Four Ways to Prepare Prepackaged Pasta Dish - Parmesan Fettuccini & Spinach

(Manufacturer: Knorr)

When I bought a package of Knorr Pasta Sides' Parmesan Fettuccini & Spinach Pasta in a Parmesan Cheese Flavored Sauce with other natural flavor, I thought all I would need was boiling water.

The package listed 3 ways to cook the pasta.

1. The first way, a simple way, to cook the pasta mix is to put it in a pot with 1 1/2 cups water, 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 TBspn butter. Cook for 7 minutes or until pasta is tender.

2. A second way, also simple, is to microwave the pasta mix following similar directions to the first method.

3. But, a third way, requires more ingredients and more steps. First, prepare the pasta according to method 1 or 2, when the pasta has been cooking for 5 minutes, add 10oz of frozen spinach, 14oz of artichoke hearts and sour cream. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes. Top the final dish with 1lb of grilled chicken. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

I didn't have artichokes, sour cream, fresh chicken or cheddar cheese.

But, I have gained some confidence in adapting recipes to what I have on hand.

So, I created a fourth way, fairly simple, but does require more ingredients and more steps.

Knorr Packaged Pasta with Spinach and Chicken

Ingredients:

1 package Knorr Pasta Parmesan, Fettuccini & Spinach in a Parmesan Cheese Flavored Sauce

1 1/2 cup water

1/2 milk, lactose-free

1 TBspn olive oil (or butter)

10oz frozen spinach

4oz yogurt, plain

2 dollops vinegar

1 can of chicken breast, drained

Parmesan cheese, dry

Advisory: The plain yogurt I used had a sweet taste.

Process:

• Add pasta mix to large microwavable bowl.
• Add water, milk and olive oil.
• Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
• Add frozen spinach. Stir thoroughly.
• Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes.
• Add yogurt and vinegar. Stir thoroughly.
• Add chicken. Stir thoroughly.
• Reheat if desired.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over each serving.

 Notes:
Attempt to determine cost to make recipe:

$17.00MX Pasta mix
$33.93 1 can of chicken breast, 354 oz, comparison $90 1 whole roasted chicken
$17.45 1 liter milk, deslactosda
$26.00 1 package frozen spinach, 500g
$5.50 - 8 yogurt, plain, 8oz
Olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Vinegar

While I keep receipts, it has been hard to track costs for some reason.

Toast Topping - Cream Cheese, Salmon and Salsa

Like crazy salads, I don't know when I will tire of this trend. But, so far, I have enjoyed these mini-meals. In a way, it is teaching me different food and flavor combinations.


Toast Topping - Cream Cheese, Salmon and Salsa

Ingredients:

1 slice dble fibra bread
Cream Cheese
Salmon, canned, drained
Salsa, canned
Lime juice concentrate
Basil, dry, crushed

 Note, I changed my mind. Rather than using salt, I used lime juice.


Process:

Toast bread in skillet with a pour of olive oil. Flip bread so both sides gather some olive oil.
Once bread is toasted on both sides to the shade of brown desired, remove from skillet.

Place the toast on a plate and spread the toast with a thin layer of cream cheese.

Spread a thin layer of canned salmon over the cream cheese.

Spread a dab of salsa over the top of the salmon. Think of it as a spice, use lightly.

Sprinkle about 1/2 Tspn of lime juice over the toppings.

Crush a small palmful of basil over the toppings.

Toast Topping - Guacamole and Cream Cheese with Spices

When is an adaptation not an adaptation?

I give full credit to Tostas' author, Cornelia Schinharl, for the idea for this toast topping. But, where she uses fresh produce and herbs, I used pre-prepared items and, different and similar bottled or dry spices in different quantities.

(Tostas Nuevo Presentación by Cornelia Schinharl)

Also, I don't have an oven. All I have is a microwave and a hot plate.

Maybe one day, when I think I have the time and the fresh ingredients, I will try the recipe her way. It sounds delicious.

I have bought food items because of a recipe I wanted to try but I never seem to get to those recipes before other recipes catch my eye. So, like the jar of dry cilantro, I have several items I have not used. So, I was very happy to find a recipe where I could use the cilantro.


