• Home
  • happy jessie
  • first time here?
  • work with me
  • contact

The Happiness in Health

Jessie, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

  • Home
  • happy jessie
    • Meet Jessie
    • best of thih!
    • peter
    • travels
    • the judginator series
    • caption contests
  • healthy recipes
    • Recipage
    • vintage recipes
  • media
  • educate
    • Nutrition Info in a Hurry
    • get up ‘n’ go snacks
    • getting a good night’s sleep
    • simple tips for healthy living
  • cartoons
  • faq
  • becoming an rd
    • A Step-By-Step Beginner’s Guide
    • Day in the Life Series
    • RD FAQ
    • Where Do RDs Work?

My Favorite Sister

08/13/10 | Favorites, Life, Recipes

Who is my favorite sister? I’ll give you a hint: she’s extremely smart, loves good food, and lives west of the Mississippi. I wore her hand-me-downs (and hand-me-ups) when I was younger. I look forward to seeing her every Christmas. Lastly, her birthday is on August 13th.

Any guesses??

The answer(s) is in this picture!

I'm the pasty one on the left.

That’s right! Both of my sisters were born on August 13th … six years apart. When I was little, I remember wondering what it was like to share a birthday with my sister. Neither of them seemed to mind, but that nonchalance could have been due to their understanding personalities.  Also, when I say that I wore their hand-me-downs AND hand-me-ups, I wasn’t kidding: Courtney is younger than me, but she’s been taller than me since she was about 10 years old.  Yeah, I feel … short 🙂

So! In honor of BOTH of my sisters’ birthdays, I made some special grub. I hope to whet their appetites so that they’ll be looking forward to when I can actually make them a birthday meal.

First up: tacos! When we were growing up, my older sister D would always request tacos for dinner. I always looked forward to tacos, too, especially those little bowls of taco toppings.

D’s Birthday Tacos

Ingredients:
1/2 Tbsp veggie oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 hot pepper (jalapeno, etc.)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/3 cup beer (!)
6 – 8 oz. of some sort of protein.  We didn’t have beef, so I defrosted and crumbled up a couple of veggie burgers.  Beans, tofu, chicken, even tuna would also suffice.  Note un: If you use a veggie burger as your protein, make sure you actually like the taste of it.  Because I didn’t.
Salt and pepper.
3 – 4 tortillas or taco shells

Toppings:
Lettuce and tomato
Cheese
Salsa
Guacamole
etc.

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and saute until soft and translucent.

While the onion is sauteing, roast your hot pepper. You can roast the pepper by broiling it in an oven or toaster oven until the outside blackens. If you’re like me and you don’t want to turn on the oven in the middle of summer to roast a tiny little pepper, you can use this handy device:

Or, if you have a gas stove, just use heat-safe tongs to hold the pepper in the flames. Be careful, of course.

When the pepper is cool, peel off the skin, mince, and add to the onion along with the minced garlic and protein (crumbled veggie burgers here). Saute for one minute.

Add tomato paste and heat through.  Pour in beer and use a spoon to scape all the tasty bits off the bottom (deglaze).  Lastly, add salt and pepper to taste.  Note deux: If you are using veggie burgers as your protein, you may wish to exclude the salt, as veggie burgers tend to be very high in sodium.

Prepare the rest of your fixin’s.  Preparing the taco toppings was always my favorite part.  Well, specifically this part:

That would be a delectable smoked cheese from Sugarbush Farm in Vermont.  Most of the cheese made it in the tacos and not in my mouth, I swear.

Shredded.

As I alluded to before, I wasn’t crazy about the veggie burgers I chose for the taco filling, but if I had used some other protein the filling would have been EPIC!  The beer was a nice extra 🙂

Now, I DO have another sister.  One who happens to be a Master Gardener. You’ve previously met Courtney in this guest post, and I’m sure you’ll agree that you just can’t get enough of her! In honor of her green thumb, I decided to have a simple heirloom tomato and wax bean side “salad”.

