Monday, February 18, 2013

Fish Tacos with Mexican Slaw

I got a little overambitious with my February New Year's Resolutions.  It seemed reasonable at the time, but this week I looked back at what I'd written down and literally just shook my head. Sometimes I just don't think very clearly. Blame it on the kid hormones. Anyways, I had a lot of things I wanted to do this month, including blog more than once.  But since this baby is coming anyDAYnowOMG this might be it for a while.

There's this funny picture going around:


In a sad way, this really is true.  About 6 months ago Malachi learned how to take a deep breath to calm himself down.  I'm so, so proud of this.  But lately he's been refusing to do it.  And while I fully realize he's 21 months old and that pretty much could explain all of it, I also realized that he's seen me take a deep breath to calm myself down...um, maybe...never.  I've also noticed he's started using grunts/roars/yells of frustration when things aren't working quickly or easily for him....exactly like someone else I know (shame).  It's convicting, as a parent, to realize in practice (not just in theory) that your kid may obey you for a while, but he will eventually imitate what he sees, not simply what you try to teach him.  My son brings out my best and my worst and makes me want to be a better person - not a bad thing.

The other thing he likes to imitate, however, is my silliness.  It makes me incredibly happy and also somewhat embarrassed at the same time.  Do you remember that song "Milkshake"?  I'll spare you a link, you can google it, but I don't recommend this if you are easily offended.  Anyways, the other day I was making breakfast and suddenly it's like I was looking down from above watching us.  Watching myself singing to Malachi something about how my biscuits bring all the cream cheese to the yard, and he was dancing and clapping and I just suddenly CRACKED UP in laughter because I realized, "Oh my word.  I'm rewording a stupid/dirty/ridiculous song into a song about my breakfast and my son is loving it."  And then he cracked up because I was laughing and we both dissolved into a fit of giggles.  We also occasionally run at each other screaming until we collide into a hug.  When he burps or, yes, farts, I always end up laughing - so he keeps trying to do it again.  (Manners?  Huh?)  I LOVE being crazy-silly with him, and I love how much he imitates the things I do, but I have a feeling it's gonna come back and bite me one day - like it might turn from this to this.  Oh boy.

And on an unrelated note, fish tacos.

Fish Tacos with Mexican Slaw

For the slaw:

  • Half a head of cabbage, shredded (or you can just buy the bag kind at the grocery store, but you'll need to reduce the amount of dressing)
  • Roughly a cup of sour cream
  • Roughly a half cup of mayo
  • Half a bunch of cilantro, chopped
  • 3ish tablespoons lime juice
  • Half a chopped purple onion (I used white because it's what I had, but purple would be better)
  • Hot sauce and salt to taste.
Mix all ingredients together but taste it often - coleslaw is all about preference and not about formulas.  It's best if you let it refrigerate for at least an hour so the flavors can meld, but if you are throwing this together in a hurry, it's not necessary.  While the coleslaw is setting, make the fish.



For the tacos:
  • 1 pound chopped white fish (I used tilapia)
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • Tortillas
  • Shredded jack cheese, black beans or other toppings if you desire
Combine fish, oil, lime juice, and seasoning mix in a medium bowl.  Pour into a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.  Fill tortillas with fish, top with desired toppings, and serve.



UPDATE:

The day after I posted this I made this recipe again.  Unfortunately I had forgotten sour cream at the store, so I found a recipe for cilantro dressing on the bag of my bag of shredded cabbage.  And it was pretty much amazing - actually better than the one above, in my opinion.  So here you go!

Cilantro Slaw
Adapted slightly from the back of a Kroger-brand bag of slaw

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 package store-bought shredded cabbage
Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a bowl, then toss in the cabbage.  Let sit in the fridge for at least an hour.  Enjoy!


2 comments:

  1. Sometimes I think we are very different.. but then I read stuff like this blog entry and realize... we really are inextricably linked.... FOREVER. I love you :)

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    Replies
    1. I love you too, Steph! And I think we are still very much alike in many, many ways. =)

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