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Day 15: "Vacation" in "Mexico"

We took today off from work, because we were scheduled to be on a much-needed vacation.  It seems like a lifetime ago that we made those plans (it really was only last month), and since we cancelled them (about 2.5 weeks ago).  The world changed very quickly.  But we still wanted to acknowledge the need for a break and some recuperation. I hope you find some this weekend, too!

Mexican Beach Vacation
Right after we cancelled the flights and the hotel, I made sure that we had food on hand to have some delicious treats. And we did, starting with the afternoon snack of chips, guacamole, escabeche, and a cocktail.  We dressed up in some (for us) resortwear and it actually kind of worked.  I felt more relaxed, almost immediately!

Dinner was a Trader Joe's carne asada.  The pre-marinaded meats at TJ really are great, and this is no exception.  Our friends, Shiva and Ryan, gave us an Anova immersion circulator, and it really excels at making a perfect medium rare steak or delicious pork chop.  I have a hard time getting a good sear on the electric stove, but the steak came out wonderfully.  Paired with some pico de gallo, yellow rice, and refried beans (doctored w/ a spoonful of bacon grease.  It is, after all, supposed to be a celebration).

And, for me, no beach vacay is complete without a piña colada.  We don't have a blender, so I improvised a bit.  Pulsed fresh pineapple and some coconut cream in the mini chopper, added Gosling's rum and some simple syrup, and topped it with ginger ale over ice. Served with a twist of lime and a fancy cherry (leftover from our wedding.  Still!).

Leftover Mac n Cheese
We had just enough for two lunch portions.

English Muffin Sandwich
When I was a kid, my Grandpa used to make me what he called a "silly girl sandwich."  How I remember it was buttered toast, jam (raspberry, I think!), and scrambled eggs. Sometimes a few slices of bacon for good measure.  I was inspired by that memory this morning, and made a thin omelette, which I draped over an English muffin with butter and blackberry jam.   It was delightful.

Where do you want to go on Food Vacation, or what memory do you want to conjure up?  Get to the kitchen-- make it a reality!

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