I prepared the tomato by slicing it and sprinkling it with a little sugar.  Before you explode on me, I just want to clarify that yes, I PREFER tomatoes best with their natural sweetness and no additional enhancement.  However, sugar on tomatoes is a common simple dish that I enjoyed in China and wanted to recreate at home.  While I won’t be sweetening my tomatoes often, a little sugar was a nice treat for a special occasion.  Even if that special occasion isn’t technically my OWN birthday.

Lastly, a peanut butter mousse cake to finish the birthday dinner:

Preparing the chocolate ganache, made from 1/4 cup heated cream poured over 2.5 ounces chocolate, then stirred until the chocolate melts:

Peter spreading ganache over the frozen mousse cake:

Happy Birthday to my favorite sisterS in the whole wide world! I cant wait to see you both soon! 😀

Love,
Jessie

Related Posts

Adaptable Oat Bars, Lactation Edition
Jessie, RD
Where in the World Is … ?

Happy Easter and FREE Peanut Butter!
Red Bean Hummus | Jessie @ The Happiness in Health
Red Bean Hummus with Sweet Paprika
Collard Greens | Jessie @ The Happiness in Health
Sweet Collard Greens with Smoky Bacon

Comments | 24 comments

STAY UPDATED!

Get all the latest recipes, nutrition advice, cartoons and more straight to your inbox!

« Git Yer Veggies In!
Veggies Can Be Filling! »

Comments

  1. Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday says

    August 13, 2010 at 10:25 am

    I swear women have seasons in which they are more likely to conceive. My husband is born 2 years + 1 day after his brother. My cousin was born 1 year + 1 day after his brother. It’s really common!

    Reply
  2. denise @ quickies on the dinner table says

    August 13, 2010 at 11:05 am

    Happy Birthday to your lovely sisters Jessie 🙂 Hope they both have a great day. We don’t have that phenom in our house, but, hubby and my youngest both share the same birthday – August 29! Guess that means my mother-in-law and I have the same productive days 😉

    I LOOOOOOOOOOVE that peanut butter mousse cake!

    Reply
  3. darryn (brio.gusto) says

    August 13, 2010 at 11:25 am

    Wow, sounds like you made them a delicious feast! I’m sure they feel very lucky to have you as a sister Jessie!! 🙂
    xox

    Reply
  4. Emily (A Nutritionist Eats) says

    August 13, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    Can you make my birthday dinner?!?! Yum!!!

    Reply
  5. lequan@luvtoeat says

    August 13, 2010 at 1:42 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Jessie’s two sisters!!!!!! That is so awesome that they share the same birthdays, Jessie! I think I actually remember Courtney’s guest post. She shared some drinks with us right? Sorry if I got that wrong though. For you to make all that yumminess and your sisters aren’t even there to celebrate with you (which I think is super sweet by the way), you guys must do some serious celebrating when you actually do get together. I think I just might have a party to crash soon ;-).

    Although I’m not a huge fan of beer straight up, I love that you used it in your taco ingredients. Which reminds me that I still need to try beer can chicken. Sorry, got sidetracked. You’ll notice that happens a lot with me. And all that cheese! MMMMMMMM! I love finger food like this cause you can be messy with it and it still wouldn’t matter. Come to think of it, I don’t think my kiddies have tried tacos, thanks for tonight’s dinner idea.

    Sugar on tomatoes? I never knew they did that in China, interesting. I know a lot of Chinese (I’m not speaking for all Chinese people but a lot of my relatives) like to put salt on their fruits. I’m a little ashamed to say it but I enjoy my fruits that way too.

    And lastly, you are killing me with your yummy peanut butter creations Jessie. LOL. I know I can always substitute with almond butter, but it’s just not the same. DROOLING over your peanut butter mousse cake that I cannot have :-P. Ok I must leave now. Hope you and Peter have an awesome weekend! HUGS HUGS HUGS!

    LeeQs

    ps
    Thank you so much for all your honest and professional opinion on my post! I really appreciate your advice and opinions!

    Reply
  6. Ameena says

    August 13, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    Happy Birthday to both of your sisters! I love that they were born on the same day but so many years apart.

    I think your older sister D is right on the money with requesting tacos for dinner. Yours look so fantastic, as does the mousse. Your sisters are so lucky to have a wonderful cook like you in the family!

