Baja California is a magical place. There is the beauty of the desert combined with the blues of the ocean. Hubby and I both have a strong appreciation for the desert and the sea. Baja is one of those places that can steal your breath away for so many reasons. The people, the landscape and God’s creatures big and small.
Gray whales are generally shy. Yet in certain places in this world, their curiosity gets the better of them. The first time Hubby and I saw gray whales was in Alaska. Whale watching in Alaska, as most places within US waters, is highly regulated. There are distances that must be maintained, so most encounters are from afar. Our second whale experience was in Tahiti. There interaction with the whales isn’t so much regulated by the government as it is by the tour guides themselves. In the coves where whales often gather, boats will simply float, engines off, and wait. Our boat captain, Captain Ernie, lowered an underwater speaker into the beautiful aqua lagoon. He played Madonna’s Material Girl. It wasn’t long before a mother and her calf swam to the boat and sort of hung out, enjoying the music. It was amazing. As other boats approached the lagoon, those who had arrived first began to depart. Self-regulating meant no more than five boats inside the lagoon at a time for the safety of the mothers and their calves. When the gray whales do not feel threatened, they approach you.
The same thing happens in Baja, Mexico. Tour boats enter into the waters known to have whales or other sea creatures. And then they wait. Once the whales feel safe, they will approach the boats and even welcome a rub or back scratch from a human. It’s magical.
Teaching our children to love nature, to be kind to all God’s creatures and to respect our jobs as stewards is so important. We can, and should live together in harmony. The more we are able to love things that are not copies of ourselves, the greater our capacity becomes to truly experience love as intended – unconditionally.
Today is a beautiful Tuesday. What better way to honor Baja on a Tuesday than with some amazing tacos. Enjoy and have a blessed day.
Baja Street Tacos
3 cups Orange Juice
2 tablespoons Cilantro
1 Lime
1 Garlic Clove
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 teaspoon Cumin
Pinch Cayenne Pepper
3 lbs Skirt Steak
1 White Onion
1 bunch Cilantro
1/2 cup Taco Sauce
1/4 cup Beef Stock
16 Street Size White Corn Tortillas
In a four-cup measuring glass, measure orange juice and set aside. Finely snip the leaves of fresh cilantro, add to the orange juice. Cut lime in half, juice into the cup. Peel and mince garlic, add to the mixture. Season with salt, pepper, cumin and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Whisk and pour into a large freezer bag.
Submerge skirt steak into the marinade mixture. Seal the bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Place in a casserole dish, lay out flat and refrigerate for at lease 6 hours or overnight.
When ready, chop a whole white onion and roughly chop a bunch of cilantro for the tacos. Cover and set aside until ready to use.
In a shallow pie pan or dish, whisk taco sauce with beef stock. Dip tortillas in the sauce mixture, allowing excess to drip back into the dish. On a griddle, quickly fry the tortillas to warm. Wrap in foil, keep warm until ready to fill.
Heat an outdoor grill to medium-high. Make sure grate is clean and oiled to prevent sticking. Grill the steaks until hot and to desired doneness, about 3 minutes or so per side. Place streak on a large platter, cover and let rest for a few minutes. Slice steak as thin as possible against the grain.
Optional Finish
Cayenne Pepper to taste
Chipotle Chili Powder to taste
Pickled Jalapeno Peppers
Once the steak is sliced, have a little taste. If more heat is desired, sprinkle with Cayenne and Chipotle seasonings. Toss to mix. Add Jalapenos to the finished tacos.
Fill tortillas with the strips of steak topped with a sprinkling of onion and cilantro. Serve alongside your favorite Mexican Sides such as spicy rice and refried beans.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows Me will have the Light of Life.
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