Mexico 2009

Wow. Vacation is pure bliss. Especially when it's literally in paradise.

We snorkeled

beach bummed

swam

Explored

And Relaxed

It was wonderful, 5 days in Cozumel and then 7 in Playa del Carmen.





aaaahhhhh
and now the food....




Tons of tropical fruits and chips and guacamole. We ventured into town in both destinations to purchase items from the grocery store. Both hotels had kitchens...

Cozumel
Playa del Carmen

and dorm sized fridges, so we were set.






















My stash and Jon's :)

Including poolside homemade guac to go!

We went out to formal restaurants very seldom, but we had the best Ceviche in the world one night. We couldn't even control ourselves long enough to take a picture, here's a shot with a huge dent in it! Oh well, when in Mexico...









The best part, courtesy of a near pathological obsession on Jon's part, was Tacos al pastor. You can purchase these little babies at taquerias after about 7 pm. They are shaved off a giant roasting piece of meat, served with pineapple slices and assorted salsas. Holy moly! Heaven.






This was probably our favorite taqueria, although we frequented many. See the hunk of meat in the back. mmmm, Suzanne, do not drool on your computer!

We also visited really amazing marketplaces in the inner city portion of the town.



If you venture away from the beach, you get to see some really neat restaurants and shops that are used by the residents of the town. Including this stand (taqueria Molina) that some of Jon's extended family owns. NO one can ever eat too many tacos! Really a great place for a gluten free girl to travel. I printed allergy cards, and with the help of Jon we asked about wheat and beer used in marinades. I only encountered one taco filling I couldn't eat. Most foods are made with whole ingredients and almost exclusively 100% corn tortillas and chips. And good lord, its delicious.



Oh I can't wait to go back.!!!!!

I want to Salsa!

I hope this is where I am in 55 years! Thanks Linda, love you! Salsa!!!!

Sort of addicted.

I'm getting kind of addicted to these things. Someone stop me! I need to start cooking more!!!!! This one is courtesy of Angie. These one word answers are really the toughest.

The guidelines: Copy to your own blog/FB note/what-have-you, erase my answers, enter yours, and tag 10 people. Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. Your responses should be real; you'll receive no points for excessive "creativity"! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your own name for #3 or #4. Enjoy!

1. What is your name: Suzanne
2. A four letter word: snip
3. A boy's name: Steven
4. A girl's name: Sancia
5. An occupation: scientist
7. Something you wear: sweater
8. A food: sushi
9. Something found in the bathroom: soap
10. A place: Slovakia
11. A reason for being: support
12. Something you shout: SCORE
13. A movie title: Spaceballs
14. Something you drink: sangria
15. A musical group: Something Corporate
16. An animal: squirrel
17. A street name: Summit
18. A type of car: sedan
19. A song title: Somewhere over the rainbow
20. A verb: squirm

If you read this, give it a go!

Where is your cell phone?.......arm rest
Your father? ........ strange and wonderful
Your favorite thing? .........rhubarb
Your dream last night?.... bloody stool
Your favorite drink? ......... diet coke
Your dream/goal? .......... happiness
The room you are in? ...... living room
Your fear? ..... loneliness
Where do you want to be in 6 years? ...fellowship
Muffins? ... poppy seed
One of your wish list items?....bedspread
Where you grew up? ........ IGH
The last thing you did? ..... relaxed
What are you wearing?..... pjs
Your TV?......... bravo
Your pets? ......possessed
Your computer? ... functioning
Your life? ....... happening
Your mood? ..... anticipating
Missing someone? .... yep
Your car? ..... dirty
Favorite store?..... target
Your summer? ..... so fantastic
Your favorite color? ...... purple
When is the last time you laughed? ...today, oh that man that hit his head then turned totally yellow? yeah, bahahahha
Last time you cried? .......last week
Three people who email me? ..... mom mom u of m
Three of my favorite foods? ........ Parmesan cheese, ketchup, lime
Three places I would rather be right now?..... germany, egypt, mexico
Three people I think will respond? ...... mom, yeah, we'll see.

Mangoliscious

Cocktail recipe!

My very first ever cocktail creation. I know. I'm seriously a big deal. I have been buying mango juice quite often lately, as it's so cheap in the ethnic food aisle of cub. Man, I really have to compliment Midway cub for their variety vs almost any supermarket I have tried. This GF girly is in luck! So, anyway, funky juices are usually about 85 cents. I have tamarind juice in the fridge right now, chilling up for breakfast! I had been buying mango juice on a fairly regular basis, and decided to try making a fruity cocktail. I must say, I did well! You will be able to tell by my recipe however, I have no future in bar tending.

The Mangoliscious
Lots of ice
Some clear rum, not too much
A big pour of mango juice (store the rest in a recycled PB jar for tomorrow!)
Fill the glass to the top with Ginger ale.
Stir, and sip the sweetness!

Even George was curious. But you know what they say... He's only 2, not even close to legal!

Keep your fingers crossed!