It's Cinco de Mayo, and I mean no disrespect, but I have no idea what that means. But I do know it's a Mexican holiday that is celebrated in my hometown in California's central valley. And I do love any excuse to make Mexican food. Ahhh this sauce. This stuff is sooo good. Seriously. I originally came across it in this recipe,
http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/grilled-tofu-soba-noodles-recipe.html.
But have altered it over the years. I think I must have tried the original recipe first and then realized this stuff would be good on anything! Especially tacos. Any kind of tacos. Or beans. Or rice. Or anything. Really just try it. Then I you dare to try to stop.
Cilantro Sauce
1 and a half bunch's of cilantro/ stems removed
2 large garlic cloves, or 3 smaller cloves/ minced
2 good size shallots/ chopped
1/2 of a jalapeno or 1 Serrano Chile/diced (more if you like it hotter, this seems to be kid friendly spiciness depending on the heat of your pepper)
a good size pinch of large grain Celtic sea salt (less if using regular salt)
scant 2/3 cup of good quality Extra virgin olive oil
Simply place all ingredients in the food processor, and pulse a few times until you a achieve a consistency you like. I like it with a bit of texture still left. Taste, and adjust the ingredients to your liking. You may want to add a bit more oil, or salt, or a bit of sugar ( I don't think it needs it), or maybe even a drop of tamari or soy sauce.
It's finally spring! Well, days here are still a bit on the chilly side, but we're getting there. I can even see the chives and violets starting to grow! So spring cleaning begins. I had been thinking about posting about greener cleaning, and then low and behold Gwyneth Paltrow beat me to it? Even so, I was glad to see this article.
http://www.goop.com/journal/do/281/the-dirty-on-getting-clean
I also picked up a copy of the April issue of Martha Stewart Living, which has an in depth article on how to clean your home. It specifically covers each part of a room for windows, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. I was surprised that they advised almost entirely all natural ways to clean with most being white vinegar and warm water. White vinegar, and/or baking soda will clean most anything. If you can't stand the smell of vinegar, or even just like yummy smelling products this article gives you the lowdown on it. I am normally very sensitive to the vinegar smell, but I don't mind it so much (just make sure the space has plenty of ventilation). An open window keeps the house from smelling too much like a jar of pickles, or bag of salt and vinegar chips. Or skip the article, and go to
www.ewg.org
and see which products were given good grades.
To simplify my home, cleaning routine, and to avoid toxins I will only be using baking soda, vinegar, and Dr. Bronners. Dr. Bronners is an amazing all natural soap that has been around for ages! I found this handy article on dilution ratios.
http://lisa.drbronner.com/?p=1127
Enlist a small helper, and take advantage of this teaching opportunity. A cleaner earth, and responsibility!
And speaking of natural products your beauty regimen may need an overhaul to. I have a couple of natural beauty items for sale at my etsy store.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/minnehonkmade
