Mexican Stacki Upi Bowls

It is never too soon to start thinking about spring and summer picnics. Honestly, we picnic all year long...because we take food everywhere. Not only is it fun to package up, but it is a much healthier and economical alternative to fast food.

Picnics are also dinners to go when you are taking people meals. Did you know that? I am just kidding...but since I LOVE picnics...I like to think of it that way. Doesn't that sound like a fun thing to get to do???

Anyhoo...I am still in swoonville from my birthday. I am warning you now...you will be tired of hearing about my day sooner than later.

I need to learn to be more focused when writing...but there is so much to cram into this little post while my hubby makes a trip to Goodwill {dropping things off...not picking anything up!}

Back to Mexican Stacki Upi Bowls: They are great to pack up and go, and amazingly SIMPLE to prep ahead of time or for a casual evening of entertaining. You can easily assign friends to bring a topping. You can provide the rice and warm beans...and if you have a rice cooker...you will have NO excuse not to have a party at your house. Start makin' your guest list now.

We grew up on Javanese Stacki Upis {frequently requested}...but this is the Mexican version:

Steamed Jasmine rice...white or brown

Yumm sauce {from YUMM Cafe} I am working on figuring this sauce out. This is optional...we just started using the sauce.

Warmed black beans

Grilled Chicken breast or rotisserie chicken from Costco {also optional}

Sliced olives

Cilantro

Shredded Tillamook Cheese

Avocado

Sour cream and Salsa

jalapeno rounds...yummy!


That is it!

For a Picnic:

Just layer ingredients into to-go containers...send extra salsa in portion cups.

For children: Layer rice, olives, cheese and chicken

***I have also sent all the toppings in individual chinese to-go boxes {Cash and Carry} and boxed up the rice in a large BIO BOX {Cash and Carry} Whatever floats your boat or what will work best for whom you will be taking a picnic to. :}

PLEASE don't forget the lemonade! REALLY, you neeeed this.

Sugar cookie sandwiches with lemon buttercream frosting for the filling

Don't forget to include fun napkins {inexpensive at IKEA} and plastic ware so there is no clean up or dishes to return.






For at home: Simply set out a large bowl of rice and all of the individual toppings on a kitchen island or dining room table and serve it buffet style.

For my birthday dinner, I wanted the table set nice, so I set the table with cloth napkins, silverware, champagne flutes and straws, PINK LEMONADE {A MUST WITH THIS MEAL!} ice water, candles and a birthday banner {more on this next week!!!!} and the dinner was set on the island along with the plates.

I served corn on the side along with spinach...chips and salsa. Easy peasy!!! You can make it as simple or as fancy schmancy as you like...but as you can see you will not be slaving over this very fun and healthy dinner. Best of all, if someone doesn't like something, they don't have to pick it out! YAY!

***Skewered grilled shrimp can dress this easy dinner up if you like***

OH WHAT FUN!

Hubby had to work...soooo, he made my favorite homemade strawberry ice cream and carrot cake and I got to go to the station {Caleb DROVE!} with the kiddies for birthday dessert. I am a lucky little ducky! Birthday evening with my man in uniform sitting right next to me, city lights, and happy teenagers=HAPPY MOMMA!

So, between my bestie coming over and SHOWERING me with my to-die-for birthday gifts...{more to come}, the bathroom being done...for the most part...a fun birthday dinner with family and my other bestie, lots of e-mails and birthday wishes...I am filled to the brim with joy and thankfulness that God has given me another year of life to bask in HIS blessings. What a wonderful life!!!




Here is a sneek peek for March Show-N-Tell:






Shared with: comfy in the kitchen, stone gable