Indulge In {Loaded Fiesta Salad}

It may not by taco Tuesday or fiesta Friday, but it is Thursday and time to share another crowd pleasing recipe with you. It's no secret we are huge fans of Mexican food and we've been trying to eat more salads recently. So, for dinner the other night, I decided to combine the two and it turned out amazing. I roasted corn, chopped up some fresh tomato and avocado and threw it all over a bed of lettuce with grilled chicken, jalapeno lime vinaigrette and crispy tortilla pieces. Even the non-salad eater (Rob!) went back for seconds. It was full of flavor combining the right amount of citrus and spice. To be honest, I could have just eaten the roasted corn, tomato, and avocado portion all on it's own! This salad has made it into the regular rotation and I know it will make a great item to serve at summer gatherings too. Here's the recipe...

:: For the Roasted Corn Salad ::
(2) Ears Corn on the Cobb, shucked
Olive Oil
Garlic Powder
Chili Powder
(2) Tomatoes On The Vine, diced
(1) Haas Avocado, diced
Salt
1/8 Cup Lime Juice

1. Drizzle olive oil over corn, dust with garlic powder and chili powder. Grill over medium high heat approximate 3-4 minutes on each side or until slightly charred. Remove from grill. Slice of kernels.
2. In a bowl, combine corn kernels, diced tomato, avocado, salt and lime juice. Set aside.

:: For the Chicken ::
(6) Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1 Cup Worcestershire
Garlic Powder
Salt
Pepper

1. Combine worcestershire, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a large bag with chicken. Let marinade for 1 hour.
2. Grill over medium high until good throughly. Remove from heat and let stand for 3-5 minutes. Slice and set aside.

:: For the Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette ::
(1) Jalapeno Pepper, seeded and sliced
(1) Clove Garlic
1/4 Cup Lime Juice
1/3 Cup Honey
2 Teaspoons Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 Cup Packed Cilantro Leaves
1/2 Cup Olive Oil
Salt to Taste

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Puree until smooth.

:: For the Crispy Tortilla Pieces ::
(4) Flour Tortillas

1. In a 450 degree oven, place tortillas on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let cool and crumble by hand.

:: Assembly ::
1. Over a bed of lettuce, place serving of roasted corn salad, sliced chicken and crispy tortilla. Drizzle with jalapeno lime vinaigrette and serve!


Have a delicious Thursday!

Indulge In {Chipotle Cream Corn}

During the summer, one of my favorite side dishes to make is always corn on the cob. It's easy, delicious, and super fresh. Whether you grill it or boil it, you can't go wrong. Typically I just season it nicely with a bit of salt, pepper, and butter. But, this past weekend I kicked it up a notch. It was still quick and easy but they flavors provided such a bigger impact. I adapted this recipe from Rachael Ray's latest cookbook, My Year in Meals. It's grilled corn on the cob topped with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a bit of spicy chipotle cream, some crumbled queso fresco, and a garnish of cilantro. It really has it all...spice from the chipotle, freshness from the lime and cilantro, and creaminess from the queso fresco. Even with it's fiesta flair, I know this corn dish will be a staple at all my summer BBQs. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::

4 Ears Corn on the Cob

1 Pint Heavy Cream

1 Lime, juiced

1 Tablespoon Pureed Chipotle in Adobo

Queso Fresco

Fresh Cilantro, chopped

:: Directions ::

1. Grill (or boil) corn until cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. In a small sauce pan, heat cream until reduced by 1/3 to 1/2. Add in the pureed chipotle. 

3. On a serving plate, place ears of corn. Squeeze lime juice over each ear. Drizzle with chipotle cream. Top with crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro. Serve and enjoy. 

Party DIY {Fiesta Flags}

Happy fiesta Friday y'all! As I prepare today for upcoming LPF Mag shoots, I wanted to share a fun little DIY with you. It's a simple but impressive flag that illustrates the fun fiesta spirit and adds that perfect extra touch. String between poles over the table or attach to the cloth. While these flags have a Mexican feel, they are a perfect addition to any parties decor. Here's the DIY.

:: Supplies ::
Large Paper Doilies
Spray Paint
String
Double Sided Tape

:: Directions ::
1. Spray paint doilies in desired colores.
2. Position string in the middle of the doilies.
3. Using double sided tape, fold the doilies in half over the string.
4. Position as you please and decorate!

Happy Weekend!

Fiesta Time

Put away the bourbon, it's time to transition our Derby Party into a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta! I was born to drink margaritas so, trust me, we are going to plan the best fiesta in the time it takes for you to read (and me to write) this post. Here it goes. Start by clearing your table and house of all racing paraphernalia. Pack away the Julep mugs and unpack the margarita glasses. Create fringe streamers by taping together half sheets of tissue paper and cutting slits about half way up. Layer them on one wall behind a tequila and margarita bar to draw focus to one area. Hang a pinata full of margarita accessories like mini bottles of tequila, limes, and small sweet n' sour mixes. Treat guests to sombreros and maracas for a night of fun. Want to throw the ultimate celebration? Hire a mariachi band to serenade guests. The key to throw the perfect Cinco do Mayo party is lots of color. It's one thing you can't be afraid of on this holiday. The more beautiful bright shades you mix the better. Complete the siesta with a taco bar and a vibrant outfit to party into the night!