Delicious Mexican Fiesta

Any time is a great time to host a Mexican fiesta. This type of dinner party or get together is a wonderful way to show off your Mexican cooking skills. As far as menu choices, the possibilities are almost endless.nMexican fiestas are typically very casual and colorful occasions. This goes for the atmosphere, food and decoration, alike. Mexican food options include everything from tamales and tacos to burritos to guacamole to salsa to refried beans to carne asada to quesadillas to margaritas to deep fried ice cream to Mexican wedding cookies to much more!nThere are many dishes that can be made and frozen, ahead of time... even as far as several weeks in advance. Doing so makes it much easier to get things ready, on the day of the event.nSome recipes such as hot dips and even enchiladas or burritos can be prepared and served in crock pots, which can easily be placed along a table for serving. For outside fiestas, plugging the pots into a plug strip will eliminate the need for multiple electrical outlets.nGrilling is another great option, for outside fiestas. Even recipes as simple as grilled corn on the cob with chili butter, lime juice and a touch of cheese are more than festive when prepared in this manner.nLarge green onions, also referred to as 'knob onions' are yummy grilled, as well. Grill with jalape?os, drizzle with lime juice and serve with carne asada, for a traditional treat. These onions can be found in Mexican markets.nAnother idea for a Mexican fiesta, at home, is a taco bar. Similar to those seen in Mexican restaurants, a taco bar can include all the ingredients to assemble tacos, burritos, etc. be sure to include other side dishes such as tamales, nachos and refried beans.nNo party, of any kind, is complete without a variety of cold beverages. Serve Mexican beer, sangria, margaritas and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks like iced tea, lemonade and soda... even ice cold water will be appreciated, by some.nTo give your buffet tables a Southwestern feel you can use terra cotta tableware and serving bowls. You may also opt to use brightly covered disposable tableware that is now available in many south of the border patterns.nPinatas are a must, for any fiesta... especially when there will be children in attendance. Again, as with the tableware, they can be purchased in many different varieties, both online and at party supply stores.nUse a very large sombrero, for a unique and inexpensive centerpiece. Place a balloon bouquet in the very center. Fill the remainder with corn chips. Place small bowls of guacamole, salsa and cheese dip around the sombrero. Enjoy!nHomemade salsa is quite simple to make. Consider making your own using one of the following Mexican recipesnSalsa Recipen2 (10 ounce) cans tomatoes (Rotel brand-1 hot and 1 mild) n1 (14 ounce) can peeled tomato n1-2 jalape?o pepper, diced n1 (4 ounce) can green chilies n1/4 cup onion n1 teaspoon garlic salt n1 teaspoon cumin n1/4 teaspoon sugarnDirectionsnUse a food processor to pulse the onions and jalape?o to desired consistency. (This should only take a few seconds.) Add tomatoes with juice and green chilies, process again. Transfer to a bowl and add spices.nChill until flavors are combined, approximately 2 to 3 hours.nPico de Gallo Recipen3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped n1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped n2 to 3 cloves of garlic, minced n1/2 cup cilantro, chopped, no stems n1 or more jalape?o, seeded and finely chopped n3 green onions, chopped n1 teaspoon fresh lime juice or more to taste nsalt to tastenDirectionsnSlice the tomato in quarters and remove seeds and gel. Chop into small chunks.nAdd the rest of the ingredients and stir. Allow the mixture to sit in the refrigerator 1 hour to let the flavors mingle.n