Loving Loyola's

I like to think I know good food. I work in a fine dining (for Albuquerque) restaurant, I am not shy about trying new and interesting (sometimes eclectic and scary) food trends, and I love to eat. The only food that I can think of off the top of my head that I truly dislike, is meatloaf. Why? Who knows. It cannot be the meat, I love meat. Perhaps it's the loaf; however, I really don't mind loafs. Obviously, it has to be the combo of meat into loaf form. Whatever, this blog isn't about stinkin' meatloaf!

In addition to loving food, I love going out to eat. Specifically, I enjoy Mexican (New Mexican) food. Green chili, red chili, beans and rice, pork, pork, pork, and tortillas. Living in NM, I have had the opportunity to try almost every (New) Mexican joint in town. Well, a handful of them, anyway. I have had the pleasure of eating chips and salsa at Sadie's, enjoying soft chicken tacos with green chili at Cecilia's, Margaritas at Cervantes. Crashing a wedding at El Pinto, only to enjoy their carne adovada was superb. Lunching at Frontier for their South West hash browns, while taking the grandparents to Casa de Benevidez for an early dinner is nothing new. I have seen almost every table at Los Cuates, and traveled to Mary and Tito's. To say that I am uneducated in good NM food would be as false as Pamela Anderson's tits. Excuse me, breasts.

Unfortunately, I am overly prone to stomach problems. Just looking at me wrong can make my tummy hurt. Furthermore, I am convinced all of my problems stem from the food I eat. So, unless I stick to boiled chicken and white rice, yours truly is a gastro-abdominal (Is this a word?) mess. Self diagnostics have confirmed that I was/am lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, caffeine intolerant, veggie intolerant, hipster intolerant, and so on. I own everything from Beano, to Pepto, peppermint pills and pro-biotics. I take Yucult, Chinese herbs, Imodium, and Gas X. Specifically, the one 'style' of food that truly angers my insides is spicy (New) Mexican food. Murphy's Law states, naturally, that the one food I dearly love will be my demise. In order for me to take the risk and consume some of this often craved delicious staple, strict stipulations are in order. I cannot work or have anything important to do later that day. There are to be no immediate road trips or activities where I am in close quarters with others for long periods of time after consumption. And I definitely cannot be without a couch, for lying down in the fetal position in mid afternoon is best completed on a couch. Normally, the only time these guidelines may be broken are in the case of a true hangover. Nothing is better for such a circumstance than good, greasy (New) Mexican food.

Yesterday, I had amazing food!

No, I was not hungover. Just hungry. A lazy Sunday morning of house hunting and cruising the city made for a very large appetite. The Man and I usually have the same round-about conversation every time we decide on eating out:

me-'where do you wanna eat?'
man-'It's up to you.'
me-'well, what are you in the mood for?'
man-'anything, I'm just hungry.'
me-'I can't decide...'
man-'how about Chinese?'
me-'ugh, no, it's Sunday morning, I don't want Chinese in the morning'
man-'okay, sandwiches then.'
me-'uhhh, no, that doesn't sound good either'
man-'well, you pick then!'
me-'i don't know....are you in the mood for anything in particular???'
man-'arrghhhh!!!'

True, yesterday could have continued on that path, yet, we were in the right place at the right time. I didn't have any standing plans later in the afternoon, we were starving, and (New) Mexican food appealed to us like it was the answers to all of our problems. After hearing a few friends rave about a local restaurant, Loyola's, The Man and I decided to try it on.

This place fit like the perfect pair of jeans. At twenty till noon, on a Sunday, it was packed. Lines for a table were 6 people deep, as was the line for the register. Old family photos adorned the wall and the turquoise and peach color scheme screamed 1991! Loyola's, however, was clean! Perhaps we were 7th in line for a table, but we didn't wait more than 4 minutes. The service was as friendly as it was attentive; I never saw the bottom of my coffee mug! The special for that day was Tamalitas- small pork tamales. Accompanying my pork filled masa cakes were re-fried beans and Spanish rice. I chose to smother it all in green chili and to get a side of red, as well. I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!

1. The beans were the perfect amount of creaminess to sodium. Melt in your mouth re-fried beans. With cheese on top.
2. The rice was not overly saucy, but had the right amount of spice.
3. Green chili. Not creamy. It was chopped green chili with FLAVOR! (Pork to be exact)
4. Red chili. Perfect heat. (I like it hot). Not grainy, just smooth spicy red chili.
5. Portions- big enough to fill you up for days!

Even better yet, no stomach pain later that afternoon. Weekend brunch for moi almost always consists of mimosas and bloody Marys. To be honest, I don't really like having brunch sans booze. (Maybe I have a problem). Eating at Loyola's yesterday, changed my mind. After ingesting my way all over New Mexico, (Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Cuba, Portales, Farmington, Raton, Santa Fe, and even Tucumcari), I can proclaim my whole hearted love for Loyola's and their scrumptious food. It was everything I wanted out of (New) Mexican food and more. And on the way out, I saw a little girl eating a corn dog, my first and all time favorite food. Clearly, this place wins in my book!

