Old News But Good News - Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

One day about 7 years ago I was reading the food section in the Atlanta Journal Constitution and saw this:

Who are the best cooks? We're looking for Georgia home cooks who deserve recognition for their talents and who have interesting recipes to share. Give us your name and phone number, as well as the name and number of the cook you'd like us to consider. And tell us a little about what makes this cook special.

So I did, and a few weeks later Ernesto was featured in the paper.   This was back in 2002.  The interview really made me smile.  A few things are outdated, but the Ceviche recipe he chose to share the is still the best i have ever tasted.  If you have ever tried it, you know what Im talking about.  If you look at the original article you will see that they advised cooking the shrimp because they did not want to recommend uncooked shrimp to the public.  I took that part out below and want to clarify that by NO MEANS should you cook the shrimp for this recipe. There was a great picture that the newspaper took of Ernesto in our tiny tiny kitchen, but unfortunately it's not posted online. So I added this one.

[ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 10/10/02 ]

IN THE KITCHEN WITH... 

ERNESTO ESPINOZA, 30, ATLANTA 

How cooking becomes 'great source of pleasure'

Nominated by Cindy Espinoza:

"My husband, Ernesto, grew up in a Mexican household and, fortunately for me, brought with him a delicious style of cooking. I grew up with meat and potatoes, and my idea of Mexican food was Ortega taco shells and salsa from a jar. Ernesto has introduced me to the great variety of Mexican foods and the wonderful signature of fresh ingredients.

"He does all the cooking and makes unique recipes that are now my favorite dishes. Some are passed on from his mother; others he creates himself. He doesn't limit himself to just Mexican cuisine, either. He loves to experiment and try new things. I love it when our friends come over and try something they have never had before and then tell me that [it] is now their favorite thing to eat."

What happens when a young lady from the Midwest meets a young man who grew up in a Mexican household? After they fall in love and marry, the young man, Ernesto Espinoza of Atlanta, begins to enjoy cooking for his wife and friends and experimenting with varied cuisines. The young lady learns that there is a whole lot more to Mexican food than Taco Bell.

 Family/background: "I was born in Mexico, but my family moved to San Diego when I was a baby. That's where I grew up. My family is still in San Diego. I moved to Ohio to go to school, and then moved to Atlanta. I met my wife at the airport in Columbus, Ohio."

 Career: "I work for Corwin Robison State Farm agency."

 What are your hobbies? "Cooking, of course; travel; dining; Rollerblading; jogging; biking; movies. Would like to get my master's."

Who taught you to cook? "I had to learn how to cook while I was away for college. I'd call my mom a lot for recipes and advice."

How did your love of cooking develop: "I didn't care for it at first; it was just something that I had to do. But after a while, and lots of practice, I actually began enjoying my food. Then I started to experiment, and cooking has since become a great source of pleasure."

Culinary roots: "I mainly grew up on Mexican food. We had a lot of salsas, guacamole; there was a lot of grilling, and a lot of fresh ingredients. My mother got her cuisine from her mother, who was from Guadalajara. After we came to San Diego, my mother started experimenting and started introducing us to other things."

 Cooking style: Spicy south-of-the-border.

 Early food memory: "It was on one of our family trips in Michoac‡n, Mexico -- the western central highlands. We took a small dugout boat to an island on Lake P‡tzcuaro, where we had an enormous feast. I remember sitting outside on homemade benches under a large homemade shade with food coming at us nonstop. The fish was served and prepared in a variety of ways, shrimp skewers were being passed around with lime wedges and hot sauce, and huge trays of shellfish were also served. The best meal was the sea turtle soup. It's not legal to hunt anymore, but . . . it has to be the best meat I've ever tasted. Delicious!

 For whom do you cook? "I like to cook for my wife and friends. When I'm home visiting my parents, I'll help out and keep my ears open to pick up new ideas and tips."

 Most enjoyable aspect of cooking: "Waiting for the final product."

 Specialties: "Seviche, fish tacos, salsa and posole, which is a staple Mexican dish. It's a stew that varies from region to region. The name refers to the hominy that is soaked in lime to remove the outer skin and to puff them up. It is slow-cooked and can be made with beef, pork or fish."

