TID BITS TRACEY’S
By Tracey Greene
Time for a Taco Party In keeping with this month’s theme, I decided to write about hosting a Taco Party. I love hosting themed parties for my friends to enjoy. One of my favorites is the Taco Party! It’s much more than just a few taco shells and some seasoned ground beef. A taco party is about being social, trying new ingredients, eating a variety of tasty little handheld goodies while also enjoying a few adult beverages, games and adult conversation. Adding a touch of color: first I like to use lots of color, from different bright colored paper beverage napkins, dinner napkins and paper plates to plastic cups. This alone helps brighten up the table and makes everything fun! I also like to use a lot of different size and color bowls on the table to hold all the yummies we are about to eat. Smaller ones for toppings, larger ones for the meats/sides. The meat: I love offering a lot of choices! Some are grilled, some are done on the stove and some in crock pots – which helps save time. The most important thing to remember is to make sure that you do not use the same seasoning for each meat. Seasonings should enhance flavors of the meat not make it all taste the same. Premarinated steak (flank or skirt) is grilled, tilapia is grilled (a panko-crusted fish is also great in the oven), traditional taco seasoned ground beef, and a shredded enchilada flavored chicken cooked in the crock pot. The sides: I always have a black bean, a refried bean, fiesta fire roasted corn, and a Spanish saf-
fron rice. I also make sure to grill veggies for friends that eat healthier: grilled onions, red/green peppers, squash, zucchini. Nachos with salsa and chile con queso. The toppings: Toppings are the key to pulling this fun meal all together. But you must make sure to include toppings to complement each meat. Pickled onions, raw onions, cilantro, red hot sauce, green hot sauce, shredded carrots, tomatoes, jalapenos, shredded cheddar/Mexican flavored cheeses, queso fresco cheese, Cole slaw for the fish, shredded lettuce, Mango salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, chipotle aioli, sriracha, fresh sliced limes. The shells: You must have a variety! Soft corn and flour tortillas as well as hard taco shells. For those friends that “low carb” it, offer lettuce wraps too. The beverages: Keep it simple. Two Spanish-style beers, one light and one dark. Make a pitcher of margaritas. Spanish red/white wine. Maybe some refreshing red/ white sangria. Sounds delish! Everyone Needs Dessert: I love dessert! Flan, Tres Leches Cake and Churros are perfect Mexican desserts to round out the party. Don’t have time to make them, then order them from Publix or have your bestie (who is a great baker) make them for you! Next time you want to wow your friends, throw a “grown up” taco party. Your friends will be shouting Arriba! Arriba! And Bravo!! QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS Info@todayandtonight.com
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