Getting Ready for the Warm Weather

During the cold seasons we tend to eat foods that are warm in order to stay warm.  In contrast, when it is hot outside we tend to eat cold foods and ice cold refreshments to stay refreshed.  The different types of foods are comforting to us depending on how the weather is.  In the area I live in California it is often warm so my family and I prepare cold foods most of the time.  One dish that we tend to make during the hot weather is called ensalada de jaiva (imitation crab meat).  The jaiva can be substituted with shrimp, fish, etc.  This tasty plate of food keeps us cool, it is very affordable and since I have a big family it is enough to feed a lot of people.


              
The Recipe consists of:

 Ingredients-

2 lbs of Jaiva
4 medium tomatoes
1 cup of cilantro
2 cups of cucumber
1 cup of avocado
2 cups of lemon Juice
2 cups of onions
and if you want it to be a bit spicy
add 3 whole jalapeno pepper

Things to Do-
1. All the ingredients need to be chopped into small squares and juice the Lemons. The cucumber can be chopped a little bigger then other the ingredients.
2. If you like it spicier then add more jalapenos or not as spicy don’t add as many.
3. Set the lemon juice and chopped avocado to the side.
4. Mix all other ingredients in a large bowl or serving tray.
5. Salt and pepper to taste.
6. Pour lemon juice over jaiva mix.
7. Let stand in fridge for at least an hour or overnight for better flavor.
Serve over tostadas top with avocado and hot sauce like Tapatio or eat with chips.

This dish is very tasty and refreshing with the vegetables that are included.  My family loves it and we enjoy it together after having spent a nice day out in the sun.  It is a good dish to prepare for a day out in the park, potlucks, or small gatherings.