111 replies to this topic

[robirdstx]

We had a lot of fun at the party last night. Dinner was corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. My mom brought everything over from her house and we cooked the food in her electric roaster out in the courtyard.









And of course, we had birthday cake. A store bought German chocolate bundt.

[slo_ted]

I, too, am really enjoying your culinary travels. I lived in Houston from 1968-1973 and have very fond memories of dining in various seafood restaurants in Galveston--my favorite was a funky place on the bay side of the island--or boiling shrimp on the beach. From Houston we moved to Tucson, and while living there we made numerous trips for various reasons to Southern New Mexico where we enjoyed some of the finest Mexican food I've ever tasted. Please keep on keeping on. It's been quite a trip.

[robirdstx]

I, too, am really enjoying your culinary travels. I lived in Houston from 1968-1973 and have very fond memories of dining in various seafood restaurants in Galveston--my favorite was a funky place on the bay side of the island--or boiling shrimp on the beach. From Houston we moved to Tucson, and while living there we made numerous trips for various reasons to Southern New Mexico where we enjoyed some of the finest Mexican food I've ever tasted. Please keep on keeping on. It's been quite a trip.

Thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying the ride. My Dad lives just north of Tucson, so I get over that way when I can.

[robirdstx]

Rosie baked up fresh bread for us this morning.





This loaf was a sourdough. So good and tangy!



And she baked shirred eggs, that were great with the bread.

[robirdstx]

Today the "ladies" went to the Plaza in Old Mesilla to shop and lunch. Every Friday and Sunday there is an Arts, Crafts and Seasonal Market on the Plaza. Today I met Don Rogelio Cornelio Villegas and talked with him about his salsas. The salsas are made with peppers grown on his family farm in Hatch, NM from family recipes.









I am bringing four jars home in my luggage - one each of his Flame Roasted Green Chile, Salsa de Jalapeno (El Macho Hot), Sun Dried Red Chile Sauce, and Salsa de Piquin (this one is his personal favorite for tacos).

We took a break from shopping to rest our feet and have an early lunch at Peppers Cafe.



The view from our table.



We had a pleasant experience (great wait staff) and totally enjoyed our meal.

I had the Spinach House Salad (spinach leaves, onion rings, sliced mushrooms, and bacon crumbles.) The vinaigrette was served on the side, so I added a drizzle for the photo.



Mom had the Seafood Avocado Salad (white fish, shrimp, scallops in mayonnaise dressing served over mixed greens with avocado slices, tomato wedges, cucumber slices and black olives.)


And my sister had one of the Big Jim Chile Rellenos, a House Specialty with a side of black beans (a Big Jim Hatch Green Chile with three Cheeses, lightly crisped and dressed with their Mesilla Valley Hatch Green Chile sauce.)

[Jenni]

I feel really stupid for asking, but I don't think I've really come across you before on the boards robirdstx, so I don't feel I know much about you! Apologies if you have to repeat something you've posted elsewhere, but can you say a little about yourself? I'm particularly interested in your New Mexico connection, it seems you go semi-often? Do you have family there, or is it just a favourite destination?

Btw, your sister's meal looks utterly divine! I feel like I should be rooting for the nice healthy salads, but I'm drawn to the naughty plate!

[robirdstx]

I feel really stupid for asking, but I don't think I've really come across you before on the boards robirdstx, so I don't feel I know much about you! Apologies if you have to repeat something you've posted elsewhere, but can you say a little about yourself? I'm particularly interested in your New Mexico connection, it seems you go semi-often? Do you have family there, or is it just a favourite destination?

Btw, your sister's meal looks utterly divine! I feel like I should be rooting for the nice healthy salads, but I'm drawn to the naughty plate!

Please don't feel stupid. Thank you for asking. I am just a home cook that likes to photograph food! I am a wife (35 years and counting) and became a grandmother in late 2008. I quit working outside of the house about ten years ago, which has given me the time to learn and "play" with cooking. I found eGullet several years ago when I was looking for information on knife skills. After lurking for a couple of years, I wanted to start making the occasional contribution and became a participating member. Most of my posts are on the Dinner thread.

