You know you're old when...

...you request vegetables for your birthday.

Now, these are no ordinary vegetables. These are a party for your tastebuds.

Mr. Fabuful turned 30 last week. Welcome to the fourth decade, Mr. Fabuful. We celebrated with a small, family shindig this past weekend. It just so happened that the day of the party was his sister's-in-law 23rd birthday.

Per Mr. Fabuful's request, we made the spicy pulled pork tacos (just as great, grand and wonderful the second time around). To accompany this, we decided to make the Pioneer Woman's Pico de Gallo (p. 16) and her Guacamole (p. 20). Her guac uses the pico, so we killed two recipe birds with one stone...or rather, used one potato masher, in our case.

We began by dicing red onions, tomatoes, cilantro and jalapenos. Lou and Jo both got to work chopping because we were preparing such a large batch for the party. Thanks to Mr. Fabuful for manning the camera during our 10 years hard labor. Teehee.

These ingredients were mixed together along with some lime juice.

Pico: straight forward and delicious. A party in your mouth.

Next, we sliced avocados and removed the pits. Please admire Jo's manicure. Thank you, Momma Vickie!

We removed the flesh to a mixing bowl and salted it to taste.

Any stress from the party prepping was resolved with a good avocado mashing.

Next, we introduced the pico to the guac, and they entered the bonds of culinary matrimony. Actually, the ingredients just married really well.

 Lime juice was sprinkled on top to keep the avocado nice and green. A party in your mouth, again.

Here is the full spread for the birthday meal.

After the meal, the pyrotechnic show began. No angel food cakes were harmed in this display.

Happy birthday, Mr. Fabuful!

Happily full,