Sunday, July 24, 2011

Homemade Tamales

I never thought I would make my own tamales. It's such an authentic food and I've always been told that it's a time consuming process. So, I just figured, eh, I'll buy them when I feel like it and that's all I can do.

But then my son decided he really like them. If he's decided to order a large meal at a Mexican restaurant, he's likely to order a cheese enchilada and a tamale.

I like to make things for those I love, hence the freshly made tamales in my kitchen right now. I'm feeling vindicated because these are without question the best tamales we've ever eaten.

Thank you, Allrecipes for the base recipes that I modified. 

Tamale recipe used for the masa (cornmeal portion).
Recipe for slow cooker carnitas (pork), modified by adding about 8-10 slightly crushed juniper berries.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Life in High Speed

This year has been a blur.

I started with a new company last year, and have been really enjoying getting to know all about the company and my coworkers. There has been an incredible jump in my social life because of the new friends I've been making - and I've loved it!

A few new things I've done this year:

Shooting - At the range, lots of different handguns including revolvers and semi-automatics, up to a .44!). I have even purchased my own, which I love. She's my baby.

Argentine Tango - I've just taken one class, but since it's dance lessons in general that I love, I can really see going back some more. I need a new pair of shoes though. Any excuse to buy new shoes, I like. :)

Traveled to New Orleans - An amazing trip, with amazing people. Had a fantastic time enjoying the food and the sights. I can't wait to go back. Hurricanes, Muffalettas, the Garden District...

Traveled to Wisconsin - Land of the cheese curds and sturgeon spear fishing. My work has offices there and I went out for some training. It was great to meet my coworkers and showed me how invaluable it is to get to know people face-to-face.

And a few things coming up:

My first lone road trip - My son and I will be going camping at the Great Sand Dunes and then checking out Santa Fe. Can't wait, it should be a blast!

Georgetown Visit - Today I'm heading up to one of our small mountain mining towns in Colorado. Should be fun!

Gambling in the Colorado Mountains (?) - I haven't checked out any of our little (and few) gambling communities here in Colorado, but I want to! Just to play a few slots and maybe a few hands of poker or blackjack.

Back to school - I'm heading back after a nice summer off to continue working on my bachelor's degree in business. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel and I have some new motivation to get my classes finished in the next year and a half (my work is giving me a great opportunity to develop my HR/recruiting skills).

The only thing that I'd like to be able to add to this year would be meeting the right guy! Crossing my fingers and hoping (beyond hope) that I'll be lucky enough to meet a nice guy that fits my personality. In the meantime, though, I've got lots on my plate and will have no problem keeping busy!