Cooking Class: Ceviche from Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita and a Surprise Meet Up!
Are you in the mood for something fresh, healthy and easy to make? Scott and I learned to make one of our favorite go-to summer dishes on our recent trip to Riviera Maya. We took a cooking class with chef Nicholas at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. At the last second, I flipped on the video camera on my phone to capture the experience. I'll also share the recipe at the bottom of the post.
Are you in the mood for something fresh, healthy and easy to make? Scott and I learned to make one of our favorite go-to summer dishes on our recent trip to Riviera Maya. We took a cooking class with chef Nicholas at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. At the last second, I flipped on the video camera on my phone to capture the experience. I'll also share the recipe at the bottom of the post.
All the ingredients were carefully chopped and prepared by Chef Nicolas. The friendly staff, including Fermin, started the class by serving chilled white wine. Pour yourself a glass of chilled sauvignon blanc, sit back and join me for a few moments at the cooking class as we make ceviche for the first time.
Here's Scott diving in!
It's fun to serve just about anything in a martini glass!
friends-cooking-class-zoetry
These are more of the fun folks we met at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. Rosemary and Rolando, in straw hats, were great. We also ended up in a sweat lodge with them at the spa -- but that's a whole different story. With Facebook these days it is so easy to stay friends with people we meet while traveling. That is a huge plus for social media in my book.
In the background of this shot, I'm introducing myself to the famed Mexican architect Carlos Gosselin, who designed Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. He lives part time at Zoetry, and a number of guests, including my husband, had seen him during our stay. I woke up on this morning and announced to Scott, "I'm going to meet the architect today". I wanted to tell him how impressed I am with this magnificent resort. As I shot the video of the cooking class, I turned my video around to get a glimpse of the resort (about 6 minutes in) and he was the shadowy figure walking just a couple of feet behind me. It was a fun moment and such a surprise! As soon as the class was over I raced over to meet him and he was just as elegant and charming as I expected.
Zoetry grouper ceviche
Ingredients
1 kg diced fresh grouper or mild white fish
8 lemons (the juice)
1 red onion in julianne
1 chopped mango
½ chopped papaya
1 chopped cucumber
Basil
Coriander
Mint
Salt
Dried oregano
Olive oil
Tortilla chips
Procedure
Place grouper, lemon juice, oregano, salt and olive oil in a bowl and let it rest for at least 15·20 min
Add the rest of ingredients
Serve with tortilla chips
Scott recreated this dish at home with fresh ingredients from the farmer's market in Chico. We devoured it so quickly that I didn't get any shots of his finished product. Ceviche is also delicious served with guacamole.
For more on our trip to Riviera Maya:
A Sunny Escape to Tulum and Akumal
Have you ever made ceviche?
Mother's Day Bouquets Made With Love
I always look forward to Mother’s Day weekend. I get to celebrate my favorite women, far and near, and there is usually a flower graced springtime brunch involved. Our tradition is that my family comes to our house in Chico for the day, and it’s such a treat to host.
Mother's Day Bouquets
I always look forward to Mother's Day weekend. I get to celebrate my favorite women, far and near, and there is usually a flower graced springtime brunch involved. Our tradition is that my family comes to our house in Chico for the day, and it's such a treat to host.
My mom, Jeri, is a flower arranger extraordinaire in my mind. Over the years she has collected several photographs of her creations. Recently she had the images printed on notecards, with high quality envelopes, and gave them to family and friends as gifts. What a perfect way to remember all those beautiful bouquets, and Mother's Day bouquets, made with love.
These notecards are a gift in and of themselves.
I've never mailed one, the collection is a keepsake for me.
It's been a rough week here. I spent the first two days grief counseling at a local high school, following a tragic lunchtime car accident where a 17-year-old basketball star died. His friend was life-flighted to UC Davis Medical Center and is in a medically induced coma. This kid was popular, yet kind to everyone, and a true leader. The heartbreak on campus is palpable with some dealing with loss this close for the first time and others being triggered with a multitude of previous traumas. As a lesson in forgiveness, the father of the student who died, met with the parents of the driver, to offer his comfort and forgiveness before it was even asked. I'm still so close to this story that I have tears rolling down my cheeks as I write this. Hug your children tightly and remind them to wear their seatbelts. The fine art of forgiveness is truly a life lesson.