 Culinary ambitions: "Lately I've been experimenting with Thai and Asian food. I love the smell of it."

 What is your favorite thing to eat? "Anything spicy."

Culinary pet peeve: "If someone asks for a recipe and I give it to them and then they modify it."

 Most memorable meal you've ever prepared: "My in-laws were coming to visit, so I decided to make something new: beer-battered amberjack tacos. It was the first time I had ever made them, and it was a difficult project. I wasn't sure they were going to turn out, but to my surprise they were a hit. Not one was left over. I must admit they were pretty good."

 Do you favor a particular ingredient? "Dried peppers and cilantro."

 What's the magic ingredient that makes some cooks turn out great food? "Using the freshest possible ingredients makes all the difference."

 Do you have a tip for today's cooks? "Try to expand your horizons. Try different things and use new ingredients."

 Favorite cookbook: "The recipes passed down from my grandmother are the ones I treasure the most."

 When I eat out, I like to order: "There's nothing better than a tender, juicy filet with a side of grilled asparagus."

 If you could prepare a fantasy meal for anybody, who would it be and what would you cook? "There is this Mexican singer named Pedro Infante. He was very popular in the '40s and '50s. He had the most beautiful voice. I would love to have him for a big Mexican feast and then afterward have him play the guitar and sing."

Ernesto's Shrimp Ceviche|

Preparation time: 20 minutes of chopping , plus 1 hour to marinate

Ceviche is raw fish marinated in citrus juice. Though the fish is not technically cooked, the acid in the marinade turns the fish opaque and firms it up so that it does not appear raw. Serve with tortilla chips or as topping for tostadas.

1 pound large raw tiger shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 roma tomatoes, diced

1 small white onion, chopped

3 serrano peppers, seeded and chopped

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon Clamato juice

1 teaspoon olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

6 limes

 Peel, devein and cut shrimp into 1/4-inch pieces. In a bowl, combine shrimp, tomatoes, onion, peppers, cilantro, Clamato juice and olive oil. Season with garlic salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze lime over combined ingredients and mix well in large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Drain excess lime juice before serving.

Happy 4th of July from San Diego

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!

Our sobrinos Cruz and Maia get in the spirit

I have celebrated 4th of July in San Diego many times, but this was the first year that I went to the Coronado Parade.  

8 of us rode our bikes there, and we weren't the only ones.  Orange Street was packed with people.  I love big crowds!  Smita flew in from Atlanta for the weekend and she really got to see what a cool city San Diego is. The parade was fun to watch, even though we arrived late (imagine that!) and only caught the last 30 minutes of it.  I loved all the old cars, this was my favorite. 
I also loved that most of the cars were driven by veterans and everyone stood up and clapped when they drove by.  It was touching. 
Although I am infatuated with ANYTHING & EVERYTHING outside of the US .....I am glad that I am Americana. 

Seaport Village & City Tour via Bicicleta

The latest bike ride included a tour of San Diego.   Actually a huge loop.  Ernesto was the guide and Jordi (Neto's brother-in-law's cousin who was visiting from Durango, Mexico) and I followed the native through different roads connecting Bonita, a southern suburb of SD and downtown.   I wish I could tell you the route we took, but alas, I was only a follower.  It was a wonderful ride though.  I was happy when we entered Seaport Village, right on the edge of downtown.   
"Seaport Village is built on landfill over Punta de los Muertos (Point of the Dead) where the Spanish expedition of 1782 buried those who had died of scurvy. In later years it was a railroad yard where goods and other products were unloaded from ships and loaded aboard trains for shipment east. Seaport Village broke ground in 1978 and opened in 1980." (via Seaport Village)  Over dead bodies? What?  I just learned that, but trust me,  you will not get the creeps here!  Seaport Village is a waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment complex with 54 one-of-a kind shops and 17 restaurants.  My favorite store:  The Tile Shop Oh, how I dream of a talavera tile kitchen.Although we just passed through the village on our bikes this time, I have eaten here before.  If you would like great seafood  and good draft beer in a unique old building that sits over the water, head for Harbor House.

