I haven't forgotten.

My life has become a little more settled lately so I'm ready to get on with my life and normal things.

I promise to update you soon. It's been quite a roller coaster ride but we got through it, we're ok and moving on.

See you very soon!

I'm Back, I'm Healthy and Now I'm A Texan

It's been a tumultuous year since I posted over a year ago.  We are now north of San Antonio. I'll explain it all real soon, but I don't want to talk about that today.  I'd rather share my recipe for Cream Cheese and Jalapeno tamales.

I started making tamales a few years back because I spent a fortune buying them so I decided to teach myself so I can have an endless supply. The first time I had cream cheese and jalapeno tamales (or any tamale at all) was Delia's tamales in Mission TX.  Everyone knows and loves their tamales, just ask any Texan. Mine don't compare, but I take great pleasure in spending the day making them. I also make traditional pork tamales, but these are by far my favorite!

Let's get started:

You will need basic ingredients such as lard (shortening will do, but not as authentic), corn husks, cream cheese and jalapenos.  You can season the masa with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder or even taco seasoning mix.  

Soak the corn husks in warm water for about 1/2 hour until softened.  Since they float, weight them down with something heavy so they remain submerged. Like a can or brick wrapped in foil

While the husks are soaking, make the masa.  Mix equal amounts of masa harina and warm stock or water (I used about 4 cups), and your seasonings.  I used 1tsp baking powder,1 Tbl garlic powder, 1 Tbl paprika, 1 Tbl chili powder. Use your imagination! The masa should be the consistency of peanut butter. Add more masa harina or broth to get the right consistency.

Now make the filling. I used 2 blocks of cream cheese, 3 large jalapenos and 1/2 large onion.  I chopped the jalapenos and onion in a hand chopper then add the cream cheese. I don't remove the seeds from the peppers because that's where all the heat is! Of course you might feel differently so the seeds can be removed. Use gloves, trust me. Mix well.

Now it's time to assemble.  Place your bowl of masa, filling and soaked husks within easy reach.  Spoons are handy and a masa spreader is helpful. Work on a cutting board, easier to clean up.  A large plate to hold all your 

delicious tamales!

Here's how to assemble:

Pick a husk and dry it off with a clean towel. 

Spread masa on the husk. You can use a masa spreader or the back of a wet spoon. Spread the husk out so you cover the folds too. Don't spread the masa to the side edges since you'll waste a lot when you roll them up.   Place filling in the center.

To roll, fold the husk so the masa meets, then roll it up tightly.  Fold the bottom up and tie with a strip of husk (it's pretty strong). I tie my tamales because the are more manageable and don't unfold while steaming.    

Pack them upright in a tall pot with a steamer in the bottom. This prevents the tamales from touching the water.  Place a couple pennies in the pot.  If they stop rattling, you know you need to add more water.  

When the water starts boiling, turn heat down to medium low and steam for 2 hours.
Remove lid to let tamales cool.  Remove and eat immediately (!) or freeze them if you have restraint.  Enjoy! 

A Pause for Awhile

I haven't posted lately but I haven't forgotten you! I'll pick up where I left off last fall, but for now, we are parked while Shel receives medical treatment in San Antonio TX. We were in Rockport TX and were convinced to come to San Antonio for the hospitals, doctors and support system. So we've been here since May 1 and expect to be here awhile. 

Whatever it takes, I'm here for the duration. 

see you soon

In Path of Totality 2017 Eclipse Ashton ID

August 21 2017
Eclipse, Ashton ID

We extended our stay a couple times in Idaho, the first time to stay for the eclipse.  We were in the direct path of the eclipse so we had to stay to see this once-in-a-lifetime event.  I spent the weeks before ordering special glasses and camera filter.

I learned to drive.....for real this time, not just a class

The very next day I shattered my elbow while walking to the laundry room, extending our stay once again.

We watched the eclipse, an amazing experience.  

Diamond Ring

It got incredibly cold when it got dark! 

See you soon! 

Clouds, Idaho

While we were in Ashton ID, we saw the most amazing clouds. 

Enjoy!

                    

Next up, eclipse!

Upper and Lower Mesa Falls ID

May 31, 2017
Mesa Falls ID

One day we visited Upper and Lower Mesa Falls.  It was only about 15 miles from where we were staying,  It's a perfect day trip but take plenty of bug spray!  

There are wood steps and walkways down to the falls.  You can hear the roaring falls as you get closer.  Asyou can see, the steps and platforms are quite close to the water.

We had the best views of the falls, up close. 

Mesa Falls were stunning!

Yellowstone! 2017

  

May 16 - 21, 2017

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is the 1st National Park, with 2.2 million acres with hot springs and majestic mountains to wildlife, rivers and lakes.   

We stayed at Fishing Bridge which requires hard sided vehicles because, bears. The closer (and higher) we went, the more snow we saw. 

The park is overwhelming. 

If I can revisit any place I've been, this would be it.

We were snowed in the second day and lost water and electric, but  fortunately we are self-contained so we were snug and warm. They had the roads cleared by the next mid-morning, so we were on our way to explore.

Hot springs everywhere!

 

We were lucky to see Old Faithful erupt before we left.

Scenery

 

   

Animals, Lowlands

  

I tried to find the most memorable pictures to post.  After awhile I just started putting up pictures becauseI have so many great shots.

We spent the summer of 2017 in Idaho, so there are lots more pictures of our adventures. Hint: the Eclipse, St Anthony dunes, Mesa Falls, to name a few.