Guava Jam (mermelada de guayaba)

We love guava season! Here’s what’s so great about guavas:

• They taste like a tropical version of a pear
• When made into jam, the whole house smells lovely
• Half of them are a beautiful shade of pink on the inside

Here’s what’s not so great about guavas:

• Since they’re small, peeling them for jam takes a long time
• They’re prone to worminess (because they’re so sweet)
• They’re full of seeds

So, making jam out of guavas can be a long process, but for me it’s totally worth it.

Chile Peanuts

This has become a favorite snack in the last year. Peanuts are grown locally and they’re best if you roast them yourself. Otherwise they lose some of their crunch (and they’re more expensive). You can remove the garlic cloves after cooking or leave them in. I leave them in because I love eating a whole soft clove covered in chile and salt.

Black Beans and Rice

This is a really common meal for us.  It’s simple, tastes great, and is healthy!  Top with shredded cheese and chopped tomatoes if you like.

Ingredients:

rice

1 C dry black beans, soaked overnight

1 3/4 C water

1 small onion, roughly chopped

3 garlic cloves, cut in half

1 t salt

1/4 t cayenne pepper (or chili powder but more of it)

2 t whole cumin seeds

1. Start cooking the rice.
2. Put all the ingredients in a pressure cooker and cook for 15 minutes.
3. Adjust the spices and salt
4. Serve over rice and garnish with cilantro

Homemade Refried Beans and Burritos

These refried beans were delicious.  Try them in a burrito by serving on tortillas and topping with guacamole, shredded cheese, and cilantro.  James and I were so happy to eat this meal!  It makes good leftovers too.

Mexican Chocolate Cake on the 4th of July

Yesterday for the 4th of July, we got together for a cookout with our American (and Canadian!) friends.  It rained, so we ate and grilled on a patio at our friends’ house and had a wonderful time.  We ate grilled chicken, potato salad, fruit salad, and chips.  For dessert there was apple crisp, brownies, and this chocolate cake.