Not too far down the boardwalk is the infamous Star of India, the world's oldest active ship!  This boat also houses the  Maritime Museum of San Diego which has a worldwide reputation for restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels.  The Star of India has quite an interesting history, dating back to 1863.
Our bike tour continued as we loaded them onto the Coronado Ferry  which took us across the San Diego Bay.  To Coronado it leaves every hour on the hour.  (from Coronado on the half hour)  The ferry takes all of 10 minutes and cost only $3.25.  

The San Diego skyline is so beautiful looking from Coronado.  

From Coronado, it took us 2 hours to reach Ernesto's parents house on our bikes, and we were going fast.  We flew down the Silver Strand Trail and then through Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, National City and back to Bonita.  This was no leisurely ride for me, I was peddling my hardest to keep up with 2 guys.  I did a damn good job too!

Biking the Silver Strand in Coronado

We have really been into biking this summer.  And even though Neto's parents have an extra car for us to drive all summer, I would rather us bike everywhere.  

Mi Papa here is big into biking and was telling us about a great trail in Coronado.  Coronado is sometimes

 referred to as an island, but as you can see in the map to the right, it's not. (Coronado is in the upper left corner and downtown is across the bay to the left) There is a long thin strip of land that connects it to the mainland, and this is called the Silver Strand.  It is actually a State Park and has nice beaches and quite a few parks along the trail, which is great because there are several restroom stops.  We loaded the four bikes in the van at 11am and headed to the Silver Strand trailhead at Imperial Beach.  

**To reach the trailhead, take Interstate 5, take the Palm Ave exit and go east to 13th st. and turn right (AutoZone on the corner) and there is free parking. 

The Silver Strand State Park covers acres of land, and as far as trails go, it doesn't get much better than this.  There are succulents (my favorite) and palm trees lining the trail and stunning views of the Pacific, San Diego Bay, the Coronado Bridge and the downtown skyline.

The trail runs about 9 miles from Imperial beach and it is frequented by bicycles, in-line skaters, walkers and  runners.  Along the trail you pass through San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge which contains the majority of the remaining wetlands and so as you'd imagine, there were a lot of birds. 

It was a leisurely ride, there was nowhere to be at a certain time and we took advantage of it.   We stopped several times just to look across the bay. Below is the Coronado Bridge. 

At one point I asked mis padres "Do you know how lucky you are to live in this city?"  Their answer was 

"Yes, everyday we feel lucky!"

By the time we reached Orange Street in the center of Coronado, we were hungry and thirsty.  The area is filled with cute restaurants with outdoor seating, great shopping (just window shopping for me) and houses to die for.   It didn't take Neto long to spot the place he wanted to sit.  The Coronado Brewing Co had an extensive beer list we felt so accomplished sitting outside with our pints of beer.  

Ernesto and I rode our bikes a lot faster on the way back, and since we were ahead we went a bit further than where the car was parked...and we ran into this:
salt flats in San Diego?  This city never ceases to amaze me...ha!

Old Town San Diego

If you have ever been to San Diego, chances are that you have visited Old Town. Old Town San Diego is considered the "birthplace" of California.  It is the site of the first Spanish settlement in California.  Although it is probably one of the most touristy areas, I really enjoy it.  Filled with restaurants, shopping and a lot of history, it is easy place to spend an afternoon al gusto! 

Many organized tours of San Diego leave from the center of Old Town on the orange trolley buses.  The church in the background is Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and has been in service since 1917.

I loved seeing this line of people outside the Cafe Coyote waiting for their order of Fresh Tortillas. 

We climbed up the hill to Presidio Park which overlooks Old Town. The view was fabulous and the homes unbelievable. 

The pictures above and below are the Junipero Serra Museum in 1769, which was the first mission church in a string of 21 mission churches in California.  Actually the church had trouble getting a water supply on this hill back then and moved the mission to a new location in Mission Valley called San Diego de Acala. Ernesto and I visited that church when we were here for Christmas. 

