Chef Liane Recommends...

It was another day of systematically alternating between the pool and the beach. However, today, I decided to make dinner. Mostly because Douglas begged me, and I only obliged because I saw bags of Fideo at the grocery store and had been craving it ever since.

Fideo is often called "Mexican spaghetti". This term is ridiculous. It is way better than spaghetti. Everytime I think of spaghetti, I think of a bland ball of starchy noodles. Fideo is more like Mexican ambrosia- food of the Gods.

Growing up, my brothers and I would eat heaping platefuls of fideo at my grandparent's house. On occasion I would ask my grandmother to teach me how to make it. I can say I've definitely watched her and Martha make it several times. Unfortunately the word "teach" doesn't quite describe the experience. With them everything is by sight and feel: "a little of this", "some of that". That's not quite how I work...level teaspoons, people. The extra pinch of salt could ruin everything!

So I bought the ingredients. No big deal. That part was not that complicated. Some Fideo noodles, onion, garlic, tomato sauce and chicken stock. I thought my grandmother may have used tomato paste and chicken bouillon because I think one of those "lessons" had introduced me to those items, but I shrugged and decided that this would have to do.

But what about protein? Well, if you know me, it won't surprise you to know that I decided to make beans. I even sorted through them for rocks, just like Grandma taught me years and years ago--I have no idea how long ago it was, its one of those memories that goes WAY, WAY back. And I did, indeed, find some rocks!

So--the moment you have been waiting for!

Liane's recipe for Fideo:
6 ounces of Fideo
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 md. onion chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup tomato sauce

Heat oil in skillet, add uncooked fideo. Saute over medium heat until browned on both sides. Remove and drain on a paper towel.

Saute onions and garlic until onions are slightly transparent. Add tomato sauce; cook 3-5 minutes. Add sauteed fideo and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes, do not remove cover during simmering.

Enjoy.

I have to say, it was really great!

Douglas then rewarded my efforts by making us all mojitos! What a life.....