Author: Lisa
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Smoky Enchilada Sauce
Homemade Enchilada Sauce You’ll Want to Put on Everything Once you try this smoky, made-from-scratch enchilada sauce—made with dried chiles, roasted garlic, and bold Mexican spices—you’ll wonder how you ever settled for store-bought. It’s freezer and canning-friendly, deeply flavorful, and perfect on everything from enchiladas to eggs. 🔥 Chilies Can Be Tricky… Trust Me, I’ve… Read more
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Black Beans: Instant Pot Recipe for Authentic Mexican Flavor
The humble bean…Beans have been a quintessential part of Mexican culture for millennia and can be traced back to 1500 BC and the Olmecs in the southern regions of Mexico. The Olmecs considered beans a gift from the Gods, and it is believed that they used them in religious ceremonies. The Aztecs used them as… Read more
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Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe: Fresh and Flavorful Mexican Salsa for Any Occasion
Cinco de Mayo was yesterday. I asked my neighbors if they normally had a celebration here, and learned this is not a holiday celebrated in Mexico. According to my Canadian neighbors, it is only celebrated in the US. But this is Mexico, so any reason for a party. I offered to bring my black beans,… Read more
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Sauce Soiree: My Fiery Attempt at Red Enchilada Sauce
Spicy Enchilada Rojo Sauce This is my first attempt at making one of the 3 sauces we enjoyed during our visit to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Where we had traditional Mexican dishes from the region. This was a FAIL for me. It was way too spicy for my taste. (Hence the name changes to spicy red… Read more
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A Flavorful Floral Journey: Vallarta Botanical Gardens
by Lisa Houck A day in the garden with scrumptious food—what more could a girl want? Now that we are settling into our hacienda for the coming year, we have decided to start exploring. I had heard about the award-winning gardens from fellow expats, so we loaded up the car and started the hour-long drive… Read more
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Welcome to my world of culinary exploration and preservation!
Have you ever bitten into a homemade pickle and wondered about the journey from garden to jar? This is where we unlock the secrets of flavors, diving deep into the rich tapestry of tastes that have shaped my life from the Midwest to the vibrant streets of Puerto Vallarta. It’s a place to discover, learn,… Read more
