It’s June 19, 2011, Father’s Day!

This is a day where many families enjoy time together over a barbecue lunch or dinner.

It’s a day to honor dad!

A memory for me and my dad that I’ll always cherish was when I was around fourteen years old. One day, I just said out loud, to the airwaves, not to anyone specific, “I would love to play guitar”. Apparently, I didn’t know it, but my dad overheard me. That Christmas, my dad surprised me with a guitar. I was so happy, words couldn’t express. My dad knew how to play guitar and taught me the basics. Playing guitar was not only a great pastime for me, but playing my guitar made me happier when I was happy and it pulled me out of sadness if I was sad. My day started by playing guitar…literally…I would get up out of bed, pick up my guitar and play songs. I learned how to play guitar quickly. As a result, I sang and played guitar in high school concerts, at mass in church and then progressed to wedding ceremonies. I’ve met so many people through music. The musical path in my life was definitely one I will never forget. I was so blessed to have been able to share music with others.

Daddy…thank you for hearing me that one day…it changed my life forever. Love you!

Here I am singing and playing guitar in mass.

Open My Eyes was a song I sang and played on guitar at Mass during the Lent Season…one of my favorite hymns. Below you can click on the link to see and hear Jesse Manibusan sing and play his song on guitar.

Open My Eyes by Jesse Manibusan –Music Video

When you think of Father’s Day,

you think of barbecue, right?

It’s all about

Grilling and Chilling…

grilling burgers and chilling with a beer or cocktail.

I’ve always wanted to learn how to barbecue. So, I’ve decided to start with burgers. I made sliders which are just a word for ‘small burgers’.

You can adorn your burger with whatever you like. No rules! Sliders should be on a soft roll. At least, that’s how I like it. I used potato bread for my sliders.

I added sharp cheddar cheese, a bit of ketchup and grain mustard. So good!

Check out a recipe by grill master, Bobby Flay.

Sliders with Chipotle Mayonnaise by Bobby Flay

Watermelon is bountiful in the summer months. Thought I’d make a cocktail using this fruit. You can check out the recipe by Sunny Anderson of the Food Network and my adaptation below.

Watermelon Mojito

By Sunny Anderson

Adapted by Carmen Ortiz of Baking is my Zen

I adapted the recipe by scaling back on the mint leaves by using 1-2 leaves. I like just a hint of mint. I also scaled back on the white rum. I used simple syrup instead of agave syrup.

Total Time: 10 min

Prep: 10 min

Yield: 4 servings

Level: Easy

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 to 3 pounds watermelon flesh, pits removed

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup packed mint leaves, plus more for garnish

2 1/2 cups white rum

1/4 cup agave syrup

Directions:

In a blender, puree watermelon, fresh lime juice and mint in batches until smooth.
Strain into a pitcher.
Mix in rum and syrup.
Serve in glasses filled with ice and garnish with mint leaves.

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So where do you go for grilled burgers if you don’t want to make them?

What burger joint cuts the mustard?

My answer: FIVE GUYS.

There is a FIVE GUYS opening up in Hillsborough, New Jersey on June 23, 2011. I look forward to stopping by.

You can follow FIVE GUYS on FACEBOOK.

These guys look forward to the grand opening!

Have fun with Family today!

Carmen

Baking is my Zen…sweet nibbles for the soul