Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Here in America, Cinco De Mayo 

originated with Mexican-American communities in the American West

 as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy

 during the first years of the Civil War, 

and today the date is observed in the United States

 as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. 

In the state of Puebla, Mexico

 it is observed as the date the Mexican Army 

claimed victory over French forces 

at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

As a special treat, I decided to cook a little Tex-Mex dinner for The Mr.

My daughter, Jennie is also stopping by after work.  

I know they both work very hard, 

and they will appreciate a little celebration on a Monday night. 

Jennie thinks she is just stopping by to pick up these two. 

I have been pet-sitting these two little charmers over the weekend. 

Peanut and Weenie Baby. 

Don't let those innocent brown eyes fool you. 

They would gladly snap my finger off for that piece of hot dog I am holding. 

A photographer's secret! :)

This was Whitey right before I opened the meat drawer in the refrigerator. 

This was him about 3 seconds later....

He knows what the word 'hot dog' means. 

Even in a dead sleep. 

So in between pet-sitting and shopping over the weekend, 

I managed to plan a little secret celebration. 

Some bright flowers that The Mr. gave me (I know, so sweet, right?)

were arranged in a hand thrown pot. 

The 'pueblo' paper napkins were bought on my last trip to Arizona. 

I gathered together some memorabilia and serving pieces 

to create a festive atmosphere. 

When my Sweet Blue Eyes and I were newlyweds, we lived in Tucson, Arizona for two years. 

We rented a most charming little Adobe Cottage, right on the edge of the Saguaro National Monument. 

We drove a French Blue, Triumph Spitfire, a tiny sports car that took us on the most amazing adventures as we explored the beautiful desert scenery together. 

We listened to Carlos Santana over and over on the car stereo as we drove. 

We worked in big hotels together all week, organizing and serving for large functions. 

On weekends we explored. 

We were young and adventurous then, and have such wonderful memories of a charmed time in our lives. 

I have collected some special mementos of this time in our lives....

Chili pepper lights, 

Southwestern votive, 

Sombrero Margarita Salt dish, 

Red tomato salt and pepper, 

Vintage measuring spoon holder, 'potted plant' (minus spoons)

Ceramic Bell Pepper Salt and Pepper,

Red Chili Pepper Salsa dish with ceramic serving spoon,

Hand Painted Mexican Vase,

Tiny Mexican Cupboard,

Surely there are Mexican Garden Gnomes? 

It seems that one has stored his hat and bird house in the cupboard! 

Perhaps because of the potted succulents! 

Salt and Pepper Sombreros wait nearby. 

My Southwest Salt and Pepper collection. 

All set for Margaritas! 

A vintage table runner sets the mood. 

Hand Painted glass condiment dish waiting for garnishes. 

A clay coaster. 

Ready for mixing...

Embroidered 'Margarita' cocktail napkins,

Hand Blown Glass 'Cactus' shot glass,

Matching Swivel Sticks, along with glass 'Chili Peppers',

Hand Blown Glass Mexican Pitcher and Margarita Glasses, 

The tablecloth brings lovely color and artistry to the table. 

I found this years ago on a shopping trip with my Dear Mother. 

We always went to kitchen departments and stores together. 

She talked me into buying this little beauty, 

and I'm so glad I did. 

Hand sewn and embroidered. 

But more importantly, it reminds me 

of a lovely day spent shopping with her. 

My 'new' enamel topped table

holds the essentials. 

Wooden Citrus Napkin Holders, 

And Chip and Dip Servers. 

My hutch gets a Southwest vibe, too! 

A lovely Desert Scene with Quail and Stone Grinding bowls. 

The Painting is a sweet memory of our time living in the Desert. 

We had families of Quail come to visit every day, 

along with Road Runners, Jack Rabbits, 

Wild Boars, Coyotes, and of course, 

Rattle Snakes, Scorpions and Lizards! 

And don't forget the Tarantulas. 

I've added a Southwestern style pillow to the scene, too. 

It usually resides in the living room. 

I hope you enjoyed my Southwest Style decorating 

to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. 

I will be serving Chicken Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Home-made Guacamole, 

Margaritas, and Chocolate Pudding for dessert. 

Here are the recipes:

Effortless Enchiladas

*12 sm. corn tortillas (I used larger whole wheat tortillas)

*1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup

(I used fat free)

*1 can (7 oz) chopped green chiles

*1 red bell pepper, chopped in small dice

(reserve a little for garnishing)

*1 pint (2 cups) sour cream

(I used 'light' sour cream)

*3 lbs cooked, shredded chicken

*3/4 lb Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

In medium bowl, combine soup, chiles, red bell pepper and sour cream. Whisk to blend well. 

(Separate and set aside 1 cup).

 Mix in chicken. Spoon mixture down center of tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese. Roll up and arrange in a shallow baking pan just large enough to hold enchiladas in a single layer. 

Pour remaining cup of sour cream mixture over center of enchiladas in baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. 

Bake at 350 degrees, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until bubbly and crisp on edges. 

Garnish with reserved red bell pepper. 

xoxo

Spanish Rice

*1 cup long grain white or brown rice

*1 -14.5 oz can Mexican Style Diced Tomatoes

Prepare rice according to directions, replacing 1 cup water with the can of tomatoes. 

xoxo

Classic Quacamole

*2 lg ripe avocados, mashed

*1/4 cup finely chopped onion

*2 Tbsp lemon juice

*2-5 drops hot pepper sauce (if desired)

*1 clove garlic, minced or 1/4 tsp garlic powder

*1/4 tsp salt and dash of pepper

*1 med. tomato, chopped

*2 Tbsp finely chopped green chilies (from a can)

 or 1 sm. fresh chile chopped

Mix all ingredients and try not to eat the whole bowl!

 I always double this recipe - it will keep for several days. 

Have a bite!

For a Happy Ending, serve chocolate pudding
(instant - mixed from a box - oops! did I admit that?)
 and whipped cream
(fat and sugar free, please),
 sprinkled with cinnamon and cayenne pepper!

Serve on a napkin decoupaged tray :)

xoxo

Happy Cinco De Mayo, Amigos!