Breakfast: Survival Mode Breakfast

Nutella. Nutella is such a valuable part of my life that I can not find words adequate enough to describe its importance. I will say this--right now we are in the middle of a light kitchen renovation (I say light because we are not changing the footprint of the kitchen, but that's the only thing we aren't changing). Nutella is saving my life. Can't find the syrup to spread over the waffles? Nutella and a plastic knife do the trick. Kids are bored and need something to do? Paper plates and Nutella, and finger painting never sounded so fun. Snack time while I'm in the middle of painting? Stick a bunch of plastic spoons by a jar of Nutella and the next thing you know, three girls are giggly and full. If this kitchen turns out, and I'm really doubtful at times, I will owe it all to the ever yummy Nutella.

Snack: Pico de Gallo

What do I eat when I'm famished? I'll tell you. I eat Pico de Gallo. Chime in here if I am wrong, but I believe Pico de Gallo is like Salsa, only not. It is diced vegetables tossed together, rather than mushed together. My dear friend SES makes the world's best Pico de Gallo, but I don't think she calls it that. All I know is that one day, she brought me a large container of this concoction along with a bag of chips. I ate the entire contents of the container by myself (there were a few chips left in the bag). I told no one and I admitted to nothing.

It may seem like I'm on a Mexican food kick here. But Mexican food is an integral part of my life. In fact I'll prove it to you by publishing my favorite mexican chocolate cake....but not until I eat another few bowls of Pico de Gallo.

Pico de Gallo

3 tomatoes, diced
1/4 red onion, minced
1 avocado, diced
fresh lime juice (lots and lots)
cilantro, chopped (optional)
fresh corn (optional, but if you do it, use corn that you cut directly off the cob...it makes all the difference)
salt

Dice the tomatoes and avocados. Mince the red onion. Juice the limes into the vegetables. Add optional vegetables. Mix. Serve with tortillas chips.