What a Day for a Picnic

Today is National Picnic Day. I don’t know about you, but I simply adore the whole concept of a picnic. Especially one with my Hubby, the love of my life. Unfortunately, he’s really not able to sneak off on a Tuesday. And what fun is there in a picnic spent at his desk?

Hubby often speak about his plans for retirement. That would mean we could have a picnic whenever the mood struck us, and that’s a lovely thought indeed. We could attend Mass Daily if we wanted, and get even more involved in our parish. We have truly been blessed with a Pastor that brings the best out of his flock, and a flock eager to spread the Catholic Faith in so many ways. From simple things like maintaining a Parish Food Bank to processions through the surrounding community on particular Feast Days, and even getting politically active in the Right to Life, Religious Liberty and the pursuit of happiness in a traditional family existence.

I consider myself to be truly blessed. I grew up in a much simpler times, when men were the head of their household, and did so with quiet dignity. My Dad didn’t go around expecting recognition for doing the right thing. He simply did it. He was a loving husband and dedicated father. We were taught by his example. It seems now families are in such disarray, it’s no wonder the children of today are lost and confused. All the Woke, Politically Correct Influencers out there really do need to be quiet. I don’t want to hear about White privilege or Male Toxicity or any of the rest. Just because you are white doesn’t mean you’ve had an easy life. Just because you are male doesn’t mean your toxic. And just because you believe in God doesn’t make you narrow minded. It just seems to me, if they were all that right, they wouldn’t need to be so hell bent to shout down voices not their own.

Wow – got side tracked yet again. While today might be Picnic Day, it’s also Tuesday. We all know what that means in my house – something delicious that goes perfectly with a pitcher of Margaritas. Yeah, Burritos ought to do the trick, don’t you think?

Fabulously Delicious Spicy Wet Burritos
1/2 Yellow Onion
1 Garlic Clove
2 cups Iceberg Lettuce
3 Roma Tomatoes
4 Green Onions
1 lb Ground Beef
1/2 lb Chorizo
1/2 teaspoon Cumin
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
1 (16 oz) can Refried Beans
1 (4 oz) can Diced Jalapeno Peppers
1 (15 oz) can No-Bean Chili
1 (10 oz) can Tomato Soup
1 (10 oz) can Red Enchilada Sauce
6 (12-inch) Flour Tortillas
2 cups Mexican Cheese Blend
6 tablespoons Sour Cream

Cut onion in half from root to tip. Reserve half for another purpose; peel and dice remaining half. Peel and mince garlic. Chiffonade (shred) lettuce. Seed and dice tomatoes. Trim and dice green onions. Set aside until ready to use.

Crumble ground beef with chorizo into a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking meat apart as it browns, about 10 minutes or so. Add onions, continue to cook another 5 minutes. Drain grease from the skillet. Season meat mixture with garlic, cumin, salt and pepper. Stir in refried beans and diced Jalapenos until well blended. Turn off heat, cover to keep warm.

In a large saucepan combine canned chili, soup and enchilada sauce. Mix well, cook over medium heat until heated through. Turn off heat; keep warm.

Warm tortillas with a little cooking spray on a flat gr4iddle or tortilla pan over low heat. Keep warm. Working with one tortilla at a time, spoon a generous half-cup of the meat mixture down the center of the tortilla. Top with a scattering of lettuce and tomatoes. Tuck in the sides of the tortilla, fold over and roll to create a burrito. Place in a casserole dish, seam-side down. Repeat until all the burritos are filled.

Brush the tops of each burrito with some of the sauce. Sprinkle with cheese. Heat oven to broil. Place burritos under the boilers just until cheese has melted and the burritos are warmed-through. Watch closely to prevent burning. Remove from oven, sprinkle with some of the green onion for presentation’s sake.

Spoon sauce on individual plates. Top sauce with warmed burritos, one or two per plate. Garnish with remaining green onions and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with margaritas and enjoy.

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And all shall sing, in their festive dance:
“My home is within You.”