Sunday, August 5, 2012

Another Southwestern Dinner Menu and Memories

My family used to visit Tucson, Arizona almost every year until my mid-teens.
I have so many pleasant memories of road runners, saguaro cactus, hotel swimming pools, miniature golf, and southwestern food.
I visited Tucson a couple of years ago and was surprised to see so many of my favorite memories entirely missing.
In particular, a restaurant called Saguaro Corners had closed.
While I don't really remember the food,
I do remember eating dinner while watching desert animals out the window.
There were javelinas and coyotes, to name just a couple critters you might see.
I think Tucson, Arizona has the most beautiful and unique desert landscape on earth.
With those fond memories swirling in my mind,
I found these fantastic recipes for tonight's dinner menu.
I made both chicken (for hubby) and cheese (for me).
I ended up using mozzarella and monterey jack cheeses
because the market didn't have Mexican cheese.
I start out by using the freshest produce.
Then, I grill it for even more flavor.
I don't deep fry the corn tortillas.
Instead, I spray them with olive oil and heat them until they're soft and start puffing up with air.
This also makes the corn tortillas pliable so they don't tear when rolling.
Substituted vegetable for chicken broth to make this vegetarian.
Epicurious' Mexican Coffee Pudding with Kahlua Whipped Cream
I left out the Kahlua and used vanilla and sugar instead.
I used instant coffee instead of instant espresso powder.
Food Network's Prickly Pear Margarita
Substituted Jose Cuervo Black Medallion Tequila for tequila blanco.
Substituted Grand Marnier for Cointreau.
Now, we're just enjoying another summer evening during these "dog days" of summer.
Here's our "resident lizard."  He lives around the garden hose.

He's only 2" and I believe that's his full size.
I'm sure I saw the same lizard last year - same size.
It's like he never grows.
He hides out when hubby waters the back yard.
Look at the audience I had while taking the "resident lizard" picture! :-)
Have a great week!

2 comments:

  1. Childhood memories are the best! All the food looks so good. But wow, that margarita looks delicious!

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    1. Thanks! We're certainly having Margarita weather over here in Southern California lately... or, isn't it always margarita weather? ;-)

      Carmen

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