ta-da!

our trip to palm springs turned out to be oh so much more....we got engaged! after a hike around San Jacinto mountain, we climbed on top of a HUGE fell tree to eat our picnic lunch. a steller jay started to hover over us. i thought it was going to swoop and attack. instead, it landed on a branch about 2ft. away from me and stared. we were tripping out that it was so brazen. i was thinking we must have been too close to it's nest. the bf took it as a sign to make his move. while i was in a steller jay trance dance, he pulled out the ring and popped the question. and well, the rest is history.

i feel so lucky to have found this gem and i know we've got a long, fun-filled life ahead of us.

::::this is how I do cinco::::

Rangpur Lime Shooters

(ala May Sunset Magazine)

Time: 20 minutes, plus at least 2 hours to chill. Think of these shooters as a really, really good margarita you can pick up with your fingers (or a spoon). Just make them for your next party, and watch your guests' eyes light up. They're from Cal Stamenov, chef at Marinus restaurant at Bernardus Lodge, in Carmel Valley, California. Stamenov also likes to play with other flavor combinations, like Meyer lemon juice with vodka instead of tequila.

Yield

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup fresh Rangpur lime juice; or use 2/3 cup fresh lime juice plus 1/3 cup tangerine juice
• 3/4 cup sugar
• Ice
• 1/2 cup silver (white) tequila
• Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon, or kosher salt (optional)
• Wedges of Rangpur lime (optional)

Preparation

1. In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup water. Let stand until softened, about 5 minutes. Add citrus juice and sugar; cook, stirring, over medium-high heat until steaming, 3 to 5 minutes. Nest pan in a bowl of ice water and stir until cool, then stir in tequila.

2. Line a 4 1/2- by 8 1/2-in. loaf pan with plastic wrap, letting wrap hang over ends. Pour citrus mixture into pan, cover with another piece of plastic (not touching mixture), and chill until firm, at least 2 hours and as long as 1 week.

3. Uncover pan. Holding ends of plastic wrap, lift gelled mixture on wrap onto a cutting board. Cut into 18 squares. Transfer to a plate. If you like, sprinkle with a little salt and garnish with lime wedges.