“To have courage for whatever comes in life…everything lies in that.”
– Teresa of Avila
Hello, sweet friends…
I hope you are doing well…
This week marks seven years since Joe and I made the move to a small beach cottage along the Oregon coast…
looking back I realize now that this move was a h.u.g.e leap of faith for me…
But taking a leap of faith meant that I fully surrendered to all expectations. It meant that I allowed myself to start anew and feel completely free.
Along the way I came to realize that who I am is at the root of my soul…and could never be held back by fear.
Taking this leap of faith brought an exciting new adventure…
whilst simultaneously introducing a simpler way of life…
What’s Cooking…
In the kitchen of our first leap of faith cottage…
Tex-Mex Tacos
When we first moved to the Oregon coast my husband would often be my sous chef with meal prep. This was one of our first meals together… I hadn’t ever heard of ’Jackfruit’ and discovered it was a great replacement for shredded meat! If you haven’t discovered this great substitute perhaps you can find yourself some jackfruit and give it a try!
Ingredients
Slice:
- ▢ 2 20 oz cans of young jackfruit in water or brine, rinse and drain
Saute:
- ▢ 1 ½ cup onion, finely diced
- ▢ 2 tbsp olive oil
Flavorful Barbecue Sauce
- ▢ 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ▢ ⅓ cup water
- ▢ 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ▢ 1 tbsp soy sauce, or Bragg’s liquid aminos
- ▢ 1 tbsp agave nectar
- ▢ 2 tsp lime juice
- ▢ 1 tsp chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, optional
- ▢ 1 ½ tsp chili powder
- ▢ ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ▢ ½ tsp cumin
- ▢ ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the jackfruit. Cut up the jack fruit chunks into thin slices, starting at the firm outer edge of each piece slicing inward toward the core.
- Sauté diced onion pieces in olive oil over low heat until clear. While the onions are cooking, go ahead and mix up your sauce for the jackfruit in a small mixing bowl. Once the onions are ready, add minced garlic, sliced jackfruit and flavoring sauce to the onion pan.
- Stir everything together, and then use a potato masher to further breakdown the jackfruit. Simmer over medium/low heat for 5-7 minutes, adding a few tablespoons of water for moisture during cooking process if needed.
- Add a spoonful of pulled jackfruit to warmed soft or hard tacos. Top with shredded cabbage, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of vegan sour cream! Or whatever else your heart desires…enjoy!
Congratulations on your seven years and sharing your adventures with us!
Little Camille is adorable.
The recipe for Tex-Mex tacos is just right for the summer.
Wishing you much joy for the next seven years!!
Thanks Jose! I think Camille will be a nice addition to our family.
Congratulations on your 7 year journey and anniversary of living in Oregon! As you know , I never lived in Cali or Oregon, but they are two of my favorite places ever and I think I could live in either place!!!!! I thought the 1st post was an accident, then I realized why you posted both! Cheers to a long and happy life with Joe and your fur babes….life just gets more interesting by the year for all of you xo
Hi Donna!
I’ve been lucky to live in 2 great states. I’m still sometimes shocked that I had the courage to leave California & move to remote area along the Oregon coast! Ha! Ha! Especially not knowing anyone…I guess I was ready for what I call the biggest adventure I’ve ever had… And your right it still continues! I’m grateful for all of it. Thank you for being such a sweet friend.;)
Marcia…7 years…wow…I am so happy for you and Joe…following you has been so inspiring…
I will remember the quote as we are about to make a big change…
I am not a great at cooking but your recipes always look so delicious…
Love to you both
Hi Carol!
Can you even believe that 7 years had passed! I wish I could slow time back… I’m so curious what changes yuh will be going through… is there a mover in your future? I’m wishing you many blessings of happiness along the journey dear friend.:)
Hi Carol!
Can you even believe that 7 years have passed! I wish I could slow time back… I’m so curious what changes yuh will be going through… is there a move in your future? I’m wishing you many blessings of happiness along the journey dear friend.:)
Such a lovely post. Has it been seven years? That’s astonishing! Love your posts about your pets, well…and of course, Joe! Nice photos and recipes!
Hi Becky!
It is so amazing to think I moved 7 years ago. In some ways it feels like only yesterday. My memories are still so strong:) I’m glad that I can share about my life here… along with all the changes. Take care my dear friend.:)
Lovely post as usual!
Hi Marge!
Thank you for stopping by… I’m always happy to see you here… And appreciated your kind comments. I hope that you are staying cool this summer and having a wonderful time.:)