Carne Asada tacos are easy to make and delicious for dinner, but they do take time to marinate.
Ingredients:
1 pound of trimmed skirt steak
2 limes
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon red ground pepper
1 cherry tomatoe
1 avodado
1 sweet onion
1 garlic clove
1/4 cup cilantro
The 5 Step Tacos:
1. Marinate one pound of trimmed skirt steak in the juice of two limes (or more if you like it sour like I do), one teaspoon of cumin and one teaspoon of red ground pepper. Throw a dash of salt on there for good measure. Allow it to marinate for up to 3 hours or over night if possible.
2. Spray your skilled and throw the meat in. Cook on medium high until its nice and browned.
3. In a bowl mix one cherry tomatoe, one avocado, some finely chopped cilantro, one small sweet onion, a garlic glove and some salt and pepper. Mix with your hands and enjoy the smell and feel of the fresh vegetables.
4. Fry up your corn tortillas on the stove. (Or cook in a bag in the microwave if you just want them soft.)
5. Meat goes first then the pico de gallo sauce. Garnish with lime wedge and add a side of tortilla chips.
Today I woke up earlier than Dad, which is very unusual. And I think it was because today’s SAMOSA DAY!! Oh hot, flaky, buttered pastry filled with spicy beef, you taste so good.
Especially with the chutney. Can’t forget that.
We stopped in a the Botonica first. It’s the best place to buy your Adam and Eve bubble bath.
Mo bought some love perfume.
Looks like it worked.
The teams next safari was to Global Mall and the Norht African store.
I think they learned a lot about Hindu culture visiting the temple.
The Indian food banquet hall below the temple really know how to cook chicken Masala.
Hung out with the teams. It’s the Orangeburgers last day. :(
Registered for classes. In August I’ll be taking Communications, Geology Lab, Math and Creative Writing. As a Junemore I’m finally getting into classes of my major.
Dad started off with a briefing as always. Today he explained works religions and grace religions. Christianity is the only grace religion. God is SO good, how could we ever do anything that would measure up? Think about that.
First Mo and I took the Family BC to CD tower. The girls bought fans and chopsticks to stick in their hair and the guys bought num chucks and conical hats. (It’s surprisingly cool under this hat).
When we lived in Kenya, Mama used to go to the market and buy these little clippers and wrap them up for Jesse and I for Christmas. Oh CD Tower, you bring back such good memories.
Then I taught the team to tell the difference between Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese at Italy Optics. This is when I really feel like a tour guide. “Now, if you’ll look to your left you’ll see the first language written is Korean. See how its spaced out and mathematical looking…”
Next to My Dung Videos. (Which really stink…but nobody laughs at that joke.)
And on to the Chinese Pharmacy where Susan opens the drawers filled with mushroom stems, dried seahorses and Ginseng roots.
(Dad, don’t you think it’s funny we have the same taste in photography?)
The quesadillas at Carniceria Numero Uno were delicious today.
I got a new recipe for carne asada tacos so I decided that this Mexica tienda (store) would be great place to shop at. I can’t tell you how fun it was for me to ask for a pound of chopped steak in Spanish. The cook (Francis) asked surprised, “Tu hables Espanol?!” (You speak Spanish?!”)
“Si, pero yo necisito practicar mas …” (Yes, but I need to practice more.) He went on to ask where I lived and how long it took me to drive to his shop.
After I’d picked out my cebolla (onion), cilantro, tomatoe, ajo (garlic) and jalepanos I took my load up to the register.
“Hola sernora!” I acknowledged the young women behind the counter dressed in a black apron. As put my ingredients on the counter I practiced my Spanish.
“Uno cebolla, dos lemones, y come se dice avocado in Espanol? ( how do you say avocado in Spanish?)”
“Oh you’re very smart!” She replied in Spanish. “Este es Aguacate”
She went on to ask in Spanish who I was cooking for. “Oh mi novio.” (My boyfried).
“Oh? What country is he from? Mexico?” She asked in Spanish grinning.
“No, soy de Georgia. El es uno Gringo” (No, he’s from Georgia. He’s a white boy.) I wink at her and we giggle together.
