DRINKS FOR CINCOC de MAYO

This my favorite Margarita Drink

Margarita Sunrise

Make any size batch of this recipe by simply multiplying the ingredient measurements by the desired number of servings. For larger batches, stir together all ingredients in a pitcher until powdered sugar is dissolved. Chill and serve over ice. For a sweeter drink, use 1/2 cup powdered sugar instead of 1/3 cup.

Yield: Makes 1 serving
Ingredients
Fresh lime wedge (optional)
Margarita salt (optional)
1/3 cup fresh lime juice*
3 tablespoons orange liqueur
3 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons tequila
1/3 to 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Ice
3 tablespoons club soda or lemon-lime soft drink
2 teaspoons grenadine

Preparation
1. Rub rim of a chilled margarita glass with lime wedge, and dip rim in salt to coat, if desired.
2. Pour lime juice, liqueur, orange juice, tequila, and powdered sugar over ice in a cocktail shaker. Cover with lid, and shake until thoroughly chilled. Strain into prepared glass. Add club soda or lemon-lime soft drink for a little fizz, if desired. Top with grenadine. Serve immediately.
*1/3 cup thawed frozen limeade concentrate may be substituted for fresh lime juice. Omit powdered sugar, and proceed with recipe as directed.

Note: I used Cointreau for orange liqueur and Jose Cuervo Especial for tequila.

I multiplied this recipe by eight on everything, but only added 1 cup of lime juice for an entire recipe for eight. Use the lesser sugar amount. Add 1/3 of club soda to each one. It really makes a difference.


Make a Mocktail

Non-drinking and the guests on diet will love tangy Fresh Ginger Beer. Garnish with a sugar rim and lime slices to give it a pretty cocktail presentation.
If you like ginger ale, you'll love this tangy beverage. Add your favorite rum to create a memorable cocktail. If you can't find superfine sugar, place granulated sugar in a blender, and process until fine. You can find bottled ground fresh ginger in the produce section of the supermarket.

Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients
2 cups cold water
1 cup fresh lime juice
4 teaspoons bottled ground fresh ginger (such as Spice World)
3/4 cup superfine sugar
3 cups sparkling water
Lime slices (optional)

Preparation
Combine water, juice, and ginger in a blender; process until blended.
Line a strainer with cheesecloth. Strain mixture over a pitcher; discard solids. Add sugar to pitcher; stir until dissolved.
Add sparkling water just before serving. Serve over ice. Garnish with lime slices, if desired.

Calories:
81 (0.0% from fat)

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Tex-Mex Beef Tacos
This recipe satisfies my craving for Mexican food, and it's low in fat, easy to prepare,fast and it's under 300. 10 servings (serving size: 1 taco)

Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground sirloin
1 cup frozen whole-kernel corn
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 to 3 drained canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, chopped
10 (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas

Preparation
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion, garlic, and beef; cook 6 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble beef. Stir in corn and next 6 ingredients (corn through chiles). Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spoon 1/2 cup beef mixture into each tortilla.

Calories:
266 (25% from fat)

Turkey Enchilada Casserole

Try this tasty turkey enchilada recipe for a quick and easy Mexican-style dinner and it Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey breast
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano leaves or 1 tablespoon dried
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salad oil
2 cans tomato soup
1 jar (8oz) salsa
1/4 cup water
Salt
12 corn tortillas (6 in. wide)
2 cups shredded reduced-fat jack cheese (8 oz.)
Chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation
1. Mix soup, water and salsa and set aside.
2. In a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, stir turkey, onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin in oil until turkey is crumbly and no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Stir in 1 cup sauce. Add salt to taste.
3. Meanwhile, cut tortillas in half. Arrange a fourth of the halves evenly over the bottom of a shallow 3-quart casserole, overlapping to fit. Sprinkle a fourth of the cheese evenly over the tortillas, then top with a third of the turkey mixture and a fourth of the remaining sauce, spreading each level. Repeat to make two more layers of tortillas, cheese, turkey mixture, and sauce; top with another layer of tortillas and sauce, then cheese.
4. Bake in a 425° regular or convection oven until cheese is melted and casserole is hot in the center, 18 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Calories:
249 (20% from fat

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

WHAT'S COOKIN' for Cinco de Mayo, I have two recipes that are under 300 calories that will satisfies our craving for Mexican food, and it's low in fat, easy to prepare, and fast. You can also serve it with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, salsa, and fat-free sour cream. What would Cinco de Mayo be without Margarita's, you have to try my favorite Margarita and I have a great Mocktail for all you non drinkers and everyone on a diet like me.

10 Random Things About Me

1. This year I am on a Journey to Wellness and healthy living, my goal is to lose 40+ pounds 2010, by eating healthy, exercise and walking. I have lost about 15 pounds and don't plan on finding them. I started off walking under 600 steps a day, today I am walking 6500+ steps a day my goal is 10,000 steps a day, and exercising three times a week.
2. I have a diplomatic personality very easy going. I go-with-the-flow and refuse to sweat the small stuff.
3. I am competitive, I enjoy competition it give me incentives for self-improvement. Engaging in any contest improve my skill, strength and stimulate the old brain cell, especially when presenting me with difficult task and I don't have to win all the time
4. I never follow all the instructions or direction, I love to work out of the box and come up with something that hasn't been done previously, that is way I love crafting and cooking because you are not bound by rules and the way things have always been done.
5. I hate to write, but love to blog. I don’t see blogging as writing, it’s the free flow of ideas between people, it is a conversation and I love to talk.
6. I am a bargain shopper and love senior day at Thrift Stores.
7. I set my car clock 10 minutes ahead and I am still all ways late.
8. I love science fiction and cheesy horror movies.
9. I planned to write a cook book one day, been working on it for over a year.
10. I love to laugh and have a good time, and just enjoying the wonderful life that God has given me.