I come to New Mexico because my mother and her husband have had their home here for the last five years.

I wish I had done the naughty plate, too. But I had had a full breakfast and we were going to be having grilled lobster tails for dinner and I didn't want to risk spoiling my appetite.

[robirdstx]

My bags are packed and I'll be heading back to El Paso to catch my flight back home to Houston later today. I've had a great Spring Break and will wrap up this week when I am back at home this evening.

[heidih]

Those grilled lobster tails are magnificent. What kind of lobster, and how was it grilled? Served with? Thank you!

[haresfur]

Great looking rellenos! I had my first in Santa Rosa NM on a marathon trip from the east to Arizona and have never come close to the goodness since. But that looks like a worthy contender.

And thanks for the photos of the pottery.

[robirdstx]

Those grilled lobster tails are magnificent. What kind of lobster, and how was it grilled? Served with? Thank you!

We all loved them! They were cold water tails, from Sam's Club, taken out of their shells, sliced length-wise and cooked on a gas grill at my mom's home. While the tails were cooking, they were basted with a softened butter and granulated garlic mix. Along with the lobster, we had a boneless prime rib that was roasted in the oven, a salad of chopped romaine lettuce and croutons dressed with bottled Caesar dressing, and homemade rolls made by a friend in my mom's bridge club. We dined on the patio under the stars, again! We could not have asked for better weather for this family gathering.

Edited by robirdstx, 19 March 2011 - 08:29 PM.

[robirdstx]

Great looking rellenos! I had my first in Santa Rosa NM on a marathon trip from the east to Arizona and have never come close to the goodness since. But that looks like a worthy contender.

And thanks for the photos of the pottery.

Yes, my sister thought they were very worthy! And you are welcome regarding the pottery. I just love bowls!

[heidih]

Good point on the cold water tails. We often have sales here in Southern California and some markets have the warm water ones and other the cold. I understand the difference in firmness is significant. I recently had a lobster mac and cheese so I am planning a run to get a live one and doing the tail per your scenario and the rest of the meat in the M n' Ch

[robirdstx]

I am home again. It is so comforting to be back in my own home and kitchen. Even though I had a great time on my trip, I really missed cooking while away. Dinner tonight - Baked Potato Skins.

Baked Russet cut into quarters.



Most of the "meat" scooped out. Brushed with melted butter and seasoned with fresh ground black pepper.



Shells topped with shredded cheddar.



Shells baked for about eight minutes, at 400F, until skin is crispy and the cheese is melted.



Topped with bacon crumbles and thin sliced green onion; served with sour cream.



Comfort Food!

[Peter the eater]

We all loved them! They were cold water tails, from Sam's Club, taken out of their shells, sliced length-wise and cooked on a gas grill at my mom's home. While the tails were cooking, they were basted with a softened butter and granulated garlic mix. Along with the lobster, we had a boneless prime rib that was roasted in the oven, a salad of chopped romaine lettuce and croutons dressed with bottled Caesar dressing, and homemade rolls made by a friend in my mom's bridge club. We dined on the patio under the stars, again! We could not have asked for better weather for this family gathering.

That sounds like a perfect outdoor surf & turf feast. How often do you do such combos?

[blue_dolphin]

I am bringing four jars home in my luggage - one each of his Flame Roasted Green Chile, Salsa de Jalapeno (El Macho Hot), Sun Dried Red Chile Sauce, and Salsa de Piquin (this one is his personal favorite for tacos).

Those salsa's look great! As does Don Rogelio!
How do you handle packing breakable food containers in your luggage for air travel?
I love extending the fun of travel by cooking at home with an unusual ingredient I've brought back with me.
Prior to the liquids ban, I used to love to bring home things like that, taking them carefully in my carry-on. I hate to check bags to begin with and they get so manhandled that I'm reluctant to pack breakables so I've been avoiding them.
Any tips for doing that successfully?

