Hello my lovely friends,

As I sat on the picnic bench staring into the cotton candy sky at Schabarum Regional Park, I couldn’t help reflect on the beautiful day that had unfolded before me. 

"Life is a precious gift from God … " 

I didn’t always believe this statement. 

Like many people, I spent the majority of my life roaming the earth without  purpose. 

I dreaded every single birthday and never saw a reason to celebrate life until Jesus saved my soul. And when He did, I began to truly live instead of simply exist. 

I now celebrate life on a daily basis and can confidently declare that life is a precious gift from God and its purposed to honor and glorify Him. 

Last weekend I celebrated the life God gave me with my friends at the park. 

It was a blessing to have my friend Patrick cook for the day. We were treated to an exquisite outdoor dining adventure with a gorgeous view. 

Our day began by finding a secluded space at the top of the hill where we set up for our picnic. It had an expanded view of the entire park that was absolutely breathtaking. 

We unpacked everything and to my surprise there weren't a lot of kitchen tools to work with.

I wasn’t sure how Patrick was going to make us a gourmet meal with a single propane stove top and a chef knife.

But he did ...

The first taste of the day was a Mexican Mocha inspired by his cousin Julie. 

He used a Mokapot to bring together the rich flavors of Guatemalan coffee grounds, Spiced Oaxacan Chocolate and whipped up whole milk. 

It was a simple and perfect combination of coffee, chocolate and spices that gave us a boost for the day. 

The sweet and smoky aroma of spices captured the atmosphere as coriander seeds, allspice, star anise and cumin seeds were toasted over the fire. We later ground them up with paprika and salt to season the plant based chorizo. 

For the main dish, Patrick prepared Tlacoyos, torpedo shaped blue corn masa stuffed with black beans and vegan chorizo. 

As he made the blue corn dough, we learned how Masa was created. 

The process of Nixtamalization takes simple corn which has very little nutritional value and transforms it into a source of nourishment. 

The black beans were cooked ahead of time with Chile de árbol and epazote. 

The Vegan chorizo was a combination of diced mushrooms and potatoes with chorizo seasoning that was delicious. 

Sizzling tomatoes, dry roasted serrano chilis, garlic and salt muddled together to make Salsa de Molcajete (and it was spicy!!)

Like a beautiful symphony coming together, we watched Patrick plate the stuffed Tlacoyos and top them with Jocoque (yogurt cheese), Cotija cheese and homemade Salsa. 

Spending the day with amazing friends in the outdoors while enjoying flavorful food gave me a deeper appreciation for the gift of life . 

Featured Friend 

J. Patrick Arceaux Tiré  

Follow on IG @a_propermix

What inspired you to cook up Tlacoyos and Salsa for us? 

I was hiking in the Puente Hills and was struck by a memory with my grandmother in Mexico City. We saw ladies making Blue Corn Tlacoyos by hand on the street corners.

Salsa de Molcajete is a 3 ingredient salsa that I learned how to make at a very young age; it’s very typical in my household.

I wanted to share these simple dishes with all of you. 

What does cooking mean to you?

For me Cooking is honoring myself, my ancestors and the universe for its abundance.

It’s a way to bring people together and share moments over food. 

How do you approach cooking? 

I think of the Italian saying “ Prima Materia” which means raw material, the best of the best, unadulterated; like the best tomatoes or the best chilis.

I want the freshest ingredients and I don’t want to alter it too much and that goes for cooking and life.

What are your creative outlets? 

I love hiking and being outdoors, it allows space for my creative mind. I enjoy traveling, I experience new places, people, and cultures.

I get to use my six senses, especially smelling and tasting, wherever I go. Spending time with my family establishes a safe place to be myself .

What is something unique about you? 

I don’t feel I’m that unique but people do… 

I speak English , Spanish and Italian fluently .

I forage food wherever I set my foot, I like to know what is in my neighborhood when I need something, mustard, rosemary, avocado leaves, limes, quelite. 

How do you celebrate the gift of life?

Remembering daily to honor the gift by practicing spiritual principles that would make me a vessel to do His will.

Honestly, what came to mind is the prayers of St. Francis Assisi. 

I hope this newsletter will encourage you to look at life as a precious gift that is meant to be celebrated. 

How do you celebrate the gift of life? 

Stay Blessed, 

Anahita Naderi 

Founder and Curator of Hidden Dinner