In the spirit of Cinco de Mayo and my handsome 1/2 Mexican Fiance I am writing about hosting a Mexican-style Fiesta. There are only a few things you need for this, it takes only minimal prep time, and great for everyone from the young to the old. I'm talking make your own margarita bar and other Mexican-inspired drinks, a taco bar with choices of fixings, chips and salsa, and not-really-Mexican ice cream sandwiches. Here is the set up:
Decorations: Think bold, bright colors. Mist matched is OK- but anything you see and think, "That's Mexican" will work wonders. Napkins, table cloths, and maybe if you get crazy, a pinata. That's it!
Food: chips and varieties of salsas. This is not the time to buy a Tostito's salsa jar and pop the lid. Go to your local grocery store or specialty store and pick up different, handmade options. make sure to change the container from store bought to something you have- bowl, etc. This trick will make you a culinary star! Well, not really, but people will think you are... Chips are the same way- think rustic and natural and you will have a winner. For the taco bar- have pork, chicken, and beef shredded and lightly seasoned in different dishes. For the fixings, use guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce/cabbage, shredded Mexican cheese, sliced radishes, black beans, pinto beans, sauteed peppers and onions. Put each of these in their own bowls with spoons and you are ready for some good times! You can't dig in yet- you don't have the tortillas. Get both corn and flour, heat them in a skillet on the stove, wrap in a clean kitchen towel, place them in a basket, and then on the table before the meat and fixings for the tacos. This is something you should do right before guests start arriving. When thinking dessert, nothing beats a feat like ice cream sandwiches. I chose this desert for its practicality and self service with least mess. Have different flavors, options, and kinds- you could even make your own if you have extra time on your hands! HA! Put them in a cooler with ice and let people help themselves.
For the drinks (Some may say the most important part!): Go with your gut on this. If you know your guests won't drink anything but Vitamin Water and Bud Light, stock up with it, but if you think they are willing to immerse themselves in a cultural experience, let's get creative! For beer, Dos Equis, Modelo, Sol, and Tecate are great choices. Corona is a known favorite, but don't forget the limes. For the kids, make limeades and lemonades with floating fruit. Here's a tip- to keep your drinks from watering down with ice, freeze the fruit slices your are going to float in the drinks and use them instead of ice. Same cooling power, no more watered down beverages. Now for the Tequila! Have a Margarita bar. Lay out the fixings: tequila, salt, different mixers (classic, strawberry, and whatever else you can find out there- I like Mango). Have a blender near by with the glasses and you are good to go.
The beauty of this plan? It allows you to hang out with your guests and enjoy the day rather than being concerned about courses, plating ,and drink refills. Guests are on their own to help themselves any way and any time they want. You spend a little time in the kitchen beforehand, and if all goes well, some time the next morning as your drinking your coffee nursing a hang over. After all, this is a Mexican feast!
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