Toast Topping . Guacamole and Cream Cheese with Spices

Ingredients:

1 Small wedge of cream cheese, diced
1 Slice, doble fibra bread
Olive Oil
2 TBspns salsa, canned
4-6 Full TBspns, salsa guacamole, jarred
1 Pinch of garlic powder
1 Dash of hot sauce
1 Few drops of lime juice concentrate
2 TBspns cilantro, dry, crushed

Process:

Dice wedge of cream cheese.

Toast bread in skillet with a dollop of olive oil. Turn bread over so both sides gather a bit of olive oil. Turn slice over to toast both sides.

In a container, mix salsa, guacamole, garlic powder, hot sauce, lime juice, and 1 TBspn of cilantro. Mix well.

Remove toast from skillet.

Spread toast with mixture. You will have some mixture leftover.
Top toast with diced cream cheese pieces.
Garnish with 1 TBspn dry cilantro, crushed between your palms.

Note: Used San Miguel Salsa de Guacamole in this recipe which has avocado powder.

Toast to the Rescue - Gucamole and Salmon Topping

I am thoroughly enjoying Toast with various Toppings.

In my grocery explorations, I found two types of canned salmon. One was mixed with vegetables, ensalada de salmon, (carrots, corn, bell peppers and peas). The other was salmon de agua.

Also, this time I used a Salsa Guacamole by a different manufacturer. This one had some avocado in it. Others had had artificial flavor or avocado powder.

(Manufacturer: http://tuny.mx/familia-tuny-ensaladas/)

Toast to the Rescue (from boredom)!

Toast Topping . Guacamole and Canned Salmon
Adapted from: Tostas Nueva Presentacón by Cornelia Schinharl)


Ingredients:

1 slice doble fibra bread
Olive oil
2 level TBspns Salsa guacamole
2 Heaping TBspns salmon, canned
A sprinkle of lime juice
A Tspn Basil, dry, crushed
A sprinkle of garlic powder

Process:

Toast bread in skillet on both sides with a dollop of olive oil.
Remove toast, place on plate.

Spread guacamole over top of toast.
Spread salmon over guacamole.
Sprinkle lime juice, basil and garlic powder over salmon.

Tasty!

Note: I also tried ensalada de salmon. I like both versions.

My Cheating Toasts

My Cheating Toasts


I have been trying to increase my use of fresh fruits and vegetables. But, after my last avocado turned to mush because I did not use it quick enough, I bought a jar of guacamole and some other per-prepared foods.

Sadly, the brand of guacamole I bought had no avocado in it. Will need to look for a different brand that has avocado.

Also, while I do make various salsas, I use them as dips or side dishes. I prefer to use canned salsa as a spice. So, I am going back to my canned, jarred and per-prepared resources.


My Cheating Toasts

Guacamole, Salsa, & Poached Egg


Ingredients:

Olive oil
1 Slice of integral bread
1 Egg, poached
1 Heaping TBspn guacamole, jarred
1 Tspn salsa, canned
A sprinkle of Rock Salt & Macha mixture
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, jarred
S/P to taste

Process:

Add a dab of olive oil to a skillet.
Place bread slice into skillet, flip so both sides collect some of the oil.
Heat on medium-high.
Watch carefully, so it does not burn.
In the meantime, crack an egg into a small bowl with about 3 TBspns of water.
Place in microwave, cover.
Microwave on high for 40-45 seconds.
Remove dish from microwave.
Use slotted spoon to remove egg and to drain off water.
Place egg on a plate.


Back to the toast, flip bread slice to toast on both sides.
When toast is done, place on plate.
Spread guacamole onto toast.
Top guacamole with salsa.
Add egg on top.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, rock salt mixture, and ground black pepper to taste.

White Bean Mash, Salsa and Parmesan Cheese

Ingredients:

1 slice integral bread
olive oil
1 heaping TBspn White Bean Mash (store-bought)
1 Tspn Salsa, canned
A Sprinkle of Parmesan Cheese, jarred
S/P to taste

Pre-prepared tamales and white bean mash

Process:

Basically, toast bread in skillet with a bit of olive oil on both sides.
Spread beans on top of toast.
Add salsa.
Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese.
Season to taste

Variation: make above recipe using a Tostada rather than toast.

1/12 Staycation: Casa del Balam

Staycation - Casa del Balam

Casa del Balam 
https://www.casadelbalam.com/ 
Calle 60 x 57 y 55 Centro
Mérida, Yucatán, México
01 99 99 24 21 50
info@casadelbalam.com

Prices: Moderate

Accessibility: Non-ADA accessible but has entrance ramp, elevator, and safety rails in the bathtub.

