Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. After visiting my mom in Georgia, Jacob and I are on our way back home. It’s been an exciting week. I had a “Pitch a Producer” call with someone from Voyage Media about my screenplay and received a few tips to hopefully make it movie-worthy. Please keep your fingers crossed, as I have been working toward this for three years.
As you know, this weekend is Father’s Day, so make some groovy plans with your father or the person who fills that role in your life.
Quote of the Week: “My father didn’t do anything unusual. He only did what dads are supposed to do—be there.” –Max Lucado
Movie of the Week: There are loads of movies highlighting fathers, but I’ll suggest two. First, there’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. It was released in 1989 and sheds light on many things about Indy’s life and how he got his nickname. Sean Connery was a great choice to play Henry Jones. The second one I want to highlight is a Michael Keaton movie from 1983, Mr. Mom. It shows the struggle of a man who was laid off from his job, prompting his wife, Terri Garr, to become the breadwinner for the family. Although family movies today typically have way more content than this one, please screen this movie before letting younger children watch it, to make sure it’s right for your viewers.
Joke of the Week: What did the electrician do to his misbehaving son? He grounded him. (Sorry…but I didn’t say it would be funny!)
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: We all know that on Mother’s Day, flowers, jewelry, and dinners from restaurants top the list for gifts. But did you know that dads also want to be honored and appreciated? Okay, maybe not with flowers and jewelry, but they do wish to be doted on in other ways.
One idea for celebrating Father’s Day could be to cook your dad’s favorite meal. If it is not easily made, then take him out and let the restaurants do it. If he’s an outdoor enthusiast, go for a hike with him. If he’s a swimmer, have fun in the pool.
Fathers do so much to keep things running behind the scenes. Maybe an afternoon spent watching his favorite movies at home is just what he wants. Make the day all about him. He isn’t perfect, but I know he will appreciate your attention.
Sadly, I have lost two of the three fathers in my life. My dad passed away in 2020, right as COVID-19 was flaring up. Because of the restrictions, I was unable to attend his funeral. This past December, my stepdad of 27 years died. After church on Sunday, we have scheduled a family event to celebrate my husband and also his father. No matter who the father figure is in your life, love him this weekend.
Recipe of the Week: Homemade Taquitos
Taquitos are basically rolled-up tacos. The small, rolled-up tortillas are traditionally filled with chicken, beef, or cheese, but you can make a delicious vegetarian version using black beans and some veggies. You won’t miss the meat, because there are lots of delicious flavors going on! Homemadetaquitos are usually fried, but you may instead bake them in the oven to keep things on the healthier side. Taquitos differ from flautas in that they’re made with corn tortillas, which makes them gluten-free, whereas flautas are made with flour tortillas. This is a great party food that goes well with Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice served on the side!
What you’ll need:
1 package of 6-inch fresh corn tortillas
Vegetarian Filling: black beans (rinsed and well-drained), cheese, red pepper, corn, cilantro, sliced green onions, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
Meat Filling: shredded chicken (either rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken), spiced with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika, plus some fresh lime juice and shredded cheese
Optional Toppings: guacamole, sliced green onions, chopped lettuce and tomatoes, shredded cheese or queso fresco, cilantro, olives, salsa or pico de gallo, sour cream or Greek yogurt
Use 6-inch fresh corn tortillas. Your tortillas will roll a lot easier if they are fresh. To help the tortillas roll better and not crack, get two paper towels damp and place two tortillas at a time in between the paper towels. Place in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Remove from the microwave and roll up the taquitos.
Place a heaping tablespoon of the desired filling in the center of the tortilla and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Roll the tortilla up tightly. Place the taquito seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Continue rolling taquitos until the tortillas and filling are gone. You should have at least 20 taquitos. Don’t over fill the tortillas, or they won’t roll and stay closed.
Spray the taquitos generously with nonstick cooking spray before you put them in the oven, if you want them to crisp up. Bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees for 17-23 minutes or until taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
Shout-Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout-out to all of the fathers out there…single fathers, stepfathers, and step-in fathers who are not related to the kids in their lives but take care of them as if they were. The love and guidance you provide cannot be overlooked. You love without limits and encourage big dreams.
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.
