I used to adore going out to dinner. LOVED it! Mr. Virgo ruined that for me. After spending the majority of his working life in the food and beverage industry, restaurants held no allure for him. He “inspected” every place we ate. He pointed out infractions. He critiqued menus. And don’t get me started about what happened when the food arrived. Let’s just say, sleeping in hotels and dining in restaurants have lost their allure for me as well. 

Don’t get me wrong…I’ve eaten at some fabulous restaurants and eaten some amazing food by renowned chefs. It’s just that…I’m a pretty darned good cook and I can make just about anything as good as, if not better than some restaurants and I don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for the experience. I can have the food cooked, the kitchen clean, and sitting with my feet up in the time it takes us to just drive to a restaurant given where we live. I’d rather do it myself.

Mr. FixIt’s birthday was the first week of February. His son and family have been after us ever since to meet for supper, but every time they asked, it rained and we have to be here to mop up the basement if it leaks. It’s just not worth it to go then spend four hours mopping up. When they called this week, I asked them to just come here. They arrived last night and I had a Taco Fiesta lined up on the bar in the kitchen.

Seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and onions, jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream and your choice of soft or crispy shells. We had Key Lime Pie for dessert. There was plenty left over for at least two more meals. The entire thing, including a 12-pack of soft drinks cost $45. You couldn’t get two meals for that at a nice restaurant. I know the food that was in it. And I know the kitchen and my hands were clean and free of diseases. 

I’m older now…I don’t need as much fru fru as I once thought I needed. The truth is, I didn’t need it when I had it. I just got in the habit. I have to say, the avocados right now are perfect. So many times you get them and they are hard as a rock but these were perfect and blemish free. Making homemade guacamole is a cinch. 

GINNY’S GUACAMOLE

4 ripe avocados

1/2 cup shredded onion

1 large tomato, cubed

Juice of 1 lime

1-2 tsp minced garlic

Salt to taste

Halve avocados, remove pit, and scoop out flesh into medium bowl. Add onion, tomato, and garlic. Squeeze lime halves over avocado mixture. Fold ingredients together till gently combined. Season to taste with salt.

If storing for any length of time, place one of the avocado pits in the bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate till needed. (The pit keeps the guacamole from turning brown.) Serve with tortilla chips as an appetizer or top off your tacos with a generous spoonful.

A lot better…and cheaper…than anything you can get in a restaurant!

❤️

“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.”

Ecclesiastes 9:7 NIV