Flamingo Paradise - Officially Open for FUN!

Yesterday my backyard, affectionately named, "Flamingo Paradise" had it's opening day. Better late than never, right? François the pool flamingo made an appearance:

He made for a fun-filled day and really enjoyed being the center of attention. Dear friends of mine crossed the mighty Mississip (Mississippi River) to dare enjoy some San Pablo fun. They were most gracious as I'm in the midst of decluttering my home and as such the inside looks like something out of "Hoarders". They brought CRABs, and two grocery bags filled with food - noshy bits of sorts. Perfect mix of salty and crunchy. The day couldn't have been more perfect - sunny, slight breeze, warm and mildly humid. The pool water, freshly cleaned and filtered, was the cherry on top of the this perfect summer sundae!

Avocado and Strawberry Salsa

One of the things I adore about Minnesota is its summer berry season; fresh strawberries to be more specific.

This year we have a bumper crop of Minnesota strawberries which helps keep me on my clean-eating journey. 

I found this recipe on Cooking Light and tweaked it a bit using some scrumptious ingredients I purchased at The Olive Grove Olive Oil Company in Mendota Heights, MN. I used their Persian Lime Olive Oil and Coconut Balsamic Vinegar. This combination took the salsa to a whole new tropical fresh level. 

Here’s the recipe, a modified version of the one I found at CookingLight.com:

• 1 cup finely chopped/diced fresh strawberries
• 1 finely chopped peeled avocado
• 2 Tbs finely chopped red onion
• 2 Tbs chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tsp finely chopped and seeded jalapeno pepper
• ½ tsp grated lime zest
• 2 Tbs fresh lime juice
• ¼ tsp sugar
• 1Tbs Persian Lime Olive Oil 
• 1 tsp Coconut Balsamic Vinegar

Mix everything together and serve over fish or chicken. 

I like to add a little salt and pepper and little less red onion; really it can be further modified to your taste. I also like to peel, chop, and add the avocado right before I’m going to serve it; I find the presentation to be more appealing and less “slimy” looking.  As a complete meal I have served with fresh asparagus, green beans, or broccoli – all lightly steamed, served al dente. 

I think this recipe, especially when served with fish, makes for a delightful Flamingo Paradise signature dish!

'mingo Paradise - let the fun begin!

My first blog post! I'm trying to connect this blog to my website: flamingo paradise.net. We'll see how far I get.

My plans are to share recipes, decorating ideas, party planning, and events I host in my backyard during the summer months. 

I'm a lover of all things tropical: palm trees, flamingos, tikis, hibiscus, seashells, sun, sand, and surf; C.R.A.B.s, BBQs, pool fun, twinkle lights, babbling water fountains, and bonfires. 

My other love is my niece: Talula (name changed to protect the innocent). She visits Flamingo Paradise but not often enough. When she was little(er) she couldn't fully pronounce "flamingo" and sweetly said, "...'mingo..."; hence the title of my blog, The 'mingo blog.

Stay tuned for more posts and a relaxing peek into Flamingo Paradise!

~ Karen