Thank you for blogging! Your photos are lovely and the Southwestern sunshine a treat to see on this very rainy weekend here in So Cal.

[robirdstx]

We all loved them! They were cold water tails, from Sam's Club, taken out of their shells, sliced length-wise and cooked on a gas grill at my mom's home. While the tails were cooking, they were basted with a softened butter and granulated garlic mix. Along with the lobster, we had a boneless prime rib that was roasted in the oven, a salad of chopped romaine lettuce and croutons dressed with bottled Caesar dressing, and homemade rolls made by a friend in my mom's bridge club. We dined on the patio under the stars, again! We could not have asked for better weather for this family gathering.

That sounds like a perfect outdoor surf & turf feast. How often do you do such combos?

Hi Peter, its one of my favorites, especially the surf part. At the family gathering, we had a couple of people that don't do seafood, for different reasons, so the beef was mainly for them - which left more lobster for the rest of us! At home, when I have grilled lobster or even shrimp, my DH will grill a beef ribeye. We probably do the surf and turf once every month or so.

[robirdstx]

I am bringing four jars home in my luggage - one each of his Flame Roasted Green Chile, Salsa de Jalapeno (El Macho Hot), Sun Dried Red Chile Sauce, and Salsa de Piquin (this one is his personal favorite for tacos).

Those salsa's look great! As does Don Rogelio!
How do you handle packing breakable food containers in your luggage for air travel?
I love extending the fun of travel by cooking at home with an unusual ingredient I've brought back with me.
Prior to the liquids ban, I used to love to bring home things like that, taking them carefully in my carry-on. I hate to check bags to begin with and they get so manhandled that I'm reluctant to pack breakables so I've been avoiding them.
Any tips for doing that successfully?

Thank you for blogging! Your photos are lovely and the Southwestern sunshine a treat to see on this very rainy weekend here in So Cal.

Hi blue_dolphin, I was a little torn between leaving the salsas with my mother or trying to wrap them well enough to make it home in my luggage. I finally decided that I really wanted to bring them home, so this is what I did. First, I put each jar in a quart sized ziplock baggie. Second, I wrapped each one individually in some of my clothing - I had enough t-shirts for this. Third, the cloth wrapped jar went into a plastic bag. The luggage I had turned out to be the perfect piece for this. I was able to put a protective layer, using other clothing, between the wrapped jars and the front and back sides of the suitcase. I'll filled in the exterior edges around the jars with more clothing. Finally, I used the straps in the case to keep the jars securely in place and crossed my fingers. The first thing I did when getting home was to check on the jars - and they all made the flight just fine. I can't wait to start playing with them.

And thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the blog. Hope you guys get some sunshine soon.

[kayb]

Took me until now to get to your blog, and I just read it in its entirety. Marvelous! Particularly loved the potato skins, one of my family's favorites as well (and quick and easy to make if you bake your potatos in the microwave). Your kitchen is lovely, and I envy you being so close to the coast with your access to good, fresh seafood, and far enough south there's fresh produce so much earlier than here. I'm making my first New Mexico trip in about six weeks, and will be looking forward to some of that wonderful food!

Oh, and add me to the list of those with kitchen envy. :)

[robirdstx]

Took me until now to get to your blog, and I just read it in its entirety. Marvelous! Particularly loved the potato skins, one of my family's favorites as well (and quick and easy to make if you bake your potatos in the microwave). Your kitchen is lovely, and I envy you being so close to the coast with your access to good, fresh seafood, and far enough south there's fresh produce so much earlier than here. I'm making my first New Mexico trip in about six weeks, and will be looking forward to some of that wonderful food!

Oh, and add me to the list of those with kitchen envy. :)

Thank you so much. We had some of the jalapeno salsa with chips today. Awesome! Have a great trip.

[Shelby]

Count me in on the skins! YUM!!!

[Pam R]

Thanks for sharing your week with us - and a lovely week it was!