This isn’t quite what Lake Tahoe looks like at the moment (for one thing, there’s no snow) but it has always been a peaceful place for me to visit and spend some time there.
If you can’t go there, fear not, for you can find your own sense of calm and peace with the recipes below.
- Shred luncheon meat onto a large plate using a cheese grater.
- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add shredded luncheon meat; cook and stir until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Cook and stir until luncheon meat is evenly seasoned and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat to low to keep warm.
- Spray another skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Place 1 tortilla in the skillet and cook until heated through, about 30 seconds per side. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Top warm tortillas with luncheon meat, lettuce, Cheddar cheese, olives, tomato, and onion.
This quinoa salad is also cooling, and can be adapted for vegetarians or vegan cooking. I don’t know if quinoa salad would go well with spam tacos, but perhaps someone is adventurous enough to try? :)
- Bring the water, bouillon cubes, and garlic to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in the quinoa, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Discard the garlic clove and scrape the quinoa into a large bowl.
- Gently stir the chicken, onion, bell pepper, olives, feta cheese, parsley, chives, and salt into the quinoa. Drizzle with the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Stir until evenly mixed. Serve warm or refrigerate and serve cold.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
I enjoy eating chickpeas, but never considered combining them with pasta to make a salad. This sounds like it would be more filling than a regular pasta salad, since the chickpeas add some volume and “nutty” flavor.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to chill.
- In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium low heat. Add the olives, oregano, parsley, scallions and chickpeas. Cook over low for about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl toss the pasta with the chickpea mixture. Ad the vinegar, grated cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Let sit in refrigerator overnight. When ready to serve taste for seasoning and add more vinegar, olive oil and salt and pepper if desired.
I often feel like having an Old Fashioned when I need to relax — but any drink will do, really.
- Muddle the sugar with the Angostura bitter and soda water in a lowball glass.
- Fill the glass with ice and add the bourbon.
- The Old Fashioned can be served with bourbon or normal whiskey.
Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
- Bring all of the ingredients to the boil, then allow it to cool.
- Pour the cordial into a sterile bottle and serve in a tall glass with loads of ice, soda water and fresh mint.
- For a kick add a splash or two of vodka.
Passionfruit Cordial
A peaceful day also involves resting. Here are some videos to help accomplish that.