"The Junípero Serra Museum, in Presidio Park, is one of the most familiar landmarks in San Diego. As a major symbol of the city, it stands atop the hill recognized as the site where California began. It was here in 1769 that a Spanish Franciscan missionary, Father Junípero Serra, with a group of soldiers led by Gaspar de Portolá, established Alta California’s first mission and presidio (fort)." (info via San Diego Historical Society.)  Ernesto took my picture in this fabulous archway.

Like I said there is much shopping here, and you may think you are in Mexico with these beauties.

But alas, you look at the price tag and you realize that no....no, you are not in Mexico. 

** The two things I would like to visit in Old Town [and didn't get to this time] is the Tequila Museum, and the most Haunted House in America.  This might be good for my parents when they come in July.

I CAN'T BELIEVE I WON AT THE PARIS APARTMENT!

I cant believe my good luck!! What a great surprise! Last night I was going through my Google Reader when I saw a very familiar picture come up on my screen. Claudia over at the the Paris Apartment had my peacock picture [that I took in Cancun] on her front page.  The other day she posted a drawing for this beautiful area rug...and I was the lucky winner!  Yay!  Isn't is beautiful!?  My first item for my home [that I don't have yet] since being back in the country!   Read the announcement here.  I feel so honored to be on her website! Thank you so much Claudia!!

It's funny because I bought her book called The Paris Apartment, Romantic Decor on a Flea Market Budget over 10 years ago and about 6 months ago I stumbled upon her blog and have been reading [read: drooling]  it ever since.  If you would like some serious inspiration,  check out her blog

Claudia takes a bi-annual shopping trip to Paris and with her pictures you feel as if you are shopping with her.  Trust me. 

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a must see if you are in San Diego.  It is one of the largest cultural parks covering 1200 acres, and it's right in the middle of the city.    Inside the park  are 15 museums, performing arts venues, beautiful gardens and the famous San Diego Zoo.  It would take at least a week to get through this park.   For me, walking through the gardens alone are  worth the trip.     I love this park too, because it is the finish line for America's Finest Half Marathon held every August (which I have run twice).Today we only ventured into the Air & Space Museum  which was fun, I always enjoy looking at airplanes.  And even though I am not a car girl, the Hod Rod's Then and Now exhibit was cool to walk through.  If had to pic my favorite, it would be this beauty.  The color may have something to do with my choice. 

The Spanish-Renaissance architecture all over the park is screaming to be photographed. 

If I had kids in San Diego [cough cough] I would come here and let them play in the fountain with all the other kids.  They were having so much fun, and one of my favorite past times is to sit in the sun with beautiful scenery. 

See what I mean?  

Behind me in this huge English garden were thousands of purple and blue delphiniums.

Definitely a "beautiful day" worth sharing over at the Inspired Room.

Im Going Going Back Back to Cali Cali

Ahhhhhh San Diego. Estamos aqui!!  Oh how I love this city!  The fact that we get to spend the summer here is a dream come true!  I have always thought that I am a California Girl.  In a couple months I will actually be able to verify if it is true. Stay tuned!

While here, I vow to really get to know San Diego!  That means you will get to know SD too.  I'm going to do something fun outside everyday.  I mean, why not?  This weather is so motivating.  For me, if it is sunny, I want to be outside. period. 

Ernesto's dad wanted to do a hike Sunday.  In all the years I have been coming here, I have never been to the Mission Trails Regional Park.

Its located about 8 miles NE of downtown.  The park covers  5800 acres and has over 40 miles of biking and hiking trails.   The trail we hiked is called Cowles Mountain Trail, and as the name indicates, you are climbing a mountain.  As you can see below, the trail is dirt with huge rocks along the way.

Although it was only 1.25 miles up, it was a great workout!  It took me 28 minutes to reach the top and I was walking fast.  The view was awesome!  You could see all of San Diego.  The lake in the picture is Lake Murray, which is part of the park.   Id like to go there too.  There is a 3 mile trail loop.  You can also fish and boat.

Pictured: Our brother-in-law Jorge (married to Adrianna, Neto's twin)  with their 3 kids,  Andrea, Jorge and Alex.  Neto's brother Jerry and his Dad. 

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

HAPPY FATHERS DAY DADDY!

Although I didn't get to spend the day with my dad, I did just have 2 weeks of quality time with him, which I cherish!