    Reply
  7. homecookedem says

    August 13, 2010 at 5:47 pm

    Happy Birthday to your sisters!! What are the chances?! So cool that they were born on the same day!! 🙂

    Your bday tacos look awesome and wowwwwwwww… that PB mousse cake looks absolutely DIVINE!! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Melinda says

    August 14, 2010 at 7:21 am

    So nice of you to cook for them and the cake looks heavenly. That is funny that they have the same birthday. My sister and I are 4 years and 1 day apart, so it was like sharing a birthday. But, we also like that ours are just exactly 6 months from Hanukah, so we get full present showering at both. My sister is coming to visit me on the island in 10 days.

    Reply
  9. Lauren @ Health on the Run says

    August 14, 2010 at 8:07 am

    This is so cute! Happy birthday to both the THIH sisters! 🙂 It’s crazy they were born on the same day so many years apart. One of my sisters was born 4 years and 2 days after me. She was due on my birthday and we all “joke” that she knew what was good for her hanging in there a couple of extra days. haha Let’s just say that as a kid, I really liked having my own day. 😉 Anyway, I used to think this sort of thing was pretty rare, but my boyfriend was born on the same day as his sister — 2 years later. So I guess it’s more common than one would think!

    Your entire birthday-honorary meal looks delicious, but especially that peanut butter mousse pie! I like your version with the chocolate ganache topping. I’m going to have to make this for myself!

    Reply
  10. Chef Dennis says

    August 14, 2010 at 9:57 am

    how cool is that having both your sisters birthdays on the same day! Your taco’s look so very very good, and that peanut butter pie….wow…what can I say except cut me off a big piece please!!

    Reply
  11. Efi@greekyogurt says

    August 14, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    Everything looks amazing. I ll have to make this tacos!

    Reply
  12. Lauren says

    August 14, 2010 at 7:16 pm

    That is so interesting that your sisters have the same birthday! I imagine it would be kind of weird as kids, to always have to share the attention…but I also think it’s pretty cool.
    I love your title for this post because my sister and I always call each other “favorite sister” (we are our ONLY sisters…we’re just big dorks). Anyway, I think it’s great that you’re close with both of your sisters and the food you made looks amazing. Peanut butter mousse cake? Could anything sound more decadent? Happy birthday to your sisters and I hope you all had a great time!
    xoxo

    Reply
  13. kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com says

    August 14, 2010 at 8:41 pm

    our family used to always make tacos on our birthdays for dinner! its a tradition!! and what a yummy way to celebrate BOTH your sisters birthdays!! happy birthday girlies!! <3

    Reply
  14. Joanne says

    August 15, 2010 at 8:55 am

    Whoa I can’t believe that your sisters were born on the same day! Crazy.

    Very cute post and I love that you cooked for them even though you won’t be able to be with them. However, if you decide to cook for ME for my birthday…I’ll be coming over.

    Reply
  15. Anne @ Food Loving Polar Bear says

    August 15, 2010 at 10:22 am

    Wow. What a coincidence to be born at the same day 6 years apart! 😀

    Tacos.. mm.. thanks for an inspiration 😉

    Reply
  16. Nicole, RD says

    August 15, 2010 at 11:03 am

    Happy belated birthday to your sisters! That is INSANE that they were born on the same day but not the same year! Your parents know how to stay consistent! LOL! 🙂

    That dessert looks amazing! They’re lucky to have you as a sister 🙂

    Reply
  17. eatmovelove says

    August 15, 2010 at 3:01 pm

    No way! Same date? That’s crazy.

    Sounds like a great time. It’s nice your close to family 🙂

    Reply
  18. courtney says

    August 16, 2010 at 12:54 pm

    thanks sister.
    see you soon!

    Reply
  19. The Candid RD says

    August 16, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    WOW!!! That PB mousse cake looks AMAMAMAZING!!!! I want to reach my hand through the computer and eat it 🙂 The tacos look fabulous too. Your sisters are lucky to have such a talented middle sister! I vet that smoked cheese really made the tacos that much more spectacular. Yum, I’m really into cheese lately.

