A Fast Cinco De Mayo

Are you hosting this weekend? Going to a party? Let me help you get prepared for no matter what your plans are. Even if that means throwing together a couple last minute appetizers.

If you're hosting: 

One thing that would never travel well if tacos. But it wouldn't be this holiday without tacos! I mean it sure is a good excuse to eat them. Let me be very clear, I sure don't want you in the kitchen all night. I'd much more prefer you with a cold margarita in your hand  when your guests arrive. Here are two fast and esthetically pleasing recipes. 

Mini Tacos:

What you need:

Big tortilla shells

Circular cookie cutters  

Taco filling of choice

Take your cookie cutter and make small circles in your one big one big tortilla shell, spray them with oil, and place each shell in between muffin tins. Place in the oven on 350 degrees for a couple minutes. This doesn't take long so just keep an eye on them.  

Fill shells with however you like to nosh on tacos!

I did traditional Tacos for these little guys.

Next, give me alllll the stacked things. Seriously. Food just tastes better when it's in stack form.  

Mexican Ceviche with Shrimp:

What you need:

1/2 cup cooked shrimp

4Tbsp lime juice

1 plum tomato

1/2 jalapeno, cored and cut up small

1 Tbsp fresh chopped cilantro

What to do:

Mix in the shrimp and half of the lime juice and let it sit in the fridge for an hour. Then, mix shrimp, tomato, jalapeño, 1 Tbsp lime juice, and cilantro. I added some garlic salt for taste. 

In a different bowl mix avocado with remaining 1 Tbsp lime juice

Now for the sauce:

1/2 cup fresh cilantro

2 1/2 Tbsp lime juice

1/8 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp Garlic powder

Put in a food processor and serve on the side of your Ceviche

If you need to throw something together really fast: 

A hosting worst fear. One time MK and I were out with friends and everyone decided to come back to our place. I made salsa out of the fresh tomatoes in my fridge. After that I always made sure I had the fixens for salsa on hand, just in case. A lot of times you just have to go with what's in your fridge or pantry. 

Salsa On The Fly:

What you need:

Can of whole tomatoes

2 cans whole jalapeños  

1 small onion (perferably white but whatever you have on hand will work) 

1 1/2 tsp garlic salt

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp sugar

2 tsp lime juice  

What you do:

Throw it all in a blender! That's it!

Once, I had no tortilla chips but tortilla shells so I cut them in triangles and popped them in the oven until crispy. Super delicious. 

Now the only thing missing is a Margarita right? Stay tuned for Friday's Martini Moment. I have a great DIY and an even better drink recipe.

Enjoy your Wednesday! If you look closely you can see Friday in the distance...

Scrumptious Stacks

By now I'm sure you know I like things that are fancy, fast, and delicious. This is absolutely all of those things. One of the best parts about this recipe is that it's very versitile. It would work for Brunch, a dinner party, or just dinner for two as a snazzy appetizer. 

I'm very attracted to stack recipes. I must love a tower formation, haha. So this is a take on the classic Caprese Salad. Its so simple but definitely a crowd pleaser. 

What you need per one person:

fresh mozzarella ball

a big red tomato

 fresh basil

Bread and fry your tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil. 
 

You'll have to move fairly quickly to serve these tasty dishes. Fry the tomatoes for about three-five minutes on each side. Use your best judgment. Once they are done, place on a paper towel to get rid of excess oil. 

Then, just stack with tomato, cheese, tomato cheese. Top with fresh Basil and then drizzle with Balsamic. It's the perfect dish. Trust me on that one.  

Hoping your Hump Day is easy, fast, and full of delicious food.  

Friday With A Twist

I started the week with a lemon in my water and ending it with a lemon in my drink! Spring is so close (I can't see you snow) and the smell of fresh cut lemons just reminds me of that fact. 

It's no secret that I love fancy. Add fancy to a drink and I'm all over it! For today's Martini Moment, I'm showing you how to fancy up your drink and make a fast and easy twist. Along with a super delicious Lemon Drop recipe. Because this is how a Friday should be celebrated. With a fancy drink in hand.

Step 1: Get a lemon. See? Easy already.

Step 2: Cut off the ends of the lemon.

So it looks like this:

Step 3: Using a bar spoon or knife (I ended up using both) hollow out the lemon. 

Step 4: Roll up your lemon skin. Keep in mind some are more thick than others.

Step 5: Cut your rolled lemon peel into whatever size twist you want. 

Fill a shaker about half with ice, throw everything in minus the rim sugar. Shake until your teaspoon of sugar is dissolved. Before pouring take a lemon around your rim and dip in sugar. Then pour in your shaker of goodness. Add your twist and sip!

Quick tip: if you like a sweeter drink add more sugar and a little less lemon juice.

Cheers, and have a fabulous weekend!