Mexi-Slaw: An Exotic Dish to Honor Adventurous Spirits

Every time I put together a Mexican dish, I can’t help but think of my Aunt and Uncle living down in Baja Mexico doing exactly what they were meant to be doing.

Day in and day out we go to work, come home, sleep and do it all over again.  We have passions that are in us…. “someday I want to run my own bed and breakfast” or “someday I plan to take up photography more seriously” or “when my kids get just a bit older, I will … dot, dot, dot, insert said sentiment here.

We go on this way, kicking our aspirations and desires down the road to that magical “someday” when time, money, and whatever other constraints we’ve placed on ourselves disappear and allow us a shot at our true passions and dreams.  Some of us will eventually recognize those passions.  Many of us will not.  Which is why it’s always refreshing to meet a couple who, from day one, did exactly what they were meant do.

My aunt and uncle, now semi retired, spent their working years as full time oarsman on the Colorado river.  My aunt has become a bit of a legend as she was one of the first women to take up the adventure in a full time capacity.  Thirty years later, she and my uncle know every tip and turn of the Grand Canyon and can guide you down that stretch of water as if it were their own backyard.  Along the way they met amazing people (think the likes of Tom Cruise and Arnold Schwarzenegger), opened an outdoor gear shop catering to rafting companies, and now own a small piece of land down on the tip of Baja, Mexico where they have already partially retired.  Nothing lavish or fancy.  Just a piece of land, a small but homey trailer, and a boat for my uncle’s favorite pastime; Marlin fishing.

Aunt Ann with Tom Cruise on the River

This isn’t to say that we can’t be happy with our lives and the places we’re at if we delay our passions, it’s simply a “hats off” recognition to those few lucky souls who knew from the very beginning what truly made them tick and took the necessary risks and steps to fully obtain their dreams.

In recognition I’d like to share a simple yet satisfying, mexi-slaw recipe.  Putting together a bowl is a simple three step process.  First up, add all the veggies, fruit and herbs into a large bowl.

Second, grab a few ingredients for the dressing and swirl them together in a blender.  Finally, pour said dressing over the top of said salad and stir.

This dish is a fitting  tribute to the passion seeker in all of us and a homey reminder to me of the admiration and love I have for my family members south of the border who are living the life that truly makes them happy.

This post is being shared over at MSN’s Kitchen Cookoff.  Be sure to drop by and show a little love!

Mexi-Slaw

Yield: 4-5 Cups of Slaw

Total Time: 30 min

Ingredients:

1/4 Purple Cabbage, Thinly Chopped
2 Carrots, Peeled and Julienned
1 Mango, Chopped
1 Green Onion, Green Parts Chopped
1/4 Jalapeno, Diced
1 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro
3 Tbsp Sour Cream
1 Lime, Juiced
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Honey
1 tsp Cumin
1/4 tsp Chile Powder
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix together the first five ingredients; purple cabbage, carrots, mango, green onion and jalapeno.

Using a blender, dump in the remaining ingredients and spin to combine.

Toss the dressing with the fruit/veggies and serve.

 

 

You Might Also Like:

Cheesy Bacon Bean Dip My trip to Panera Bread and the Inevitable Salad Craving that Followed Curried Potatoes and Squash Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing