In High School, I mastered the art of “Box Cake Making.”  During college, I wanted to master cake decorating.  Well, after letting go of the hydrogenated oils, it was necessary for me to make cakes from scratch – the box cakes are so much easier, but at this age, health is important.  Needless to say, my first attempt at making a cake from scratch was embarrassing – one aunt called that cake a “Cornbread Cake.”  This would encourage anyone to move on to something else – but not me!

In looking back, my initial motivation to bake was prompted by that old saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but after my Cornbread Cake experience, I was motivated by the desire to redeem myself and to ultimately perfect the art of cake making.

Sometimes, we as people have a tendency to see the “talented-few” that have multiple giftings and can play multiple instruments, and then we see ourselves as anything but talented.  But I remember hearing years ago about Michael Jordan, who only reached greatness by missing a whole lot of shots, and then practicing until he missed less.  For me with cakes, photography, and whatever else I put my mind to, I don’t always succeed on the first or second try, but I keep at it, and I don’t give up!  It has taken several cakes to get to the success I’ve had recently, but I did not give up – though it would have been easier and cheaper.

The last thing I want to share is that success is often a gradual process.  I should not expect a cake that I could charge $40 for on my first try… Let me start with the cake that I can sell at the Bake Sale for $5, and then work my way up.  But no matter what, DON’T GIVE UP!

See my latest Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting and Strawberries on Top…

I am from a place where Tex-Mex is authentic and as accessible as a Starbucks in the downtown business district.  All this to say, I have an appreciation for bean and cheese tacos, beef enchiladas, homemade guacamole, and carne guisada.  I remember choosing Taco Cabana, a popular Tex-Mex fast food chain in Texas, during Senior lunch in high school more than any other fast food chain.  Well, I never heard of fish tacos until sometime after college or maybe even during college, but I surely never recall hearing of them when I was in San Antonio.  Now I’m not saying that they don’t exist in San Antone, but I cannot recall ever seeing or choosing them from anyone’s menu.  Some years later, I am more concerned about the dietary choices that I make, often times choosing whole wheat flour over enriched flour and chicken over beef, so I like to try healthier choices with some of my favorite kinds of foods.

With this in mind, the other day, I wanted something quick but tasty for dinner, so I made some fish tacos with sautéed salmon and fresh avocado slices.  Here are some images from the process, which took less than 30 minutes to prepare (watch out Rachel Ray).

Now I don’t believe that you can make anything authentic without the right seasonings… In this case cumin, cilantro (I used fresh cilantro), chili powder, etc.

The sautéed salmon still cooking in the skillet

The gutted avocado – so rich in Vitamin E

Compliments of my brother, I had large flour tortilla shells in the fridgerator, I normally use the whole wheat flour tortillas from the health food store or I’ll make them myself.  The latter are not as pretty as the former or the one pictured above.

And then there was the assembled fish taco!  It was a truly treat!

Sometimes when I work, I get so busy that I do not really pay attention to what I eat… So to ensure that I get enough fruit and veggies in each day, I often times like to make smoothies in my blender.  Strawberries and bananas are my favorite combination!

Though I try to eat healthy, I still have a sweet tooth.  Here are some of my favorite images of edible treats!  Sometimes, it’s not about the taste; sometimes, it’s about the presentation, the shine, and the right focus!