Saturday, May 1, 2010

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)

Friday, April 30, 2010

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)