Back... and ready to eat!

And we're back! That's right, I'm here with my very special Miss Niamh.

After months away from this blog, it's time to revive and freshen it. I now have a little girl and have been thinking of all the things I would want her to learn in her lifetime, especially while she's young and Patrick and I have influence of the subject matter. That said, yesterday was a holiday I like to acknowledge and celebrate, Cinco de Mayo. This is a mostly American holiday, I know many Americans and Mexican-Americans who like this holiday for the drink and festivities; however, I like the holiday because it is intended to celebrate the Mexican's independence from the French and because I love Mexican food.

It dawned on me last night, Patrick and I can have great fun teaching our daughter about the people of the world by acknowledging significant holidays and enjoying food from around the world. So last night, marks the beginning of what I hope will become a favourite memory for Niamh as she gets older and as a bonus will help her to know and love the people in this beautiful world we live in.

On the fifth of May many people in America and in certain areas in Mexico celebrate Mexican independence, this holiday, Cinco de Mayo, is one of my favourites even now as an American living abroad. I like the idea of remembering those who fought for their freedom and celebrating this annually, plus I love to eat, so why not learn and eat at the same time, might make for a good dinner conversation along the way.

To kick start my new idea, last night we enjoyed beef burritos. Ok, these aren't a traditional Cinco de Mayo food, but I figure every idea has to start somewhere. The ingredients for Mexican food are a bit difficult to come by in Ireland and at times you have to do your best and be a little open-minded and creative.

Cinco de Mayo Burritos for two - Irish style

1 pkg flour tortillas
1 pound ground beef (mince)
onion, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder
1/2 cup bulgar wheat
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 ripe avocado, mashed
1/2 cup salsa
Lettuce, tomato and avocado to garnish
Shredded cheese

Brown meat with onion and cook bulgar wheat, mix together in pan and season to your liking. Spoon mixture into tortilla shells and wrap into burritos, place in pan and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Heat in moderate oven until cheese melts. Meanwhile, in pan, mix together mashed avocado, salsa and yogurt over medium heat, this will top the burritos with other garnishes when the burritos are ready. Serve with your favourite cerveza and tortilla chips.