Ladies and Beans...Now That's Lethal

Dinner parties, frat parties, costume parties... none are as terrific as the good ole Ladies' Night. No, I am not referring to false lashes and glitter, with mile high heels and secret short mini skirts. I'm talking about girls, food, wine...maybe even sweat pants. And just last night, I fashioned a Ladies Night of my own.

About a week ago, I decided to have the girls over for some well needed food and vino time. Originally, other than wanting to hang out with some spectacular gal pals, I wanted to cook a massive amount of food and bake a ridiculous dark-chocolate-salty-caramel 6 layer cake. As can almost be expected, the latter did not happen; and other than cooking the BEST BEAN DIP, placing assorted cheeses, crackers, and veggies on the table, there was no cooking. A poorly planned morning off, combined with time consuming blogging, left no fudge room (mmm, fudge), for lavish home cooked delicacies.

The true master piece of the evening, besides the purchased $3.99 white wine, was the Bean Dip. I've made this for years, and almost every time, I alter the ingredients a tad. Previously, there have been whole garlic cloves embedded deep within the concoction. On other occasions, I have assembled a freshly grated cheese medley complete with chopped fresh jalapeños and onions. It was last night however, that the Dip took a turn for the best. A secret ingredient that I have previously professed my love for was introduced into the mix. I was not raised to be stingy, therefore, I am going to share this recipe with the blog world.

It should be noted that this dish is not very healthy, hence making it delicious!

Best Bean Dip.

You will need:
-2 cans 14.5 oz ea. re fried beans. (I used spicy jalapeño beans)
-1 can 14.5 oz black beans. (drained)
- ~ 2 c grated cheese, preferably Mexican blend
- 3-4 garlic cloves, chopped, minced, whole, what ever you like. (I like minced)
- ~ 10 jalapeño slices from the jar. Make sure they are pickled and spicy. (chop those suckers up)
-16 oz sour cream
-1 1/2 c salsa (your choice, I like NM's Sadies Salsa, HOT)
-Hidden Valley Original Ranch Packet (weapon of mass destruction)
-cilantro (mostly for pretty)
- baking dish, 9x9

What you do:
-pre heat oven to 350 degrees
-in baking dish, mix beans, chopped garlic, jalapeños, some cheese, and any other seasoning you want.
-in sour cream container, add Ranch Packet and mix well. (This is the newest invention. In the past, I have just used plain old sour cream, yet the ranch flavor adds a pizazz that my taste buds could barley handle.)
-spread a layer of the ranch cream on top of the beans, approx 3/4 to 1/2 cup. (reserve the rest for EVERYTHING else in your life that requires dip.)
-on top of cream, spread your layer of salsa
-top with cheese, enough to fully cover the surface, and bake for 20 mins, or until cheese bubbles.
-remove from oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve warm.

There is definitely room for add- ins... black olives, onions, soul seasoning, green chili, the works. I happen to have some very lovely, but very picky friends- indeed sticking to the basics was paramount. And when your friends leave you with too much left over dip, put it in a tortilla the next day and burrito-it-up. For a high protein breakfast (I think), warm a spoonful of dip stove-top and add an egg. Get creative. Be warned again, the dip, though could be made from scratch with crock pot beans, fresh and organic veggies, and local cheese, is not healthy. Using canned beans and jarred jalapeños mixed with full fat ranch sour cream is not calorie cutting. But anything with that much sodium and love always tastes scrumptious.

So ladies, thank you for allowing me to cook/prepare food for you. A joyous night of eating laughing, and reminiscing was so enjoyed.

And ladies, apologize to your men, for beans have a mean idea of revenge!!!!

Gettin' Fit on the Ranch

While cleaning off my refrigerator the other day, I began uncovering layers of old shopping lists, Christmas announcement photos and business cards. The product consuming the most real estate on the fridge front, however, were dozens of random recipes written on napkins, scraps of notebook paper, old paper bags, and even one written in red lip liner. (Slut). The majority of these creations I have already tested on unwilling suspects; (mom, dad, and man lover), and oddly enough most of which were fairly delicious. I have a few 'go-to-recieps' for any and all occasions that are stored upstairs; all are simple and have rotating ingredients depending on what I can get my hands on. (You'd be surprised to find I am actually NOT Greek, considering the amount of lemon, olive oil, and garlic I add to ever dish I prepare...yes, even dessert). But I have to say, it is the homemade ranch dressing that swoops in and steals the gold medal.

***Note*** I am fully prepared to accept all responsibility for the following statement- This ranch dominates all other ranch dressings. (Possibly even that of a scrumptious, kinda-local New Mexico pizza joint).

While in college, my roommate (still one of my best friends) and I would consume this condiment by the gallon. We began living together during the second semester of our sophomore year, right after winter break, and right before spring break. Being that time of year, we were in all-out-get-in-tip-top-shape for bikini season mode. She and I routinely found ourselves at the gym, visited the tanning bed just as often, and obviously began "eating healthy." To us, "healthy" consisted of incorporating cucumbers doused in this "healthy" homemade ranch dressing, and chasing our (cheap) vodka shots with pickle juice, rather than soda.

