Eso Es Refrescante (OUTSPOKEN_DIVA's Favorite Recipes)

Here is a known admittance. I don't make great Mexican, Tex-Mex, or Southwest meals. I love eating those cuisines but when I make it it is either basic or bad. I make standard burritos & taco but will never make enchiladas ever again. Also, I consider my Enchilada Casserole as a bastardized disrespect to post for a Mexican, Tex-Mex, or Southwest recipe. Oh wait, I do make good Arroz Con Pollo. But I've already covered that HERE.

So, I decided to cover my favorite Mexican drink, Mangonada. Some like it with a few pieces of mango on top. Some like it smooth. I first had a Mangonada at the State Fair of Texas, years ago. I think of it as a mango swirl smoothie that is typically made with chamoy sauce, mangos, lime juice & chili powder. And it enjoyed through a tamarind straw.

Its color and taste are very bright, that is a delight to the salty and sweet receptors of the tongue. I learned to make it because the places that have the drink are nowhere in my travels in the DFW metroplex. And the state fair is only open for 3 weeks in October.

Mangonada

Ingredients

• 4 cups mangoes, sliced fresh or frozen
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 1/2 cup orange juice or water
• 2-3 Tbsp chamoy
• Chili Powder (To Taste)
• Tamarind Candy Straw
  

Instructions

1. Combine mangos & juices in a blender. Blend until smooth
2. Spoon 1 tablespoon of chamoy into each glass then fill halfway with the smoothie mixture.
3. Spoon in more chamoy 
4. Add more of the smoothie mixture to fill the glass. 
5. Sprinkle chili powder on top.
6. Stick candy straw in the cup

Enjoy!

There are popsicle versions. They are tasty, too. I found them in my local big box store. You can also freeze the above recipe.

Some people report that adding tequila makes it a good cocktail. I've only had it in its virgin form. If anyone tries it with or without alcohol, let me know in the comments. Just do not take my word for it on how good this drink is, Man Go try one!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Chanerea The Poet (Poetry Corner)

Chanerea is the 2nd craziest way to mispronounce my first name, I've ever heard. I was called that once and I decided to use that as my high school blog name.
*sigh*

Found some high school poetry, recently. I'm letting one show poem bless the Poetry Corner on here. Gosh, I was lovelorn back then. It was all those romance novel & cable movies I consumed. Yep, that's what I will blame. *grinning*

Crushing

Song says, "I Want You to Want Me"

And I'm staring at you to finally look my way

Just waiting for you to see me

So, I think about what I might say

Smile and say "Hi" or "What's Up"

I just don't want to look like a fool

Can't think of anything off the cuff

Just trying to look cool

Now, you turn around & I come out of thought

You walk by and cordially greet me.

I greet you back, like I have been taught

But also standing there showing all my teeth

College killed lots of those bright-eyed thoughts. I mean I do still have a Celebrity Eye Candy list. But it's the foundation to my practical thoughts now. Maybe I will post more at another date.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

No, He Wouldn't

"It's My Favorite Time of Year"! Dru Hill was referring to Christmas. I am talking about Easter or Resurrection Sunday. The time of the year to commemorate the time that Jesus was Hung Up for My Hang Ups. We talk about the fact that It Wasn't the Nails, but love that kept him on that cross. Don't ask What Love, because there is No Greater Love than a man that would lay down his life for his friend.

That's in the scriptures. But also in the Bible in Matthew 28, we find out about what happened after he died. Three days later, an angel had to tell the three ladies named Mary, "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said". Yes, Jesus Rose like he said he would. It's that Great time of the year.

You did know if I ever did a post about my favorite Easter song, it was going to be religious. Not just because I am a Christian, but because the only known secular songs for this time of the year are Here Comes Peter Cottontail & Easter Parade. Sacred songs are popular for this holiday. Well, the songs you hovered and clicked to listen to are on my favorites list but still not my favorite.

