Are We There Yet? (October)

Someone wake me when it’s October, please; preferably the latter half of October.

I’m sorry- is my slightly Northern upbringing is showing? I do appear to wilt sometime between the beginning and the middle of August, depending on the severity of the heat. It was 101 today, and I am beginning to wonder where I am going to get the motivation to plan the fall garden.

As we move into the “Dog Days” of August, my household seems to s-l-o-w down to the bare minimum of activity. We (yes, the kids as well) spend more time in the AC and less time outside…it’s like a summer hibernation that we experience in the worst of the heat- makes sense I guess. It mirrors the winter hibernation.

Cooking is sorta “experience non grata”…even walking the dog is a CHORE, and if Mr. Wilson wants to go out-and-about on the weekend, well…let’s just say he’d better have his ducks in a row to:

A. Convince me it’s worth leaving the AC.

B. Have something fabulous planned.

C. Involve active and hearty alcohol consumption.

D. SEE A.

Even The Fabulous Earl is still more often than not. ..and that takes some doing.

But the kids still have to eat. At least that’s what we tell them. Truly, some nights I’d be satisfied with an apple and a salad, and a final cuppa coffee after 9 P.M.

Lately I’ve been obsessed craving had a taste for Taco Bell, so I decided on this Drive-Thru Alternative for tonight’s meal... because even though it's Sunday, I have no ambition- NONE- to cook. Delicious, easy to prepare, and quick, and healthy… I’m gearing up for 30 days of “clean” eating later this month, so I’m beginning to simplify our meals and shopping lists. More on that next week…I do, however, plan to rock it out at a little French café next weekend!

Hey- a woman has to do what a woman has to do, right?

Everyone stay cool (seriously) and just say “NO” to Humidity Hair.

Bain sult as! (Enjoy!)

Heat a large cast iron skillet on high. Add tomatoes to skillet and turn occasionally, until tomatoes are charred on all sides- about 10 minutes. Cool slightly on plate. Cut in 1/2 crosswise, squeeze to discard seeds. Chop remaining pulp and skins; set aside.

Add 1 teaspoon oil to the pan, heat on high. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and no longer pink in center, about 5 minutes. Transfer to plate.

Reduce heat to medium and add remaining oil. Saute onions and cook until softened, add garlic and jalapenos, cook for an additional minute. Add lime juice, chicken, and tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and add cilantro and scallions. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover to keep warm.

Spoon filling into warm tortillas, roll up and serve with sour cream and lime wedges.

Hanging Out With the Cool Kids...

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J.C. Wilson on Facebook (My wonderful, super duper, lawn mowin', pitbull savin', petition signature getting M.A.N.!)