It's The Little Things

So, as I walk up to my front door and see this...

My day just automatically got a whole lot better!  People would have thought I was crazy if they had seen how big that grin on my face was... so big that my cheeks actually hurt when I was done smiling so much... about a half hour later... seriously!

I knew right away who this package was from... I didn't even need to see a gift card. Of course, it was from my lovely, thoughtful sister.

The only thing that could have topped this is if she had been in the box!

I thought to myself, I should call her right now, but I really want to open this box!  No, you need to call her.  But...the box says 'perishable'.  You better open it first.  So when I called my sister, I was already chomping on my delicious apple. =)

Little things like this, that people don't always think about, are the types of things that can really brighten a person's day and just give them another reason to smile. I haven't had a whole lot of reasons to smile lately, and my sister knew that, but she knew just what to do to brighten my day. It worked!

I am a caramel apple-aholic!! And she knows this.

So do something special for someone, even just a little thing, because it really does make a difference and let's that person know you are thinking of them and that they are special. 

Thank you, Sis, for making my day! I love you so much!

Until next time...

Lady by the Bay

Fajitas, Salsa and Corn Salad

The crunch of a tortilla chip, the tang of salsa... What does that bring to mind?  Well, Mexican food, of course.  I love making Mexican food, and fajitas is one of my favorites.  So I decided to share with you how I make mine.  And not only am I going to share my fajitas recipe, I am going to share a salsa recipe and my corn salad recipe as well.  Hope you enjoy.

Chicken Fajitas

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp. Tajin seasoning
1 tbsp. chipotle chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
olive oil
juice of half a lime
cilantro sprigs
tortillas, corn or flour
sour cream
Monterey jack cheese

Veggies:

1 bell pepper, your color of choice
1 large onion
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
1 tsp. Tajin seasoning
olive oil

Pat chicken dry and place in a dish. Mix together all of the dry ingredients. Rub chicken on both sides with the dry rub. Top with cilantro sprigs. Drizzle with some olive oil and lime juice. Let marinate for about an hour.

About 20 minutes before grilling, sit chicken out to take the chill off.  Meanwhile, cut bell pepper and onion into strips, place in a grill pan with holes.  Sprinkle with seasonings and drizzle with olive oil.

Grill chicken on medium heat until done, approximately 20 minutes.  Grill veggies on low heat while chicken cooks.  Remove chicken and veggies from grill.  Let chicken rest for approximately 5 minutes.  Slice chicken into strips.  Pile veggies in a dish and top with chicken.  Serve on warm tortillas and top with sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and any other toppings you love.

Salsa -by Tyler Florence

By far, the best salsa I've had. Everyone loves this salsa every time I make it, and it's super simple! The only things I change to his recipe is putting an entire Serrano chili in it; he calls for 1/4 Serrano chili. I also use two limes; he calls for one.

1 can San Marzano tomatoes, drained
1 small red onion, rough chopped
1 Serrano chili
2 limes, juiced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Combine ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well combined. Season to taste and set aside to allow flavors to come together, around 20 minutes.

Told you it was simple!

And to make your own delicious chips instead of eating the ones from a bag, just cut up some corn tortillas and deep fry them in some canola oil.  So much better!

And with all of this delicious food, I also love to make my corn salad. You'll love it, I promise. =)

Corn Salad

2 ears of corn, shucked and cleaned
handful or two of cherry tomatoes
1/2 of a small red onion
1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped
juice of 1 lime
3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Cut corn off cob. Place in a bowl.  Add cherry tomatoes, red onion and cilantro.  Toss.  Add lime juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.  Stir together gently.  Serve.

Until next time...

Lady by the Bay