My favorite makes me grateful that I was not the savior. It jars my mind. I wouldn't have come down from the cross. Unlike Jesus, I wouldn't have ever made it to the cross. That sounds crazy, but I don't say any of this in total jest. I knew it was my destiny. I knew it was my father will. But I have a tendency to go into a few of life's tests making an F. Pray for me to do better! In the Garden of Gethsemane, I would've lost it as soon as Judas kissed me. Tears would've blinded me, but as soon as I saw the religious leaders, I would've told them off. The heads of the synagogues were jealous that Jesus was healing all kinds of people (Men, Women, Children Jewish, Gentiles, "Righteous", "Non-Righteous") physically, emotionally, & spiritually. He was helping people be their best and they essentially were not. And Jesus was doing all this in 3 years and they knew they will never do any of it. I would've taunted them and laughed at their trump up political & sanctimonious charges they used to arrest me. I would've died, maybe by stoning. But do you think God would be pleased with me? I doubt it. But he knew that.

Jesus did none of that. He Decided to Die. If He had come down from the cross, then my soul would still be lost, as the lyrics say. And I'm grateful that he did stay and that He Got Up with all power in his hands.

Did I mention your favorite Easter song? What is yours? Would you have been more Jesus? While you're commenting, I'll still be humming & smiling. Why? Just Because He Lives!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!!!

Settling These Easter Candy Debates

My favorite holiday, Easter is about Love. So, Love will not let me tell you that Jesus didn't die & get up on the third day for Peeps, Carbury Eggs, & Black Jelly Beans. Yeah, I won't say that. (Yes, you can giggle) Easter was one of the holidays other than Halloween & Christmas that we got candy as children. You know what? I'm going to tag my sister, A & cousin, D.D.  aka my Easter Candy Cohorts when I post this on Facebook and maybe they will post in the blog comments they're rankings. But here are the favorites that I love to have in my Easter basket.

5. Snickers Eggs
There is something grown-up about this candy. And it feels lighter than a regular bar.

4. SweeTarts
They are shaped like bunnies & chicks. It's a fun candy.

3. Starburst Jelly Beans
I know I will not accidentally eat a licorice-flavored jelly bean. It is not a flavor provided.

2. Robin's Eggs
They're candy-coated Whoppers. Who can't like these pretty colored malted milk balls? Then hand them to me.

1. Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs 

*happy sigh* I've loved this candy since I was a child. Also, Peanut Butter is probably my favorite flavor. I can't think anything with this flavor I dislike. This candy is simple. It is egg-shaped and nicely portion controlled. It is only one in the wrapper. And if it melts, it is still recognizable. (Yes, giggle at melted Christmas trees)

So, what did you like in your Easter baskets? Leave your faves in the comments. Shout out to blowing bubbles. It is not candy, but it was fun to play with them in our front yard.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms! 

Settling These Chicken Debates

I don't cut up chicken well
Whoever did this is my Soul Sibling

This topic was inspired by the Righteous & Ratchet podcast. They were playing One's Gotta Go, Chicken Edition. It was a little passionate discussion. One host got rid of Breast. The other got rid of Legs. And of course, my preference choice differs. In order from like to dislike here is how I rank chicken portions;
Wings
Breast
Legs
Thighs
Thighs are too oily for my palate. I mostly use them in soup, casseroles & salads. If I must eat dark meat, I'll take a leg. When I was a child, Church's brand breast taste just like chicken soup. And when I got older, I was eating more of those. And wings give you two pieces of meat. Well three, if you like the tip. Also, wings seem to be the perfect balance of white & dark meats.

I don't know why we, humans have such vocal opinions about chicken pieces. Have you ever had a discussion about ground beef choices of chuck, round, or sirloin? I can't recall arguing over chops or steaks when it comes to pork. But since we all feel so deeply about chicken, in comments list your preference in chicken pieces.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!!!