Switching things up a bit… for Cinco de Mayo

Do you ever tire of eating and cooking the same thing week after week? This is one my biggest challenge in the kitchen. So, I have been reaching outside the box to try new recipes that I think the family will enjoy. Since today was Cinco de Mayo, I thought I would try out some traditional Mexican Cuisine.  I got the recipe from Betty Crocker, so I am not sure just how traditional it is.  But, last night I tried out Betty Crocker’s Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Recipe found here.  In addition to this recipe being super easy and delicious, it was very inexpensive to make.  It got both the Kids and the Hubby Seal of Approval, so its definitely going on my Tried and True List.

Cinco de Mayo Quick and Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas - stage-presents.com My Notes on this Recipe: For a family of four or more, consider doubling this recipe.  Also, for my own personal preference I added sauteed onions and peppers to the mix, as well as to the top as garnishment.  Also depending on how Spicy you like it.  You can choose to go with a different enchilada sauce, I chose the Mild because I have small children at home.

And, then just because you can’t do Cinco de Mayo without Margaritas, we also tried out this recipe for a Strawberry Margarita “Mock-tail” Recipe that the whole family can participate in found here.

Cinco de Mayo Strawberry Margarita Mocktail - stage-presents.com

 Photo Source:  First Picture in this Collage was found here:  The last three are my Pictures.

My Notes on this Recipe:  This drink was very sweet to me.  Of course, I am diabetic, so I pretty much consider everything too sweet.  But, I would definitely cut down on the Orange Juice which is high in Sugar.  I would only use 1/2 of the Frozen Limeade and you could always go with a Diet Lemon Lime Soda.  I really enjoyed the little taste I had, so I will be working on a Diabetic Friendly version.  So check back I will share that as soon as I can perfect it.

So there you have it, a Quick and Easy way to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home.  I should add that the only ingredient needed to change the Strawberry Margarita recipe from a “Mock-tail” to a Cocktail is your choice of “Grown up Juice”, as we call it at our house.  Fiesta… Fiesta!!

You have just finished reading Switching Things Up A Bit…. for Cinco de Mayo.  What is your favorite Mexican Dish?  Would you consider leaving a comment?

This Week’s Pinterest Recipe ….

This past weekend was my “hubby’s birthday weekend”, or at least that’s when we chose to celebrate it, his actual birthday was on November 13th.  The “grands”, were sweet enough to keep the kids, so that we could get some alone time.  ALONE TIME, definitely one of my favorite things.

So, I took the opportunity to try out two new recipes that I found on…. wait for it, lol, PINTEREST.

These recipes definitely fall into the cold weather, comfort food categories.  So, I am not claiming that they are super healthy, just super tasty and a bit spicy.

Anyway,  check out, these recipes and the websites that they were linked from.

Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
(that’s a mouthful!)
2 chicken breasts, still frozen
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 can corn kernels, do not drain
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 pkg. Ranch dressing mix
1 T cumin
1 t chili powder
1 t onion powder
1 8-oz pkg. cream cheese
_________
Put the chicken in the crock pot.
Top with the tomatoes, corn,
the drained and rinsed beans,
ranch dressing, cumin, onion and chili powders,
stir to combine then top with the cream cheese.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring one or twice
to blend in the cheese.
Shred the chicken into large pieces
and serve over rice.
Can also serve in tortillas or taco shells.
Serves 4(This would also make an excellent dip!)Enjoy!

** Now, instead of using a tortillas, rice or taco shell as recommended I made these!!

Cheesy Corn Cake Toppers found here at The Yummy Life.

Check it out and let me know how you like it!! Remember you can add and subtract from these recipes to dial down the spice!!