She laughed again and said it’s better to have men from Mexico, they enjoy your cooking more.
I checked out only spending 24 dollars on a whole meal that yields four. (My steak is marinating in cumin powder, lime and red chile powder right now. I can’t wait for supper tomorrow!)
The missions went great today. I love to see the Bengali mothers come and listen to the Bible stories.
And of course the kids love the teams.
This little girl wanted to play “monster tag” so bad! She giggled the whole time Kristy chased her around.
Monday. You know what that means? Briefing with the new teams in town.
And Buford Highway Farmer’s Market. Here are some of my favorites from today.
Chicken feet. Great back scratchers.
Green peas covered in Wasabi. They have a kiss of horseradish.
Fried Chicken drumstick flavored chips. You’d think they were made in America with a description like that, but they’re actually from Japan.
Had a wonderful time with the Family Baptist Church team from Orangeburg, SC. We went to Wynscape (where I bruised my knuckles knocking on so many doors)
And Huntington Terraces (where we had the guided tour with Mr. Bible). We played Tug of War. Mission kids versus Missionaries. One of the moms jumped up and started pulling right along with the kids. They won (with a crash)!
Bible story time at the Mission.
Niche ran up to me before the car was even in park. My favorite part of the day. (Besides eating El T with you and Mo, Dad.)
Ran 2 miles. My feet were painfully hot but I kept telling myself, “It’s surprisingly cool in the shade.”
Milo cooked cheesy rice and noodles for dinner, while I chopped Mexican mangos and Dragon Fruit.
Two of my top favorite beings on the planet.
I’m about to alter my Bengali dress for Wednesday at Global Mall.
Got home yesterday from the beach around 3 PM. We had a GREAT time. Can’t wait to do it again.
Milo and I went to Ashley’s house to see her new pup. What a cutie!
She has done some damage…
This morning Mo and I rode bikes to the graveyard. It was a fun time just the two of us.
Today we tried to start my car and it wouldn’t. J called AAA for me and we got them to come jump it with their huge truck. Milo and I drove it over to Advance AutoParts to get a new battery. It’s running great now! Thank you, Lord!
Jesse taught me how to clean my tank today with the special hose sucker thingy.
It looks great now. I even found a little baby, about the size of my pinky fingernail, that didn’t get eaten.
Looking forward to working with the teams tomorrow.
Milo and I went to the beach and pool this morning. My face is definitely getting pink. And I love it.
Milo’s Dad, Miles and I went on an airboat ride adventure with Captain Chuck.
We saw alligators and lots of wild birds. My favorite part was when the captain took us to, “a place I haven’t been to in a while.” We speed through tall reeds as white cranes flew up around us and alligators dove in.
Lunch was delicious at BeefOBrady’s. Megamind was playing on the big screen and that made us all laugh as we stuffed our faces with club wraps, Reubens and “Dubliners.”
Milo and I enjoyed watching the Australian Wilfred on the pull out couch.
White pie for dinner from Papa Vito’s on the balcony.
We’re all playing cards right now.
Miles’ Mo’s putting a puzzle together and Milo’s teaching his Dad how to play poker.
Happy birthday to little momo Cheryl..haaapppy birthday to you!
Miles and his Dad went to the beach earlier this morning while I enjoyed sleeping in.
For Miles’ Mo’s birthday we went to the Dinosaur store and museum.
Then over to Ron Jon’s surf shop. Cocoa Beach is home to this extreme sports store.
I bought some tiny foil postcards to send to friends back home.
After our adventures, we went back to the condo for the surprise party. Pops surprised her with a great saddle bag from Coach.
Miles and I got her an African mask.
Went out to the Lobster Shanty for a birthday dinner. From the outside it looks like a tiny little shanty…but the inside it quiet an elegant little restaurant.
The gator tail was good with the fried corn fritters and powdered sugar.
Larry the Lobster.
The pier outside was awesome.
My shoes falling apart…boo. I really do look like a beach bum now.
Lunch with the whole family at our regular Friday spot; Red Robin…YUM!
I can’t wait to be laying in the sun on the white sand on Cocoa Beach, Florida with the new books I picked up after.