Amenities: 

• Independent restaurant services including dining room lobby level, room and pool service
• Free wifi
• Pool
• Boutique and Silver Shop
• Convenience Store
• Business Center
• XBox
• Massage services
• Babysitting services
• 24 on-call medical services
• Laundry services
• Tours and rental car service assistance
• Security safe (not in room)
• Free access to Yucatan Golf Club
• Wake-up calls and 24-hour desk service

Cautions: 

Watch where you walk, the sidewalks vary in condition and size, they are often cracked and uneven.

For those with walking difficulties, while there are ramps and elevators in the hotel, many tourist sites do not have elevators.

There are touts, people offering items for sale or trying to encourage you to visit their store, restaurant or tour services, on many Calles and corners. Just say, gracias, no gracias, if you are not interested in their items.

There are few trash receptacles.


Advisories: 

Bring an umbrella, bug spray, and sunscreen.

Always carry a bottle of water.

On Sundays, several streets are closed for bici-ruta and pedestrians. Rent a bike and take a ride.

Note: Tiendas' hours of operation will vary.


Casa del Balam is a large, multi-story, renovated colonial home of the Don Fernando Barbachano family with an interior patio-garden area and easy access to Calle 60, a main street in Merida. The hotel is just two blocks from Plaza Grande, the parque in historic centro. The hotel room had a bathtub, a rarity in Merida apartments and casas. Plus, it had hot water, another rarity in apartments and casas.

The independent restaurant, Bistro 57, adjoining the hotel offers a buffet breakfast on Sundays from 7am - noon.

This is what I wanted to experience, Centro at various times of day from various perspectives.

While all throughout Yucatan, there are hundreds of places to see and learn about Mexican history. You can get a lot of history around Plaza Grande parque.

The quickest way to get tons of tourist information is to go to the Palace Gobernor's office, Palacio Municipal on the North side of Plaza Grande, Calle 61 x 60 y 62 and visit the Tourist Information Office.

Get a copy of the Yucatán Today, a magazine for tourists with lots of information and maps or visit online at https://www.yucatantoday.com.mx .

Check Olimpo's calendar for weekly events like free movies or art exhibitions, located on West side of Plaza Grande, Calle 62 x 61 y 63.

As you walk around Plaza Grande, look for the pictogram street signs on buildings at the corner of intersecting streets.

Ladvovesita at Calle 60 x 61, Centro.
This is a replica of the original sign. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-corners-of-merida-merida-mexico
 
According to Atlas Obscura, these Calle signs were added to help people give directions and for the illiterate to navigate the city.

Around Plaza Grande, you can find familiar tiendas like 7-11, Subway or Burger King. Plus, there's Oxxo, the Corporate Mexican convenience store.

You can also find economica cocinas, I suggest trying Gorditas Bena Gorda or Las Quekas on the corner of Calle 61 x 60 across from the Cathederal.

I also recommend Cafeteria Pop on Calle 57 x 60 y 62. It has economical prices and a varied menu. I often go for my favorite meal, breakfast.

There are non-emergency medical services offered by Farmacias Similares on Plaza Grande, Calle 63 x 60 y 62.


Activities around Plaza Grande: 

City Walking Tour: Sign-up for tour at City Tourist Office at City Hall on the West side of Plaza Grande, Calle 62 x 61 y 63.

At the moment, there are three tourist offices around Plaza Grande, each one serves a different purpose.

On my city tour, the guide was bilingual in Spanish and English. His audience of about ten people, seniors, young people, and children, from around the world.

The guide lead us upstairs in the City Hall building to a terrace overlooking Plaza Grande. There he talked about the history of the Mayan and the founding of Mérida. He also explained the various stops along the tour: Casa de Montejo, MACAY, San Lidefonso Cathederal, ending at Parque Hildago across from Iglesia Tercera de la Orden. The tour took about an hour.

Mérida was founded upon the site of the older Mayan city 'Tho' in 1542 by the Spanish Conquistador, Francisco de Montejo and his son after suppressing and enslaving the Mayan through war, torture and abuse. They used the Catholic religion to criminalize Mayan religious beliefs, books and rituals.

Mérida's architecture reflects Spanish and French influences as seen in the use of arches and lattice ironwork on windows and doors.