Who were we kidding? Small modifications to our debaucherious lifestyles were obviously not aiding us into sexy swimwear in any way. Sure, We went to the tanning bed, yet, I took the time to shield most of my moles with shapely stickers. (After a season of fake baking, I appeared to be another race, but I also had small pale dolphins and stars glowing on my back). True, we could be seen at the gym every day, nevertheless, laying on the floor, using a medicine ball as a pillow while flirting with the 'oops' I later made, doesn't necessarily count as exercise, either. And that ranch dressing...

I am not exactly sure why we were under the influence of thinking that we were eating healthy. The magical ranch dressing that I swear by is none other than Hidden Valley's Original Ranch Dressing Mix. With one cup of milk, (Must be whole milk, don't cheat yourself outta this), one cup of mayonnaise (do NOT use any low-fat or organic shit), and one packet of said Ranch Mix, get to mixxin' refridgeratin' and eatin' !!!

Roomie and I didn't stop at salads and veggies, that sexy sauce went on everything. Quiche, tacos, eggs, generic brand Saltines, you name it. Perhaps it was our 'cheesecake' that brought all the boys to the yard that semester and not our 'milkshake,' but we didn't care. It was the best semester because we were tan, 'in shape,' and we had that damn ranch dressing.

To this day, I continue to imbibe on the sacred concoction, yet, I find myself utilizing it in moderation. Apparently 'gettin' chunky' and that dressing have some sort of affiliation.

Though expressing my gratitude towards Ranch Dressing seems like something you'd find on an Adam Sandler Album, I am proud to say I do own one of his CD's and would give praise, as he sang "Ode to my Car," to the ever delectable do-it-yourself Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing!

I highly suggest everyone make it TONIGHT!

Lemme Get my Wax on

Very recently, I have become enthralled with a little ditty called "Pinterest.com" Over Thanksgiving, my boyfriend's brother's wife, also known as Mrs. P in this blog, mentioned the site to me. It made sense and sounded intriguing, however, by the time I made it a point to become familiar with this virtual pin board, the idea had already escaped my mind. Thankfully, Kathy Lee Gifford, slurred something mentioning Pinterest recently while hula hooping on the Today Show. (Good one, 4th segment). That for me, was the beginning of the end.

Upon entering the .com idea of a high school cork board, I was welcomed with everything you could imagine. Recipes for chocolate chip cookie-dough brownies, Gucci peep toe booties on sale, websites featuring DIY everything from living room painting to specific brush-stroke-techniques to ensure maximum paint coverage. There are hair tutorials, nail painting tutorials, how-to-tie-a-tie tutorials....and if you like it, you "pin it." Since I'm obviously behind on conforming to most (duh, not all, I do recognize that I am blogging) social media forums, (Facebook, wha?!?), I have not taken up on creating my personal board; though, I truly enjoy seeing everything "pinned" on there. Like using your friends email and password to Facebook stalk old fatties you went to high school with. (No, silly, I don't do that).

(Honestly, while referencing the page for accurate information, I find myself logging on to a "how-to-apply-silver-eye shadow- properly" link...WTF, addicting)!

Even more than Parmesan baked broccoli or crock pot chicken tacos, I found something so alluring that I was compelled to take action and attempt. Yup, I'm going to make my own candles! Sure, purchasing ready made wax lights might be cheaper, less time consuming, and perhaps even smell better. It does concern me that the potential to burn my home or my cat down is higher. But c'mon, why spend fifty cents on 3 votives when I can spend almost 40 dollars on supplies that may lead me to make my own candle. (No, it's not pluralized...just.one.candle).

So on my day off, this gal went in search of tools. I have imagined this house smelling of warm vanilla sugar and seeing ivory candles placed everywhere. Bathroom, kitchen, nightstand- you name it, I have IMAGINED candles on it. (Clearly, I also envision living in a pristine white mansion). While sifting through every product the craft store entertained me with, I stumbled upon an actual candle making isle. (So, maybe this is more of a popular idea then it was first conceived to be). Even better, while choosing between wax, (either flake or brick) and wick size, (who knew bigger isn't always better), I drop my gaze to the very bottom shelf. Low and behold there is a freaking candle making kit- complete with the wicks, container, wax, dye, magical scent, and special pouring pot!!! Shiver me timbers, I almost squealed like a small child on Christmas.

Walking to the cash register, the novelty of candle making seemed wear off a tad. The thought of so many people already doing this (so many that they actually have a damn kit for this stuff) tainted my buzz; just a bit. Perhaps the initial buzz kill came from the display of candles piled a mile high on clearance by the check-out counter. Do I really just have a craving to boil wax? All of this, nevertheless allowed me to conclude that I don't care. I'm going to make the hell out of some candles, and maybe I'll even quilt a blanket afterwards, before adopting 6 more cats and going to bed at 7 pm.

This will go on my 'Do Something New Everyday' list...(that I will begin after I make candles, naturally). At least I've taken away some saucy recipes for dinner from the Internet collage board. The boyfriend sure does love a woman who can cook- now we just have to find him a woman who can clean!