THE CAVENDER DIARY

The day after we got our keys to the Cavender house we had a handful of friends over to judge, I mean view, our new home.

Since our friends are all well-mannered – that’s why they’re our friends, after all – they all brought us a little something as a housewarming.

Champagne (Hell to the Yeah), candles, Mexican pastries (from a bakery in the neighborhood) and even a few good luck charms: like an old horse shoe, a glass evil eye (for repelling bad spirits), and a bundle of sweet-smelling sage. All perfect house-warming gifts. Thanks again everyone.

But our friends the Fletchers brought the cleverest gift of all: a rubber bucket filled with hand soap, a scented candle, paper towels, T. P.(duhhh), Windex, and a roll of trash bags…..

….all things they knew we would need that first week in a new home. Clever, clever, clever.

When we heard that Vinnie and Tana were moving into a cute little house just a few streets away from us, we knew that wanted to do something practical for them too. (But maybe not quite as “bathroom related“)

They’re a fun young couple with 2 adorable little toddlers to juggle. I’m sure they’re pretty overwhelmed. Especially when it comes to feeding everyone.

How about a “Taco Night in a Box” as a housewarming?

Pretty simple really,

We already had the Pepsi crate in the hoard……we just filled it with all the things that make for a most excelent taco night.

• Tortillas (Made fresh daily down the street)
• Shredded Chicken
• Homemade Guacamole
• Queso Fresco (Soft, mild Mexican Cheese)
• Bundle of Cilantro
• Salsa (Could have made it, but El Fenix is so good)
• Tortilla Chips
• 6-Pack of Corona (I mentioned the 2 toddlers, Right?)
• Plenty of Limes
• Maria of Guadalupe Candle (just for the good Juju)

For the shredded chicken, we use a fork to shred 2 precooked chicken breasts. Then tossed in a teaspoon of taco seasoning mix. (Just a teaspoon, no one needs that much salt)

Don’t ever buy premade guacamole. Most of it doesn’t even contain avocados. I know, W.T.Fudge?

It takes about 2 minutes to make your own with ripe avocados.

“How can you tell if they’re ripe?”

Good question,

Avocados should be soft to the squeeze, but not too soft. Pop the stem off the end, the fruit underneath it should be bright, chartreuse green. If it’s black – put it back.

Use a fork to mash 5 – 6 avocados. Don’t ever blend it in a blender or food processor, you want guacamole to be a little chunky.

To the mashed avocado, simply add:

• The juice of a Lime
• A pinch of Salt
• Some Cracked Pepper
• A Crushed Garlic Clove
• Maybe, some Diced Onion (I hate raw onions)
• Some finely chopped Cilantro.

That’s it. Let the fresh flavor of the fruit shine through.

If you are one of those people who adds mayonnaise or Worcestershire to your guacamole………we can’t be friends.

One more excellent suggestion; Throw an avocado pit back into your finished guac. The pits excrete an enzyme that prevents the fruit from browning in the exposed air.

Taco Night in a Box

I know, how simple…and delicious.

Kinda wishing that someone would bring us one……

Anyhoo,

Welcome to our neighborhood guys! and Happy Taco Night!