Happy July! Today is my 28th birthday, and we’ll be celebrating with tacos, margaritas, and a concert with good friends. After a long and exhausting weekend of packing, moving, unpacking, and then repacking so that the painters could paint, Dan and I are ready for some relaxation, fun, and tequila. And queso, of course.

I thought that today, in honor of one of my best days of the year, I’d share one of my favorite recipes from The American Cookbook. To be totally honest, this is one of my favorite recipes from life. On average, since we learned how to make them in 2008, Dan and I have eaten huevos rancheros at least once a week. We spent years perfecting our method and so I was thrilled when the recipe made it on to the content list of the cookbook. It’s simple, easy, and so delicious that on more than one occasion Dan and I each finished our plate and then fried up another serving. Worth it, every time.

Also, in honor of my birthday and America’s birthday, we thought we’d do a little giveaway. We’ll be giving five copies of The American Cookbook to readers, and all you have to do to enter is answer the simple question in the comments:

What are your birthday traditions?

I eat something different every year, but I always have blueberry mountain pie for dessert. It’s a family tradition started by my grandmother, Bobbie. I can’t wait to hear all of your traditions!  Winners will be selected randomly on July 12, 2014. Good luck!

This giveaway is closed. Congratulations to Tommy, Carm, Becky, Alex, and Caitlin!

And, for posterity, a picture of me as a mermaid, circa sometime in the 90s.

Huevos Rancheros

Drizzle of olive oil

4 large flour tortillas

8oz/ 226g Cheddar cheese, grated

4 eggs

1 425g can black beans

1 tsp smoked chipotle

Salt and pepper

1 avocado

Pico de gallo:

3 large tomatoes, diced

1 jalapeno, minced

½ red onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ bunch fresh cilantro

2 large limes, juiced

Salt and pepper

Combine tomatoes, jalapeno, red onion, garlic, cilantro, salt and pepper, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Mix well and set aside. In a medium sauce pan heat black beans, in liquid. Stir in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Heat oil in a heavy pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot place tortilla in the center of the pan. Make a ring of shredded cheese and crack an egg into the center, containing the egg. Let cook until the cheese has melted and then use a spatula to flip the tortilla and the egg. Let cook for 2-3 minutes for a runny yolk or 4-5 minutes for a firm yolk. Use a spatula to lift the tortilla and the egg, flipping egg side up onto a plate. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Thickly slice avocado. Strain black beans and top tortilla and egg with black beans, pico de gallo, and avocado.

Tips: Use a wide spatula to flip the tortilla so that the egg is cradled in the middle, helping to keep everything together. Flip quickly and confidently!