Enjoyed sitting in the shade with Niche, Michelle and Briana. Niche sat in my lap as Michelle played with my hair. Her little fingers would sometimes go in my ears as she pulled back my hair.
What’s one of the easiest way to round up kids?
Snow cones!
Packed for the beach vacation with Milo’s mom and dad tomorrow morning.
BAM! When Dad and I walked in the Fiesta Mall it was like being straight back in Mexico. Everyone was hustling around shopping for Quince Anos dresses, tamales and prayer beads at the Botanica.
This is going to be a great new place to bring the teams.
Speaking of teams, today was the Florida teams last day. They seemed to have a GREAT time. Can’t wait until they get to come back.
I think it’s funny I categorize my days by the food we ate. But today was no exception. Samosa are triangular beef patties that taste amazing with mango chutney. Jesse got a traditional chewing stick to clean his teeth with afterward.
Muslims believe that Jesus, or Isa, was one of the prophets but not the Son of God.
After spicy triangular treats the team headed over to Global mall to experience the Hindu temple.
The “Inspirer” served the idols an array of spices.
Hindus believe that from age 0-25 you’re supposed to enjoy life, party and not really be interested in god. So when the young people from the teams come to the temple the Brahman says that they are “old souls” since they are interested in learning about spiritual things.
After visiting the temple we took the team to La Rumba, Mexican food buffet. Mucho grengos.
Next Dad, Glenda and I went to take pictures of teams.
My new food fave….YOGORIAAAAAA. Yum! There I go about food again.
The day started off with Dad giving the briefing. They loved it as always.
Then off to the Farmer’s Market…
Can you guess what this is?
It’s
( Notice the tiny goat’s teeth.)
We enjoyed delicious lunch of red curry at Penang with Mr. Kenny.
I helped out at Highland Gardens, the apartments that are about to be torn down. As I rounded kids up, I would knock on doors only to hear the hollowness inside of an abandoned home.
I had fun getting to know Tihti, Anika and Merhin, three sixth graders from Bangladesh. They talked about moving to their new apartments, the Bangla music group that’s coming next month and their fears about entering middle school.
Next, we served at Azalea. I always love going there since I know all the kids. You can’t beat having a those sweethearts run up to you and give you a big hug around the waist.
We played Red Rover, jumped in potatoe sacks and listened to the Bible story.
Rachel, Kelley and I went to get spray tans for the wedding tomorrow. You have to strip down completely so the lady can give you the au natural look. That included me taking of my diamond ring Miles gave me almost 7 years ago now.
When I came back into the little room, I got dressed and walked out to meet up with the girls. Not 10 minutes had gone by when I realized Oh CRAP! I don’t have my ring. We went back to look, questioned everyone and told them how devastated I was, but alas my promise ring was gone.
I’m having a tear fest at the moment. :(
The rehearsal dinner was fun though. Rach’s speech about giving up her best friend to the groom made me even more teary eyed.
Yay! I’m healed and feeling like my ol’ tiger tank self again! Thank you for all your prayers, they really made a difference.
Nana, Katie and I took the teams over for a Global Mall tour. We spent a long time talking with the priests in the temple. Very interesting conversations. I think it’s always important to see the commonalities in the different religions.
We also went over to Halal Madina for some samosas. Those are triangular meat perfection.
Ate lunch with Babu and Jesse at Penang. Can’t beat that. Before heading over to take photos and videos of the teams.
Then Dad and I drove into downtown Atlanta to meet with Jon Stetson, a buddy of my Dad’s.
All in all a GREAT day! And I’m SO happy to be back in the saddle again.
Dad and I had a GREAT day working with the high school choir from FBC Jonesboro.
Dad gave the briefing.
Then we went over to the Buford Highway Farmer’s Market. We had a competion with the 60 plue students over who could find the weirdest thing.
Cow head…that’s pretty weird.
Ghost peppers. On the Schovile scale 10 being the hottest, these peppers are 10 plus!
Did some missions with the kids at 12 differnt apartment complexes all over the Chamblee area.
The choir did a concert at Pearl Lane. People were stopping on the streets to listen and hear the Good News.
