The Sea of Cortez is remote and full of adventure.  We swam with sea lions, sailed through a school of thousands of dolphins, discovered tiny island fishing villages and scaled rocky mountains.  I love the simultaneous feelings of freedom and isolation after a few days on the water.  No cable, cell phone, stores or restaurants.  I missed my kids and remembered my husband.  Hot water and cold beer were the ultimate luxuries.   We ate avocados for breakfast and grilled amazing yellowtail that the fisherman were happy to trade for a few oranges.  It was a perfect week of tuning out and tuning in.  

I can lie on the beach and sip cocktails for exactly three days.  In my humble opinion, this is the only reason to go to Cabo, unless of course, you are looking for trinkets and cheap tequila shots.   I thoroughly enjoy reading, the spa, service and some great margaritas...and then, I can't stand it, not for another minute. 

Luckily, our latest adventure was planned perfectly and we left the confines of luxury just before I turned into a pumpkin.  My physicist who looks like a fireman husband is also a licensed captain, and our ship was waiting.   We provisioned the boat and set sails to discover the sparse beauty of the Sea of Cortez.  I was the one serving the drinks and there was no one to rub my toes, but saying goodbye to civilization felt great.  ....More pictures and stories coming soon!

....cont'd from http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2012/01/12/mexican-for-everyone/

I've made the trip to Mexico many times...to surf, study, soak up the sun, and now, to sail.  We've got a crew of two and I'm the cook.  Apparently, our destination is fairly remote.  Our anchors will not include restaurants selling mushy lobsters and margaritas.  That is fine with me.  I'm excited to stock up and sail away from civiliization for a few days....me, my captain, and I.

I've been practicing here at home.  I leave the spice out for my little ones and everyone is happy.

Recipe:

Cilantro Jalapeno Chicken

3 large garlic cloves chopped

1/2 or more green jalapeno, chopped

1/3 cup washed, trimmed and chopped cilantro

1/2 teaspoon tumeric

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

juice of 2 large limes

1/4 cup olive oil

salt, plenty of it

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  Mix all of the above ingredients together in a large tupperware container.  Taste to make sure it is spicy and salty enough.  Add two or three legs and two or three thighs of chicken with the skin.  Make sure chicken is coated well on both sides.  I also like to stuff some of the cilantro, jalapeno and garlic under the skin.  Allow to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator.  Place the chicken in a heavy pan, pour remaining liquid over the chicken and bake on the middle rack for about 30 minutes.  Make sure chicken is cooked through.  Time can vary depending on size.

Kids version:  Leave a few pieces of chicken plain, salted with a splash of olive oil.  Cook in a smaller pan the same as above.

Guacamole

avocadoes, pitted and peeled

cilantro, washed, trimmed, chopped

minced white onion

lime juice

chopped jalapeno

chopped tomatoes

salt

Mash the avocado, lime juice and salt.  Set aside portions for the children.  Mix in the rest of the ingredients according to taste.  I like mine salty and spicy with just a little onion and cilantro.  Up to you, just make sure there is some left once you're finished tasting.

Black Beans

I must admit I use canned beans.  I know how easy it is to cook beans and I encourage you to do so.  I just don't seem to plan far enough in advance to soak the beans the night before.

So....

1 can drained black beans

2 Tablespoons sour cream

lime juice, cilantro, chopped jalapeno and a little tumeric and smoked paprika

Add the beans to a heavy sauce pan and heat over a medium flame.  Add the sour cream and a little salt if necessary.  Mash the beans until creamy.  Remove portions for the kids.  Stir in the rest of the ingredients to taste.

I may never be able to return to Bolinas after I post this but I figure at this point the faithful followers of this blog totals about five so who's going to care.  You see, no one that lives in Bolinas wants anyone else to know that it exists.  One such person begged me to call it a "coastal hamlet" if I decided to reference it here.  Anyway, if you happen to be driving through Marin County it is worth the side trip to see for yourself.  Mountains meet the ocean and sky to create one pretty perfect piece of the earth.  I've been many times now and it never fails to take my breath away.  My dear friend and chosen sister in this life lives there....I hope after she reads this she'll still invite me back.