20
Today is YJ’s 20th birthday. There were times when I didn’t think I’d make it through the day, but twenty years have flown by. Lets let that sink in for just a minute. Twenty YEARS.
Like every parent, I have more memories than I could ever share. Memories of countless hours spent at the ice rink watching 6:00 a.m. practices; knee scrapes; stitches, just once; learning to ride a bike; learning to drive a car; totaling a car; graduating high school and technical school; getting a full-time job. Growing up.
Despite his twenty years, I still have those moments when I look at him and wonder (sometimes out loud), “What were you thinking?” Maybe that part of being a parent never goes away because I’m pretty sure I still occasionally get that look from my mom. When all is said and done though, I couldn’t be more proud of the person he’s become.
Happy Birthday YJ.
Tacos two ways (steak and tuna)
Steak tacos are one of YJ’s favorite meals and the one he requested for dinner for this birthday. Since I’m not a meat eater, I always make tuna tacos for myself. This marinade works perfectly for both.
Marinade
adapted slightly from Tyler Florence
4 garlic cloves, rough chop
1 jalapeno, stem and seeds removed, rough chop
1 large handful fresh cilantro leaves,
2 limes, juiced
1 orange, juiced
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, pulse the garlic, jalapeno and cilantro until minced. Add the lime juice, orange juice, vinegar, and oil to the work bowl. Pulse 5 or 6 times to combine well.
Yield: approximately 1 1/4 cups or enough marinade for about two pounds of skirt or flank steak and a couple of tuna steaks
Combine the steak and marinade in a zip lock bag. If you’re doing both steak and tuna, marinate them separately, dividing the marinade between the two. Refrigerate steak for 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the thickness of the steak and the time you have available. Tuna should be marinated for 30 minutes to one hour. The citrus in the marinade will turn the steak mushy and break down the fish if you marinate for too long.
Your grilling time for the steak and tuna will depend on the cut and thickness of the meat. For flank steak, grill over medium heat for about 7-10 minutes per side for medium rare. Tuna steaks will take about 5-7 minutes per side. Once off the grill, slice and serve with the desired condiments. We like thin sliced cabbage, Pico de Gallo, sour cream and cheddar cheese.
