We Like it Hot!

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Oh Boy! I don’t know if this is happening to you guys but my hubby is taking so much advantage of this competition…he has a list of requests all the time. And he always tries to include some dish that he is craving into my posts. This week he completely brain washed me to make fish tacos. He is crazy about Mexican food, so much so, that sometimes I think that he is actually Mexican. LoL… So I didn’t have much of a choice here I just had to give in. Now about this challenge… First I would like to thank all of you Lovelies that voted for me. You all have a special place in my heart. So Challenge #4 is Picture perfect…I’m not much of a “pro” to give tips about photography…I’m learning on the way. But I think the best way is to start with the freshest ingredients you can put you hands on, not only for the looks but also for the flavor. I knew absolutely nothing about photography before I started this blog but necessity made me learn a few tricks and here they are:

• A good camera is important but not as important as a good lens.
• The most crucial thing for a good picture I think is natural light.
• Avoid the use of a flash directed at the food; the result will be too harsh.
• I never over cook the food I’m going to photograph, let’s face it…mushy is not that attractive. Even though there are some amazing photographers out there that would make mush look good, I’m not there yet, sigh*.
• And I always save some greens for garnish to fresh it up a bit.

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Tomato Salsa

Ingredients:

• 2-3 medium sized fresh tomatoes stems removed, finely diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño chili pepper (stems, ribs, seeds removed), finely diced
• 1 Serrano chili pepper (stems, ribs, seeds removed), finely diced
• Juice of one lime
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

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• Start with chopping up 2 medium sized fresh tomatoes.

• Prepare the chilies. Be very careful while handling these hot peppers. If you can, avoid touching them with your hands. Use a fork to cut up the chilies over a small plate, or use a paper towel to protect your hands. (And I’m telling you all that because I didn’t do it and my hands were on fire for the all evening).

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• Have everything ready to go.

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• Combine all of the ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Let sit for an hour for the flavors to combine.

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Hand Hacked Guacamole

Ingredients:

• 1 Ripe tomato, finely chopped
• 2 Tbs. diced red onion
• 2 Jalapeno chilies, finely chopped
• 1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
• 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 2 large avocados, preferably Haas
• 2 Tbs. finely minced fresh cilantro

For the garnish:

• 1 Tbs. small fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 Tbs. finely chopped red onion
• 1 Tbs. finely chopped ripe tomato

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• Put the tomato, onion, chilies, lime juice, garlic and the 1/2 tsp. salt in a molcajete or small bowl, and smash with a pestle or fork to a coarse paste.

• Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits and scoop the flesh into the tomato mixture. Add the minced cilantro and mix and mash, leaving some lumps.

• Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt. If you want, sprinkle the guacamole with any or all of the garnishes and serve immediately, if possible.

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Hubby’s Favorite Fish Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 pound white flaky fish, such as Mahi Mahi, Monk Fish or Tilapia
• 1/4-cup canola oil
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 jalapeno, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 4 flour tortillas

Garnish:

• Shredded purple cabbage
• Mexican Crema or Sour Cream
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Chopped cilantro leaves
• Tomato Salsa

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place fish in a medium size dish. Whisk together the oil, lime juice, jalapeno, and cilantro and pour over the fish. Let marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. Place the tortillas on the grill and grill for 20 seconds each side and set aside.

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• Remove the fish from the marinade place onto a hot grill, flesh side down. Grill the fish for 4 minutes on the first side and then flip for 30 seconds and remove. Let rest for 5 minutes

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• Divide the fish among the tortillas and garnish with any or all of the garnishes.

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