A Week At A Time – Meal Ideas!

It’s been an eventful week in Santa Ynez celebrating my brother-in-law’s birthday. On Thursday, his actual birthday, we started our day with a hike that begun at the end of Refugio Road — just a five-minute drive past Sunstone Winery where the road ends. We were told by a fire department representative that was driving down the road, while we were hiking, that President Reagan’s ranch was just to the right at the top. We couldn’t exacting identify his ranch, but we hiked to the top where we could see the ocean, just over the rolling hills in Santa Ynez Valley. What a magnificent view — about an eight mile hike round trip (not too difficult). After a delicious lunch at Hitching Post 2 in Buellton (I recommend sharing the steak sandwich and grilled artichoke), we relaxed at home before we headed out on horseback at Fess Parker Winery, for a sunset ride. The horses were provided by Kap Land & Cattle, just next to the winery, and run by grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Fess Parker himself, aka Daniel Boone. It was the most amazing time riding around a cattle ranch with no one around except cows and donkeys and right before sunset, we were greeted at a picnic table for wine and cheese, before we we headed back on a staff driven RZR for a safe return to our car.

This week I wanted to focus on all things cowgirl because that’s how I felt this week, but I’m far from it. So, Monday we’re enjoying my Ranchero Beans for a meal that really tastes like the good outdoors, even though you can make them on the stove top. Tuesday is meatloaf night, and not just any meatloaf, but Mexican Meatloaf with flavors of the southwest. On Hump Day – it’s breakfast for dinner with my Breakfast Quesadillas! Thursday is a great day for my Instant Pot Smoky Southern Greens & Beans because this cowgirl loves her greens – haha. TGIF – it’s time for my Smoky Tamarind Margarita — just love their tangy refreshing taste. Saturday’s are for baking, and my Cowboy Cookies will make you scream — yee-haw. Have a tasty week!

Monday – Rustic and hardy – these beans are a favorite of mine.