They even did a skit where a girl was under attack by all the evil things of this world like drugs, greed, death. One little girl turned to me and said with a pouty lip, “This makes me sad.”
Then Jesus came on the scene and demolished all the evil and saved the girl. The little girl turned back to me and said, “I’m happy now that Jesus came!” It was some pretty powerful stuff.
After the show one mother came up to the group and asked for us to come pray with her daughter who’s just graduated from high school. They had just gotten in a fight where the daughter had actually punched her mom in the mouth. A group of the choir girls went over to talk with her. We have a suspision that she’s probably involved in a gang. Please be praying for this young woman.
Mo and I went to the dentist this morning. I have no cavities. Wahoo!
Ate some fruit with Rahat and his mom. They are moving to Arkansas in two weeks. Rashad, Rahat’s mom said in her broken English, “I miss your family…when we Arkansas. You help Rahat homework.”
We’ll miss you guys too!
Meet up with the Mobilizing Students team to discuss logisticts.
J and I drove around with Josh, a team leader, so he’d know how to get to each complex they’ll be serving at.
Hung out with the Azalea team. They are doing some great Bible Study lessons with the kids.
My big fish is sick. :( Jesse is going to euthanize it. Makes me sad to loose a pet.
Today, we all drove out to Jonathan Nolte’s, Communicycle, to pick up a refurshibed bike so she can ride to class.
We both are taking classes at Georgia Perimeter College, so her ride starts tomorrow!
Before we picked up the bike I drove to show her the safest route from her apartment to campus.
When Mo and I dropped her off at soccer practice Lora climbed out of the car, turned to us and said in her Antigua accent, “Mrs. Kathy, Ashley, thank you so much for everytiiing.”
Lora is taking summer classes at GPC until she returns to a Christian University in Florida. Please keep her success in your prayers.
Ashley and I watched the Lady Gaga concert. I hear her sister designs all her clothes.
Can you tell Miles loves his new job?
Love,
Ash
P.S. Got my Writing Fiction textbook. Yay! Just in time.
We all ate lunch today at Picadilly to celebrate the 6 year aniversary of Grandaddy’s going to Heaven. Grandaddy loved Picadilly and I remeber him taking Jesse and I through the line when we were little. We always used to order Salsbury steak with a side of potatoes.
Miles, Shuggie and I rode over to Alcove Coffee on the lake. Miles has training on Sunday. Pray that he gets the job.
Later, we signed newsletters to our supporters. Email your address to me at ashleycummins@gmail.com to get stories from the mission field!
We drove over to Azalea for our big pool party but as we got closer and closer the clouds got darker and darker. It was raining and lighting by the time we pulled into the mission. Some of the Bengali girls were still running around in the rain getting their saris soaked.
Ordered my texts books for my summer writing class that starts next Wednesday!
My family loves Mexican food. Nachos, burritos, quadsadillas, you name it.
At lunch Jesse asked me if I could enjoy eating Mexican food everyday. Over a burrito dinner I said, “yes.”
The boys (Miles and Jesse) got some new bathing suits for the lake tomorrow. Mo bought me a new summer spread for my bed.
Had fun hanging out with the kids. With no homework we have time to play. I’m looking forward to taking them swimming on Thursday.
After eating dinner at Taco Veloz, a Mexican restruant down the street from the mission, Jesse helped push start some hombres’ van. Dad made up a theme song for him… Jesse with the STROOOONG calfs! Don Don Don!
Hung out with Jessica and Shawn in the kitchen. Mmm stir fry…
Jesse and I spoke wit the youth Group at FBC Doraville. It was fun to go back to the same Sunday School rooms we were in years ago.
I talked about how doing Missions makes you feel better about yourself. Who doesn’t want to feel good? And J told the story about helping Pamala get back up when she fell down.
We went to eat Ricon Latino which was voted one of the best Mexican meals in Atlanta by Creative Loafing.
Nothing like a goats milk lollipop to finish the meal.
Got some Gator tail meat, Plantains and Edamame at the Farmer’s market. I like shopping around listening to the different languages.
Hung out by the pool with Ash, Jessica, Shawn, and the kids.
Ashley Ann Kendall 