Mexican and Southwestern Food Recipes

Beverages, Cocktails

Big (and Bigger) Batch Frozen Margaritas

Slushy-like with spot-on margarita flavor, a big batch of this party favorite takes minutes to mix up and can be stored in the freezer until needed. Ideal for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, potlucks, and backyard barbecues all summer long, the frozen margaritas can even be served one or two at a time. Years ago, a…

Main Dishes

One Pan Tex-Mex Quinoa

Pantry staples make this filling, flavorful, plant-based meal a weeknight win – and there’s no need to pre-cook the quinoa!  Variety is the spice of life, as the saying goes. For your daily dose of trivia, I’ll also mention that this idiom came from William Cowper’s 1875 poem entitled “The Task,” and the full line…

Appetizers, Tacos

Homemade Tostadas

Tostadas are an easy way to transform a soft tortilla into a crunchy base for all your favorite toppings–in under a minute. Taco night suddenly got a little more exciting!   Who doesn’t love Taco Tuesday? No matter which night you enjoy the classic fare, a quick upgrade to a soft tortilla will create a deliciously…

Salads, Side Dishes

Southwestern Rice Salad

This crowd-pleasing dish can be assembled in advance, travels well, and caters to a variety of eating styles. Ideal for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and stress-free family meals!   You know all those times you’re searching for something a little different than the usual pasta or vegetable-based salad while maintaining broad appeal?  For me, this tried-and-true…

Breakfast, Casseroles

Easy Chilaquiles

Protein-rich eggs and black beans pair with a handful of Tex-Mex staples in this versatile, satisfying, one-pan meal that can be enjoyed any time of day!     My friend, Keely, is the owner of a Lancaster County bed & breakfast and events venue. As such, she will tell you that she takes her brunching pretty seriously.…

Beverages, Cocktails

Mexican Mule (and several mule variations)

A cross between the classic Moscow mule and the much-loved Margarita, this refreshing cocktail requires just four ingredients and may just become the drink of the season!        As I was reading up on some food history recently, I stumbled upon a curious newspaper article from 2016.  While at a cocktail convention (who knew?),…

Soups and Stews

Vegan Chili (that meat-eaters enjoy too!)

With its flavor-packed, quick-cooking, crowd-pleasing appeal, this meatless recipe defies traditional chili logic and is 100% worthy of the weekly dinner rotation. Good enough for game day too!    When we think of chili, we typically think of a meaty, long-simmered stew that requires a lengthy list of ingredients and a good bit of chopping.…

Snacks

Caramel Apple Nachos

This fun twist on nachos delivers the flavor and crunch of a caramel apple, but in finger-food form. A hit with adults and kids alike!    When I think back to the cool fall days of my childhood, apples weave their way into so many fond memories. Bobbing for apples at Halloween parties, picking apples…

Main Dishes

Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Brimming with Tex-Mex flavor and a hearty dose of colorful vegetables, this recipe became an instant favorite in our house. And you’ll never believe how quickly it cooks!   When you go to the effort to cook dinner, it’s sort of nice to hear a rave or two. A little praise for the cook can…

Appetizers, Condiments, Salsas, Sauces, Snacks

Salsa Verde

Have you sized up what look like little green tomatoes with papery husks while strolling through the produce section of the grocery store, only to pass them by? This green salsa offers a compelling reason to put what are actually tomatillos in your cart.   I first fell in love with salsa verde while in…

Condiments, Sauces

Easy Fresh Chile Lime Sauce

A handful of fresh chile peppers and a few simple ingredients come together beautifully in this not-too-hot sauce that can be slathered on so many things! 🌶         When considering a condiment made with chile peppers, hot sauce usually comes to mind. The following silky sauce, however, is a balanced combination of…

Appetizers, Salads

Cowboy Caviar

A make-ahead recipe with a cheeky name, this bean-based dip, commonly served with tortilla chips, is equally delicious as a salad or salsa. Perfect for family meals and casual entertaining, Cowboy Caviar is always a hit!   Some may be wondering. What exactly is cowboy caviar? To clarify, there are no fish eggs in cowboy…

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