Mexican Food Fiesta!
If you really twisted my arm and forced me to choose, I’d say Mexican is my favourite food……… along with Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Southern, Italian and Middle Eastern food. 😂😂😂 This feast you see is in the spirit of Cinco de Mayo which is on Saturday, 5 May 2018. It marks the anniversary of Mexico defeating the French invasion in 1862, but ironically, is more widely celebrated in the States than in Mexico. Albeit for some, it seems like an excuse for eating tacos and drinking margaritas!!! So I present to you a simply fabulous Mexican Fiesta menu plan, jam packed with my favourite Mexican food. A base taco menu plus plenty of options to switch out and add ons. Bring it on!
A big Mexican Fiesta that’s easy to make at home
Pork Carnitas (pictured in Fiesta) – that elusive combination of golden crispy meets juicy in shredded pork. The best of the best of Mexican food, 5 minutes prep, freezer friendly — every taco lover’s dream come true!
Carnitas not your taco filling of choice? Not to worry – any of the following make just as brilliant alternatives!
More Taco Fillings
Unforgettable Guac (doubles as dip and dolloping in tacos)- The secret to a great guacamole is starting with a paste made with onion, coriander/cilantro, jalapeño or serrano chilli, and salt. And if you find this guac recipe on my Instagram feed, you’ll also see plenty of messages validating the claims of authenticity! This is the real deal. No one can ever put their finger on why it tastes so good, they just know it’s better. 🙂
Simple Pickled Red Cabbage (from my Fish Tacos recipe) – such a great side for a taco spread! It adds a burst of freshness in or on the side of the taco, not to mention how much I love the vibrant colour. 🙂 This one’s a real quick pickled cabbage I use in Fish Tacos – just scale it up (use the slider).
Also pictured in the Mexican Fiesta Spread: Charred warm corn and flour tortillas, grilled corn sprinkled with chipotle powder (contemplated doing this Mexican Grilled Corn or Mexican Corn Salad but thought simpler was better, already enough flavours going on), homemade tortilla chips (just deep fry corn tortillas), quick Restaurant Style Salsa (doubles as dip and sauce for tacos), sour cream, a dish of chopped white onions (not as sharp as brown onion, very commonly used in tacos in Mexico), coriander/cilantro and lime wedges.
Want to go even bigger for your fiesta food spread? Here are extra hit dishes to add to your menu for a truly decadent Mexicano banquet!
More Fiesta Dishes!
Other optional extras: Pico de Gallo, Refried Beans (I dress up canned, it’s in this recipe here), bowls of shredded cheese, Mexican hot sauces, sliced jalapeño. Oh, also included in the Fiesta photo – fake shots of tequila (water…. too early for real tequila!!) and light beer I use solely for photos (having purchased a carton for a gathering thinking surely there would be some sensible people will drink it. How wrong I was.) What I should have included in the photos – margaritas!
More Fiesta Drinks
And something sweet to finish – I suggest Churros, which I know isn’t strictly Mexican (it’s actually Spanish) albeit very popular in the touristy areas of Mexico. 🙂 20 minutes to make (you will be amazed!) and great for making ahead!
I know you’re probably sick of seeing this photo, but because it took the better part of a day to cook, style and clean up after a single photo, let me get more mileage out of it – so here it is one last time! – Nagi xx
PS I know this Mexican Fiesta isn’t a recipe but I consolidated it all into one handy little printable recipe for you. 🙂
LIFE OF DOZER
Before:
And 2 minutes later: Dozer did “something”, was limping heavily and in visible distress, but even worse was the grinding, cracking and popping noise. With the help of kind strangers, he was carried to the car and I dashed to the vet to learn he had ruptured his ACL*. I’m told it was a ticking time bomb – he’s had knee problems for a while now. He’s unable to bear any weight on his rear leg though thankfully he’s not in pain. He’s going in for surgery as soon as I return from the States (I shortened the trip especially) and it’s going to be a long road to recovery. Discomfort aside, the worst part is that he’s confined to a small space for the 6 weeks or so – at least. It’s going to be such torture for this beach loving boy affectionately called “psycho” by fellow dog owners for the ridiculous high energy he has! Be prepared for some sad photos in the coming months. 😩 But also hopefully some hilarious ones as I get creative to keep his spirits up!!!❤️
- The ACL is the anterior cruciate ligament which holds the knee together so basically his knee joint is sliding all over the place so he can’t put any pressure on it. Once the ACL is snapped, it won’t heal without surgery.