    Reply
  20. Faith says

    August 16, 2010 at 7:01 pm

    This is such a sweet post! It’s pretty cool that both your sisters have the same birthday! The food looks amazing, especially that peanut butter mousse cake!

    Reply
  21. Kristen (swanky dietitian) says

    August 16, 2010 at 7:13 pm

    Happy Birthday to your sisters!
    My mouth is seriously watering after reading this post. haha.
    That cheese looks insanely good! yum!

    Reply
  22. A Canadian Foodie says

    August 18, 2010 at 12:52 am

    That is bazaar! What a beautiful tribute! I love the recipe for the tacos – but can’t believe you use beer…!!! (and not tequilla – hehe)

    🙂
    Valerie

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 5 Reasons Why I Love Colorado says:
    November 30, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    […] not often my sisters and I overlap on our visits to Colorado, but a few weeks ago, the stars aligned and were all in the […]

    Reply
  2. Five Things I’m Loving Lately, Part 3 says:
    August 12, 2013 at 9:54 am

    […] Happy Birthday tomorrow to both my sisters! See my previous birthday post here, with a vintage Powerpoint […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Jessie The Happiness in Health
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

STAY UPDATED!

Get all the latest recipes, nutrition advice, cartoons and more straight to your inbox!

Popular Cartoons

Back to School Cool

25 Comments

The Five Stages of Becoming a Dietitian

21 Comments

The Adventures of Super RD, Volume 1

15 Comments

Popular Update Your Plate

Update Your Plate, Part 9: The Veggie Stagnation Edition

14 Comments

Update Your Plate, Part 7: The Combo Plate Edition

13 Comments

Update Your Plate, Part 1: The Salmon Salad Edition

12 Comments

Copyright

Feel free to share recipes, posts, and pins; however, note that all text and pictures on this website are the property of The Happiness in Health. Do not edit pictures without my permission. If an image is used, please link back to my original post. Thanks!

STAY UPDATED!

Get all the latest recipes, nutrition advice, cartoons and more straight to your inbox!

Search THIH

Join me on Instagram

jessiederwin

jessiederwin
Day 3 of working from home while caring for both t Day 3 of working from home while caring for both toddlers. Not much work getting done but at least the kids are having fun! It’s stressful, but I’m grateful for the privilege of being able to work from home when so many others currently juggle childcare, lost income, and higher risk of #coronavirus exposure. #covid_19 #socialdistancing #toddlermayhem
Behind-the-scenes at the photo shoot for the new a Behind-the-scenes at the photo shoot for the new app we’re developing—stay tuned! Photo taken by the amazing @eldergvarela #foodphotography #appdevelopment #lightbox
Found this from my 36 hrs in #Iceland in September Found this from my 36 hrs in #Iceland in September #northernlights #auroraborealis #goodtiming #itwascold
Not sure what’s going on in this pic, but I seem Not sure what’s going on in this pic, but I seem really into it #tbt #nofilter #seriouslytho
I think I’ve been working our robot vacuum too h I think I’ve been working our robot vacuum too hard #comebackweloveyou
Strawberries are back in season! #alachuacountyfar Strawberries are back in season! #alachuacountyfarmersmarket #strawberryseason #florida
Stocking up on water and brownie mix #essentials # Stocking up on water and brownie mix #essentials #hurricanedorian #hurricane #2under4 #timetostockuponwine
Come sit and we’ll have a chat. #brainardlake #h Come sit and we’ll have a chat. #brainardlake #hikingwiththefam #colorado #thatviewtho
Incredible tasting dinner for two grownups and two Incredible tasting dinner for two grownups and two toddlers! Merci beaucoup @jferrer.europea 👏👏👏 #montreal #montrealfood #toddlereats
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Connect with Me

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Categories

Archives

Disclaimer

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and does not render medical or professional advice. The information on this web page should not be used for diagnosing or treating any medical condition. Please seek professional care from a licensed health care provider. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice.

Copyright © 2021 · The Happiness in Health · Tasteful theme by Restored 316 · Disclosure

Copyright © 2021 · Tasteful Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in