There are so many things I love about my dad.  Besides always being supportive, he is always willing to help.  (He will haul anything to anywhere with his trailer!)  I love that we have a good time hanging out. 

If there is one thing I get from my dad, it is a sense of humor. (He has passed it on to everyone in my family) My dad not only likes to make people laugh, he likes it when people laugh AT him (and it is always with him). Yes, he loves to be made fun of. I don't know what he would do if we didn't talk about him. All of my brothers and sisters have a "dad voice" and we use it often.   I have to say my brother Bill does it best.  He can even imitate my dad's gestures, which really makes us cry [laughing]. There have been so many quotes from my dad over the years that are still repeated to this day, some over 20 years old.  You'd be surprised at how many times they can be used in everyday situations. 

Top 3 Paul Arnold Quotes

"Somethin Different" used when you don't want to say you don't like something.  For example with food: he'll just ask my mom "Is there 'somethin' different' about this rice?"

"Did they say that was it?"  He said this over twenty years ago on a family trip to Yosemite. We were at Old Faithful and we thought it was going to blow, but it just let out a little burp. "Did they say that was it?" was his question to my mom.  Now whenever something is disappointing we use that phrase.

"We may be defeating our purpose" On that same trip out west, we were in front of the Grand Tetons and my parents were discussing what route to take. During the discussion my dad said "we may be defeating our purpose" 

10 things you may or may not know about Paul Arnold

1. He is silly- prime example to the right.  "the happy dance"
2. He is the biggest sports ass ever
3. He started "Paul's Shuttle Service" for his frequent trips to the airport. (mostly to pick me up)
4. He is an avid bicycler.
5. He loves mowing his grass.
6. He loves to play cards (and is the best score keeper)
7. He is a great loving dad to 5 kids. 
8. In most cases he would rather drive than fly (to be in control-ha!)
9. He would like to see a baseball game in every stadium around the US
10. Cindy is his favorite kid.  (haha just wanted to make sure you read til the end!)

**Also a happy fathers dad to mi suegro, mis hermanos Tim, Bill and Schaffner, and mis cuñados Tavo, Jerry and Jorge.

Lordy Lordy Jenny is Forty!

I can hardly believe my sister turned 40 today! 40??  Whaaaaat?  I guess that is because I am not too much younger than her?!  We all got together last night and Kelli, her daughter, wrote her a "brief birthday book" about how much she loves her mother and that age isn't important.  She found some great quotes about age and included them in the letter.

"Everyone is the age of their heart."

"Age is an issue of mind over matter.  If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

"You can't turn back the clock but you can wind it up again."

"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?"  

My whole family (minus 2 brothers) took Jenny out to eat in Wooster to celebrate. In a small town full of chain restaurants, I was so happy to try a local place.  Melvins in the downtown area was full of character. We squeezed into a large booth, just so we wouldn't have to separate to two table (yes, we are a close knit family)

After the delicious chocolate-peanut butter cake that Barbie made from scratch, Jenny opened her "40 things" (which included a necklace and earrings I made for her) and then we went around the table to say something special about the birthday girl.  A fun thing that my friend Maureen told us about.

I went first:  I love how through the years I could call Jenny at any time, with any problem and she can always make me laugh. I can always count on her for a good laugh. (also that she keeps a toothbrush in a zip-lock bag with my name on it for when I sleep over, mostly so I won't use hers)

Neto said:  I love how Jenny always keeps eye contact when you are talking with her, you can always tell she is listening.

Mom said:  I love what a great mom [cry cry cry] Jenny is to Kelli.

Kelli said:  I am so glad my mom is my best friend, and that I can tell her anything.

Scott said:  I love how patient Jenny is -with me and with Kelli. mostly with me.

Barbie said: I love how close Jenny and Kelli are, I just hope I [cry cry cry] can have a relationship that close with my kids.

Bill said:  I love that Jenny is a great neighbor and also a best friend.

Dad said: I am just so proud of how Jenny raised such a great daughter and also that we are friends.

(Tim, Michelle & Schhhirner, if you are reading- or anyone else who knows Jenny, please add yours in the comments section)