Mexican and Southwestern Food Recipes
Balsamic Lime Vinaigrette
As many of you know, I’m a big fan of homemade dressings and vinaigrettes. Typically, they are easy to mix up with ingredients readily had on hand and the flavors have the ability to turn a basic recipe into something fantastic. As an added bonus, there’s usually a cost savings over store-bought varieties and no…
Loaded Dinner Nachos
You could say it was love after the first neatball! In all seriousness, I was truly skeptical when Laura Lapp first offered me a bite of the healthy meat alternative that she crafted in her kitchen. But it tasted great. By way of background, Laura began her experimentation process to address her two daughters’ decision…
Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken
We all experience times when motivation is lacking. I love cooking for its creative outlet, but the nightly ritual of getting dinner on the table can be a chore. Sometimes, feeding one’s family feels like a monumental effort. Even for me. Of course, we still get hungry and, sadly, there is no Dinner Fairy. Pouring…
Apple Cider Chili
Today, I have the great privilege of sharing with you a guest recipe by Phoebe Canakis. Phoebe and I became acquainted through Fig magazine for which we are both contributors. With memories of dinner around the table that were created on a budget and not from a box and with roots in a Greek heritage,…
Homemade Taco Seasoning
You likely have all the spices needed to make this classic seasoning blend, and it’ll taste fresher–and be more economical–than the store-bought packet. Early in our marriage, I discovered my husband’s fondness for taco salad. When I first served tacos, he piled all the filling ingredients on his plate and crumbled the shell over…
Walking Tacos
Walking Tacos offer a fun, portable way to enjoy the traditional taco salad and are perfect for kids’ parties and casual dinners. Those who prefer a plated taco salad may absolutely eat the meal that way. Both of my sons are swimmers and, like so many sports activities, the summer swim meets are always over…
Chicken Tortilla Soup
A brimming pot of this wholesome soup is a filling favorite in our house. Topped with grated cheese and a few crushed tortilla chips, it’s extra special! Last year, as I was pondering what to give to several of my friends for Christmas, I struggled to think of something they would really need or want.…
Whole Wheat Cheddar Chicken (or Turkey) Quesadillas
It’s always fun to strike upon a new way of using something. In my kitchen, this often happens out of desperation, like when I lack the right ingredient and the time (or desire) to go to the store! A favorite twist I stumbled upon a few months ago was using pita bread instead of tortillas…
Southwestern Chicken (or Turkey) Quesadilla Salad
Hearty quesadillas transform this flavorful salad into a satisfying meal – and the quesadillas require just three basic ingredients! My make-at-home version of one of my all-time favorite restaurant salad dates back to my early twenties. Suffice it to say, this salad has stood the test of time! I usually make it when I…
Salted Lime Baked Corn Tortillas Chips
The salted, lime-infused crunch of a favorite store-bought tortilla chip is easy to recreate at home with a short list of ingredients and in minimal time. My family adores the store-bought “hint of lime” tortilla chips. As I was making my Tex-Mex Chopped Salad one evening, which includes a crunchy element on top, I realized…
Tex-Mex Dressing
This is a super simple dressing I created for my Tex-Mex Chopped Salad. While you can use your favorite store-bought ranch, I like this easy-to-make and healthier version. It is delicious and, combined with the salsa, offers a bit of a kick and just the right flavor to enhance a variety of southwestern dishes. Use…
Tex-Mex Chopped Salad
With the right ingredients, a salad can be a hearty, delicious, and wholesome meal. Good proteins, healthy fats, and different textures help. So does a homemade dressing. The simple mixture of salsa and ranch dressing lends great flavor and a little kick to this dish. While you could substitute your favorite store-bought dressing, I really…
