I make up a white rice (substituting 1/4 cooking water with OJ and adding 1 tsp lemon zest), once it's done cooking, I cut mandarin oranges into chunks, pecans into coarse pieces, and parsley and stir that into the cooked rice. Add pepper to taste.

You're mahi-mahi tacos w/ mango salsa sound good too!

I'm going to try pastitsio tonight (at least I think I am). Son has to take a Greek dish to school tomorrow for social studies and it has to be microwavable. I was going to do Spanikopita, but thought the phyllo dough would just go soggy or tough if it was microwaved. Pastitsio would reheat much better. If he didn't provide a cooked food from the country he had been assigned, he had to write a 2-page essay on the country -- and he hates to write.

What is pastitsio?

I think I'll try the pastitsio this weekend before my daughter heads on a 3-wk trip. That way I'll be assured that at least 3 people in the house will eat it

I made Cat Cora's Spanikopita recipe last night for my son to take to school for social studies today. It was fairly easy and turned out very well -- although a little heavy on the dill. Our son has really been good lately at expanding what foods he'll try. I think it has to do with him taking part in a cooking club at his daycare the past couple of years. He's one of the few they invited to take part in the advanced cooking club this year and has come home with some really good recipes -- chicken fajitas, pumpkin wanton ravioli, blueberry oatmeal muffins, berry tarts w/ creme fraiche, turkey meatballs w/ homemade marina, fresh salsa w/ fresh chips, and others. Their director chose recipes based on the techniques they would learn.

Damn . . . good day care. How old is your son? Clearly he's got a good mom, supporting him in his school work, getting him to try new things . . . good for you!

Our kids were 7 yrs apart (oldest is a Jr in college), so by the time we're done, we will have been giving them continuous business for just over 20 yrs. Our son only has 2 yrs left (he's 13 now). They are so attuned to the students and are excellent at creating a supportive atmosphere and responding to issues re: bullying, etc. Over the years, both kids have had young, old, black, white, latino, gay, and transgendered counselors. I would not have changed a single one. Well OK, I'd change one (she was just cranky all the time). They moved her to the kitchen staff so she didn't have to interact with the kids all the time.

Clubs are only offered during the school year. Kids are required to sign up for at least one - offerings have consisted of language, science, cooking, gardening, reading, computer/tech, theater, art, music, creative writing, animal care, newspaper, sports.

If so, grilled zucchini and grilled onions with fresh slices of tomato. Grill the onions whole, peel and rough chop when cool enough to handle. Grill zucchini in lengthwise halves, slice after removing from the grill. Place all three components on a platter and drizzle with a little fresh lime juice.

If not grilling, saute the sliced onions and slice zucchini together until cooked. Let cool and plate as above.

If you hate zucchini, some green pepper would be a decent substitute.

Mrs. V. is the Grill Sergeant. She LOVES to cook on the charcoal grill and is very good at it. She often does zucchini and/or yellow squash and onions!

adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers (freeze the rest.)

Sounds luscious. Thanks!

Strawberries and cinnamon? I wouldn'ta thunk it. It's good?

Strawberries, vanilla and cinnamon. A great trio.

was tequila (actually, my first inclination was cocaine, but we won't go there (and no, I'm not a user))

You want something gentle, not something that overpowers the fish. The lime-based suggestions are good. I think tequila as a flavor is good. Rice and/or Israeli CousCous might match well, perhaps with a sligh jamaican seasoning. Oddly enough, garlic bread. Salad, like a caesar salad. Maybe even a tomator soup.

mine is always ... BEANS