Local lore says the name Yucatán is a Spanish corruption of Mayan words meaning I don't understand what you are saying.

The city Mérida is named after Merida, Spain which was named after a old Roman city.

As you learn more about Mérida, you will learn about the history of henequen, also called "Green Gold" or sisal that at one time, made Mérida one of the richest cities in México. Henequen is a rope-like material made from the Agave cactus plant (See picture below). Henequen was grown, harvested and processed on plantations around Mérida and the product was shipped around the world. Plantation owners built grand Haciendas on their plantations and mansions in the city, many along Paseo de Montejo.

Henequén, el oro verde en época prehispánica
(Source: https://www.gob.mx/firco/articulos/henequen-oro-verde-en-epoca-prehispanica?idiom=es)

Mayans worked the plantations and were treated as slaves. Often, they were fed and housed on the plantation and paid in script. They could only spend the script on the plantation.

http://www.travelmerida.com/henequen.php https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henequen_industry_in_Yucat%C3%A1n 

Casa de Montejo: Calle 63 x 60 y 62. Completed in 1549. Images on facade reflect roman mythological images like Hercules. Also, on the facade are images of Francisco Montejo, his wife, son and daughter according to the tour guide.

For more information, see: http://yucatantoday.com/museo-casa-montejo-2/ 

In 1542, the city of Mérida was only six blocks by eight blocks in size. Entrances to the city had arches built over calles. Only the Spanish lived in the city, Mayan workers had to get permission to enter. Later, other colonias like San Sebesian, and Santa Lucia were built for workers or slaves.

Macay Art Museum: Calle 60 x 61 y 63, is open Wednesday to Monday, 10:00am to 6:00pm. The walkway is always open where you can see the current sculpture displays.

San Lidefonso Cathedral: Calle 60 x 61 y 63. This is the oldest cathedral in the Americas. Completed in 1598. For more information, see: http://yucatantoday.com/san-ildefonso-cathedral/?lang=en

Above the altar is a larger than life-size wood carving of Christ. It is the largest wooden interior figure of Christ measuring seven meters.

Iglesia Tercera de la Orden (across from Hildago Parque with statue of Manuel Cepeda Peraza) - When the Spanish ruled the Yucatan, they dismantled many Mayan temples and structures and used the limestone bricks and blocks to build their own churches and buildings. Many tour guides point out various limestone blocks in the wall of this church to illustrate this fact.

On Friday, after many hours of walking and visiting various sites, I returned to my room just in time to catch an episode of Star Trek - The Next Generation on the cable TV. That was lucky because Star Trek did not show on the SyFy channel again over the weekend. There were lots of channels, lots of children's shows, history and nature shows, plus the usual reality, sex and violence shows.

Outside my room on the third floor, I had a view of the patio garden and a seating area to enjoy a drink and write.

Then, I went for a swim. You can get a towel from the reception desk and sign for it. The pool is large and clean. I was able to swim "laps" and do some in-pool exercises.

Saturday morning, I had breakfast poolside. What a delight! Then, I took a swim before going out.

I spent most of Saturday visiting shops in the local mercados/markets:

Mercado San Benito
Exterior Calle 54 x 67 y 69 Centro
Monday - Saturday
7:30am to 6:00pm
Sunday
7:30am to 3:00pm

Mercado Lucas de Galvez
Calle 56-A x 65 y 67 Centro
Open 5:30am to 6:00pm

When you visit the mercados, it can take hours because the mercados are large and spread out over many blocks.

I was looking for another pair of cancelas (sandals/flip-flops). In order to find what you want, you need to visit several tiendas.

I found my canceltas in a tienda inside one of the large mercados with hundreds of stalls. I won't be able to find that stall again.

Cancelatas can vary in construction, shape, color and style. I was looking for cancaletas that were firm with a slight arch. Then, once you have found what you want, you have to see if they have it in your size. In Mexico, my cancelatas size is 29. While you are out, you will often have a "Mexican Day" where something interesting happens.

After a long interesting day, I came back for a rest and a swim.

I love books so of course, I visited Dante, a bookstore at Plaza Grande. Although most of the books are in Spanish, I still buy some now and then.


Other Activities and Places to Go:

Palacio of Musica: Calle 59 x 58 y 60 Centro.

City Night Tour: Pick up at Teatro Peon Contreras.