In many ways we all do some mothering in our own right here and motherhood is a gift here. If your path to motherhood was/is difficult, as mine has been here I share your journey. If you are a stepmom, like I am, here, I know it's an entirely different form of mothering. For many of us, motherhood is a complicated journey, but a blessing here. If you, or someone you love, are needing a little dose of hope today or a smile here.
As we celebrate mother's day this year, let's remember those among us who are missing a mother, or a child, just now. To each of you, and especially a few of my dear friends who are feeling the loss this year, big hugs to you. Reach out in love today.
Happy Mother's Day to you!
Creating a Welcoming Guest Room
Be my guest! It's finally the summer season which means many of us will be doing some travel of some variety. It may be a luxury resort, a tour, a road trip, a camping adventure or visiting friends and loved ones for a vacation. With that in mind, I've been in the mood to update our guest room for summertime guests.
Creating a Welcoming Guest Room
Be my guest! It's finally the summer season which means many of us will be doing some travel of some variety. It may be a luxury resort, a tour, a road trip, a camping adventure or visiting friends and loved ones for a vacation. With that in mind, I've been in the mood to update our guest room for summertime guests.
Start with freshly laundered, high thread count (read smooth) sheets. I love to use all white sheets in our guest room for a fresh feel. I add a lightweight comforter, either down or hypo-allergenic (best for those with allergies). This bold black and white duvet cover captured my eye the other day and I'm liking the additional pop it gives the room. I layer on a colorful coverlet, this one is DKNY, folded at the lower edge of the bed which can be added for cooler nights to adjust the level of warmth.
I always add fresh flowers~tuberoses, freshly cut roses or white lilies have lovely scents. Gardenias are fresh and fragrant from our garden during the summer season. I like to float them in a pretty vase or bowl.
My mom, Jeri, is a flower lover and had fresh flowers from her garden in the house, most days, while I was growing up. This small tradition definitely makes life a little more beautiful.
Lightly scented candles (don't forget the matches!) are another favorite touch.My current favorite is the Dayna Decker candle. I always include an alarm clock but hopefully, no one will need to use it during a relaxing visit.
This glass dish is originally from my husband's family. Scott's mother had labeled it (using tape and waterproof pen) with this caption 'Daddy State's candy dish 1800's'. Labeling family heirlooms adds is an instant reminder to the family of the history of the piece. A history that might otherwise be forgotten.
Fluffy white towels are always a must in my house. Magazines for early or late night reading is a nice touch to deal with insomnia. I often include a travel magazine for dreaming about the next adventure. Putting items in a welcoming basket is a good way for your quests to know you thought of them in preparation for the visit. This Kai perfume oil smells like a tropical holiday in a spritz.
When I travel I easily get dehydrated so a carafe of water within easy reach is essential to quench the dreaded midnight thirst.I like to change out the photo based on who is visiting. Our girls are our most frequent overnighters so I love to use this one from our trip to Cabo San Lucas in 2007.
On a tray, I include some favorite spa items like the MOR body butter, sugar scrub, and fragrant soaps.
A light summer weight robe is also a nice touch to avoid any 'mishaps' around the house. #tmiThis chic number in Greek key motif is one of my favorites.
A corner chair is always handy for conversation or putting on shoes.
This little sparkler was a find from Target.
The vintage print and two petite florals painted by my mom, Jeri, many years ago are special to me. Aren't they sweet?
My final tip~Stock up on toiletries and extra supplies for guests in the guest bathroom. I always supply toothbrushes & toothpaste, lotions, deodorant, band-aids, anti-bacterial ointment, and aspirin.
Typically my recommendation is that a weekend or long weekend is the perfect length of time for a visit. You know what they say about how guests and fish alike don't you??(After three days they both begin to stink.......ha ha ha -just jokes here!!;) I tend to follow that rule when I am a guest in someone else's home as well.
Leave 'em wanting more.... also a great motto for life!
If you are welcoming guests this summer or being a house guest yourself,here's to long lazy mornings catching up over coffee, walking and talking, belly laughs and shared sunsets, with a glass of wine, enjoying those you love.
Are you having house guests this summer?
How are your travel plans shaping up?
