Indio, California: Before I share an easy Taco Salad recipe, I want to show photos of another dining experience. Not sure how this is going to segue into anything appetizing at all, but let's just say... be happy I am not posting a sushi recipe today:
This young heron flew in front of the RV window this morning while I was having coffee (DT went golfing again with the men's club to Eagle Falls Golf Course). The bird was stalking something in the water. I assumed it was a fish.
A second later, s/he snatched a fish from the shore and plopped it down on the grass. I'm not an ornithologist or even an ichthyologist, but I have been to a fish monger and that fish was already dead when the bird pulled it from the water. Probably floating up on the edge.The fish may have been dead for quite a long while.
The proud bird pranced around the boat dock, carrying the dead carcass in his long bill like he had just exterminated Moby Dick - occasionally tossing it on the grass, stabbing it with his beak, attacking it over and over and "killing" it several times. The bird reminded me of a cat with a mouse. Later, after the poor fish looked as it it had been put through a meat tenderizer, the bird flew-off with his breakfast.Anyone hungry now?
This recipe isn't so much a recipe as a "concept". It is completely adaptable and I give no measurements for the ingredients - you will have to know how much your family will eat. It is just an easy, colorful salad to put together, and can be prepared with cooked and chilled meat (shredded chicken or seasoned ground beef), vegetarian or vegan. All ingredients are readily available organic. Use any/all of the ingredients, think of more veggies to add, and leave-out what your family does not eat. If you are dairy-free, omit the cheese and go commando by just using salsa for the dressing.
Suggested ingredients:
Torn lettuce
Chopped avocado
Sliced radish
Chopped green/red pepper
Sliced red or green onion (or both)
Chopped tomatoes (or grape/cherry tomatoes)
Sliced black olives (canned)
Canned black, kidney or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
Frozen corn kernels, rinsed under hot water,
drained (no need to cook)
Shredded cheddar
Dressing:
50/50 blend of sour cream and your favorite salsa. (Or use fat-free sour cream or plain fat-free Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.) I prefer Herdez Salsa Casera (hot) in this recipe.
Toppings:
Crushed tortilla chips, of course!
Pickled jalapeno slices for the fire eaters
Place the ingredients in a bowl, toss with dressing, crush a handful of tortilla chips over and serve.
I put everything - except the avocado, lettuce and cheese - together this afternoon. I also made the dressing. Both items were covered with plastic film and refrigerated. When it was time for dinner, all I had to do was chop the avocado, and toss everything together.
Perfectly easy dinner to enjoy while watching the Ducks lose to Colorado.Not fun.
LET'S MOVE IN MARCH! I have challenged y'all to get out there, lace up your sneakers and walk or jog (or the exercise of your choice) at least 30 minutes - five or six days a week in March. I'm doing this for charity and my prominent backside. How's it going for you? Please comment below. Don't forget - no sign-up is required to leave your thoughts. Just type your name or nickname in the first box and comment as you please.
Training Trip from an Old Fat Slogger: Keep it clean. Most (non-leather) running or athletic shoes can be cleaned in the washing machine. Remove the sock liners (and the NIKE+ chip if you have one). No need to remove the laces, just loosen. Wash the shoes and sock liners in your normal laundry detergent - no fabric softener - in warm water on a regular cycle. (Do not use hot water!) Remove from the machine when the cycle has finished and air dry. Replace sock liners after the shoes have dried. Not only will this method clean your stinky running shoes, it will soften-up the mid-sole a bit.
I ran four miles around the block, and another mile inside the resort. Second time in a week I have covered five miles because I am strong. Or stupid.
Pedometer: 16,307
Miles jogged for the day/month: 5/23
Until my next update, I remain, your spicy correspondent.
RV PARK: Motorcoach Country Club - The Crown Jewel of Motorcoach Resorts. 400 sites, three pools, three spas, fitness center, golf, bocce ball, tennis, 2-mile waterway, fine-dining restaurant, bar, security, planned activities, perfectly maintained. Sites for sale or rent.