City Bus Tour: Catch a Turibus on Calle 60 next to Plaza Grande.
https://www.turibus.com.mx

City Museum: Calle 56 x 65 y 65-A, Centro.

For Foodies: Enjoy a city tour and a visit to the local market. Select items for your meal and go back to the Chef's casa and help make your lunch. Try Adventures-Mexico Tour, see:  https://www.adventures-mexico.com
 

Casa del Balam's staff was very attentive and helpful.

Great visit, my only regret was there was no coffee maker in the room. Plus, three days and two nights was not enough time to see all the things I had planned, so next time, I will stay four days and three nights.

Buen Dia (Good Day)



8/10/18 Update:

Because I did not have time to do some of the other activities I wanted to do while staying at Casa del Balam, I returned to historic Centro over the next week.

I got lucky. I attended an Astronomical presentation "The Invisible Border" in Olimpo's planetario. This was part of a series of presentations by the Sociedad Astronómica UADY.

Then, I caught a movie, Bull Durham, at Olimpo during their tribute to Susan Sarandon.

After the movie, I walked up Calle 60, the street had been closed for pedestrians. It was a delightful night. Clear skies, cool breezes and the streets were full of happy people, walking, eating in the impromptu "popup" cafes in the streets, a spill over from the nearby restaurants.

Artists had their displays out in parques.

 

Annoucement: New Series, Staycations, Mérida, Mexico

Announcing a new blog series: Staycations in Mérida, México
 
I have always wanted to be a tourist in my own town and a Staycation is the perfect solution.

My plan is to stay at 12 hotels over a 12-month period. The hotels will be primarily in Mérida but a few will be outside Yucatán.

What is important to me, as a mature female with walking difficulties, is: budget to moderate pricing, accessibility i.e. elevators or ground floor units, ramps, attentive staff, security, cleanliness, and amenities like a pool, room service, room safe, and tour service assistance. Plus, I like knowing I am in walking distance or a short taxi ride to various services. I particularly appreciate on-call medical services.

Also, when making a reservation, I like hotels that have their own website. I do not use online booking services, often, because they don't offer enough information for me to make a decision. I generally contact the hotel directly by phone or email.

In each Staycation post, I will try to cover general hotel information such as location, price range, accessibility, amenities, transportation, cautions, advisories, and area sites and events.

Price range per night:

Frugal - Free to less than 100 pesos
Budget - 100 pesos to 900 pesos
Moderate . 900 to 3,000 pesos
Expensive - 3,000 to 5,000
Rich - 5,000+

Seasons: Mérida has four seasons, spring, summer, fall and winter which vary in temperature and precipitation. The rainy season is from May to October coinciding with the Hurricane Season. Some find November to April the best time to visit Mérida.

Tipping: I tip wait staff, taxi drivers, tour guides, room service attendants and grocery baggers.

Credit/Debit Cards: Make sure your bank knows when and where you are traveling, this will allow you to use your credit or debit card at ATMs, hotels, restaurants and more.

Transportation: Yucatán has great public transportation.

In Mérida, there are city buses, collectivos (vans), taxis, ADO and other long distance bus services, car rental services, and private transportation options. The current cost for a city bus or collective is 8 pesos.

Taxis - I do not use phone apps to get a taxi, I ask the concierge to call a taxi or I go to the street and hail a taxi. Then, I ask the driver the cost to my destination. This helps limit price scalping.

In general, there is a ADO Mérida Shuttle at the Cancun Airport International terminal as well as an ADO bus to Mérida in the city of Cancun. Check with your hotel to see if they will pick you up at an ADO terminal in Mérida.

Also, go online to Yucatán Today, http://yucatantoday.com/yucatan-bus-lines-and-taxis/?lang=en, to find much more information about various transportation options in Yucatán. Once you get to Mérida, pick up a copy of the current Yucatán Today, it has a wealth of useful information.

Tours: There are many tour services available. Many are affiliated with hotels. Ask at the reception desk about available tours. As a single person, it is easier to get added onto an existing tour from your hotel.

Special note: When visiting Mérida, México, if you don't speak Spanish, learn a few words before you come. Learning to say just a few words in Spanish like: Hola, Gracias, De Nada, Adios, Donde es el Baño (Hello, Thank you, You are Welcome, Goodbye, Where is the Bathroom?) for example, is considered polite. It shows that you are trying to speak the language of the country you are visiting,

Buen Dia (Good day).