My husband and I decided to have a few friends over for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta this weekend. The only thing I love more than a themed party is Mexican food, so I couldn’t wait to start planning the menu.
I’ll kick off the party with Melissa Snow’s (Hillsboro, OR) Ranchero Layer Dip. It’s a delicious twist on traditional taco dip.
“One neighbor refers to this dip as the ‘everything but the kitchen sink dip’,” jokes Melissa. She uses jalapeno bean dip on the bottom and is a great substitution from regular bean dip. But, what really makes this different is the sour cream concoction.
The sour cream is mixed with Miracle Whip and then taco seasoning adds great balance to the dip. There is a lot of flavor in each layer. This easy recipe will quickly become a fiesta favorite.
Chicken fajitas are a favorite of mine when I go to a Mexican restaurant. Millie Johnson’s (Valley Head, AL) Chicken Fajitas are just as good – actually better than – restaurant quality.
“This is a quick and delicious dish that your family is sure to love,” explains Millie. “It has wonderful flavor!”
What I loved most about this recipe is the combination of seasonings. It’s not too spicy, but if you wanted to add some heat chop up jalapenos or top with a spicy salsa. Substitute beef or pork too as Millie suggests. Both would be amazing. This is a super simple, but very impressive, meal.
Alongside the fajitas, we’ll serve Emma Menchaca’s (San Juan, TX) Mexican Rice. “This recipe is so easy and a classic,” shares Emma. “[It’s] another recipe passed down from generation to generation.”
Just A Pinch members voted this a Member’s Choice Blue Ribbon. When testing, I kept going back for one more bite so I could see why it was so highly rated.
The combination of flavors are perfect together. Cumin is the shining star – you can really taste it. Lard, an old-fashioned ingredient, adds a nice extra touch of flavor to the onions in this authentic recipe.
We’ll toast the evening with Bonnie O’s (St. George, UT) Ultimate Margarita. “This the best margarita you will ever drink,” says Bonnie.
This is a classic, smooth margarita. But watch out… this is the kind of drink that will sneak up on you before you know it. Great for a fiesta or to cool down on a hot day.
We are also going to eat some margaritas – yes eat! – with Courtney Bailey’s (Jackson, MI) adorable Margarita Cupcakes.
“What girl doesn’t love a good margarita,” asks Courtney. “These delightful cupcakes bake right in a margarita glass and will surely have people talking.”
I was a bit nervous to put an ordinary glass in the oven to bake a cupcake, but I’m so happy I tried this recipe. The cupcakes are moist and delicious. And the frosting? Yum! Next time, I’m going to double the recipe so I can eat the frosting my the spoonful. The glasses and the sugared rim make for a spectacular presentation.
If you’re throwing a fiesta this weekend too, try creating this menu. I think it will be a hit. Or if you’re looking for more inspiration, search our Fiesta Time recipe collection. Happy Pinching!