In my previous blog post, I wrote about my favorite resorts in Cancun, Mexico. If a trip to Mexico isn’t feasible for your budget, you can still experience its vibrant culture through its delicious cuisine. I love hosting potlucks with friends, where we can come together to share and enjoy a variety of dishes. As a host, I find that simplicity is key; creating a taco bar is an easy option that is always a crowd-pleaser.

Beef / chicken tocos

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (I like using 85% lean for a nice balance of flavor and juiciness)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne)
• 1/2 cup water
• 8-10 small corn or flour tortillas
• Toppings of your choice, such as:
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack are great picks)
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños for a kick

Instructions:

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once it starts to brown, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the beef is nicely browned. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes.
2. Season It Up: Drain any excess fat from the skillet (if necessary), then sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef. Pour in the water and stir everything to combine. Let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
3. Warm the Tortillas: While the beef is simmering, warm the tortillas. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 20 seconds.
4. Assemble the Tacos: This is where the fun begins! Lay a warm tortilla flat, spoon some of that flavorful beef mixture in the center, and top it with your favorite toppings. Personally, I love a mix of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for that creamy finish.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tacos immediately, while they’re fresh and warm. I always find that they disappear quickly, so don’t be surprised if you need to make an extra batch!

Tips for a Taco Night to Remember:

• Make it a Taco Bar: Set out all the toppings in small bowls and let everyone build their own tacos. It’s interactive and fun!
• Add a Side Dish: Consider serving with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a more filling meal.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add some avocado slices or a squeeze of lime for extra zing.
• If people don’t like beef buying a rotisserie and cutting it up and adding it to the toco bar

And there you have it! A simple, tasty beef taco recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the cooking process and, most importantly, the eating part!

Classic Margarita (Pitcher Recipe)

Ingredients:

• Tequila: 3 cups (Silver or Blanco tequila is recommended)
• Orange Liqueur: 2 cups (Cointreau, or a good quality Triple Sec)
• Fresh Lime Juice: 1.5 cups (Freshly squeezed is crucial!)
• Optional Sweetener: 1/4 to 1/2 cup Agave nectar, or simple syrup, to taste.
• Ice: Plenty!
• For the Rim: Coarse salt (kosher or margarita salt), lime wedges.
• Garnish: Lime wedges.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glasses:
   • If desired, salt the rims of your glasses. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip the rim in the coarse salt.
   • Set the glasses aside.
2. Mix the Margarita:
   • In a large pitcher, combine the tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
   • If you prefer a sweeter margarita, add agave nectar or simple syrup, starting with 1/4 cup and adding more to taste. Stir well.
   • Add a large amount of ice to the pitcher, and stir well.
3. Serve:
   • Fill the prepared glasses with ice.
   • Pour the margarita mixture over the ice.
   • Garnish with a lime wedge.

Tips and Variations:

• Adjusting Sweetness:
  • Taste the margarita before serving and adjust the sweetness as needed.
• Frozen Margaritas:
  • For frozen margaritas, combine all the ingredients with plenty of ice in a blender and blend until smooth.
• Fruit Variations:
  • Add fresh fruit like strawberries, mangoes, or raspberries to the blender for a fruity twist.
• Spicy Margaritas:
  • Add sliced jalapeños to the pitcher or muddle them in the shaker for a spicy kick.
• Mezcal Margaritas:
  • For a smokier flavor, substitute half or all of the tequila with mezcal.
• Make ahead:
  • You can mix the liquid ingredients ahead of time, and store them in the refrigerator. Then when you are ready to serve, add the ice.

Important Notes:

• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice can taste artificial.
• Quality tequila makes a big difference. Use a 100% agave tequila.
• Drink responsibly!

Hey there! Hosting a dinner party can be a delightful way to connect with friends and family, and with a little bit of planning, you’ll have everyone feeling right at home. Let’s dive into some tips that can help you host a memorable and stress-free gathering.

Set the Scene

1. Choose a Theme: This could be as simple as a color scheme or as elaborate as a ’70s disco night. A theme can guide your menu, decorations, and even music selection.
2. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Soft lighting, perhaps a few candles, and some pleasant background music can work wonders. I once hosted a backyard dinner with fairy lights and it turned the whole evening magical.

Plan the Menu

1. Know Your Guests: Be aware of any dietary restrictions. It’s always a good idea to have a vegetarian option and maybe even a gluten-free dish.
2. Keep It Simple: Don’t stress about making everything from scratch. A mix of homemade dishes and quality store-bought items can save you time and effort.
3. Prepare in Advance: Choose dishes that can be prepared ahead of time. This lets you spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.

Make Guests Feel Special

1. Personal Touches: Place cards or a small welcome note at each setting can make guests feel valued. I once wrote a little fun fact about each person on their card, and it sparked some great conversations!
2. Interactive Elements: Consider a build-your-own taco bar or a sundae station. It’s a fun way to get everyone involved and chatting.

Enjoy the Moment

1. Relax and Be Present: Your guests are there to enjoy your company, so try to relax and enjoy yourself. If something doesn’t go as planned, laugh it off. It’s these little hiccups that often make for the best stories later.
2. Engage with Everyone: Make sure you spend a little time with each guest. It can be easy to get caught up with just one group, but making rounds ensures everyone feels included.

Remember, the best dinner parties are about connection and enjoyment, not perfection. So, get out there, have fun, and create some beautiful memories. Happy hosting!