me since I didn't have a zoom lens along. What you see is how close we were. 

The world is a beautiful place. : ) 

s’mores and more

 

Close to the top of classic simple summer pleasures is making s'mores. This night was made even better by a friendly little wager. Their Dad off-handedly said he'd offer a reward for whomever could light the fire pit without use of fuel, match, etc.  Here's a helpful tip for you, dear readers.  Do not make wagers like this with homeschooled kids. You may discover that your teen daughter got a flint set from her big brother as part of her birthday package one year (along with other resourceful items like pink hair dye and a small video camera for her dog to wear around his neck.) Girlfriend sure enough DID find her flint and in short order had a nice little campfire going.  

Oh yes she did. 

Bam.

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