This is the Day of the Expanding Man

Freddy, who ran our favorite Mexican Food Truck, aptly named Freddy's Food Truck, retired to focus on his art, but will from time to time pitch a sidewalk tent nearby to sell homemade salsas and these tamales.  

Pictured with my homemade tacos, was half of a sweet peppery pork tamal.  His wife seasons the meat and tops with a roasted red, slightly sweetened pepper sauce. These were wrapped in banana leaves.  I admit, I am a bigger fan of corn husks because it's all about the corny masa for me.  But they also must have the right ratio of filler to masa in order to be extraordinary.  There's nothing worse than a thick dry lackluster tamal.  These were really good. I'll compare them to a surprisingly tasty ham and pineapple pizza when you really wanted pepperoni and mushroom. 

Stewed Chicken Tacos

No matter the filling, I'm a huge fan of the Test Kitchen way of taco'ing.  You need a ripping hot oven. Paint oil on your corn tortillas on both sides, cheese the bottom with your choice of melty cheese for 10 minutes (450) on a baking tray, then top them quickly before folding.  They are crispy, crunchy and the best part is you can make them all at once and serve right away.  I'm just realizing you could bean and cheese your Tostadas using this method and leave for another minute or so before topping.   What a time saver!  

I Will Be Loosened From Bonds That Hold Me Fast

St Patty's Irish Lamb Stew

I'll admit, I feel terrible for eating lamb.  We do eat eggs, which are technically baby chickens, so if you're ready to put on your judgy-mcjudgement hat, let's just take a moment to reflect.  After years on the east coast, Greek diners have lured me into eating this delicious meat but seldom have I ever made it at home and could count on my hands how many times in life I have partaken.  In San Francisco I recall being at the age where wearing fur and eating lamb could bring on violent acts against you, by me even.  The Smith's, Meat is Murder blaring from a cheap cassette player while trolling the Union Square area, down the street from my Tenderloin dwelling.  Those days are gone.  However, apparently, I still suffer from massive guilt from the symbolic and biblical meaning this incredibly adorable animal represents.  This stew was very special and healthier than a huge corned beef rack to celebrate the St Patrick's Day holiday and I assure you, nothing went to waste.  

As we age, we naturally eat less meat (or we're supposed to) and as farm raised, grass fed, free roaming meats are harder to afford, vegetarians we all might become. 

Cabbage Forward Chicken Vegetable Soup
And making the stew gave an excuse to use all the extra vegetables and to make a cabbage-forward chicken and vegetable soup.  If you're chopping up vegetables, why not make a second pot of something?  

Another fun idea was these Cheddar-nut Crackers that were full of butter and cheese, so there was little to not like about them.  I would freeze a roll to make for a second occasion like I did here, which made them even more special.  

Makin' Love Out of Nothing at All

We always have leftover curry sauce from take out, so I used that as my sauce for a quick ground turkey, vegetable stir fry to serve over left over rice.

Sometimes, these odd leftovers can become the best tasting because they are unexpected.  I only had red peppers, celery, chick peas, red onion on hand but a handful of toasted nuts, along with the delicious curry elevated this quickie dinner.  Enough to be a great for lunch box meal the next day.