Sunday, May 4, 2008

The Cancun of Upstate New York

Minus the drunken frat boys and armed militia men. And the Girls Gone Wild film crews. But last night, we got as close as we're going to get to Mexico here in the godforsaken wet chill of New York. A. and I hosted eight people for a Cinco de Mayo party, except it was a Tres de Mayo party, because who wants to have a party on a Monday? And also, we were kind of shocked that we seem to have eight friends. How did that happen?

Of course, the guests are the most important part of any party. And the fact that they actually all showed up this time is an improvement from the last dinner party I had, when half the guests either couldn't make it or FORGOT TO COME. Bastards. Anyway, besides the guests, the most important part of any party is the food, of course. And alcohol. I am proud to report that we had plenty of both. And I know you want to know exactly what we had (because nothing irritates me more than not having all the food details. YES, I AM A LITTLE OBSESSED--WANNA MAKE SOMETHING OF IT?), so here's the food roll call:

Chicken enchiladas, bean enchiladas, corn and flour tortillas with shredded beef or mushroom filling, refried beans, and all the many, many accompaniments for tacos (guacamole, salsa, onions, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes . . . I'm sure there are more that I'm not thinking of). And caramel flan for dessert. Before I could get a picture of the laden table, the ravenous hordes descended, so no photo for you to drool over today. But considering my abysmal photography, it's probably just as well.

And let us not forget the alcohol! Yes! Tecate, Dos Equis, Corona, and Sol beers, plus some very yummy margaritas.

This kind of food is very labor-intensive to make, but damn, is it good. I really just had the party so I had the excuse to get off my ass and make Mexican food, which I should do more often, but which seems more trouble than it's worth for just three people.

Luckily, we have a fair amount of leftovers, so I can keep eating it for awhile. Like, a solid week. Maybe I went a little overboard . . . nah. Viva Mexico!

6 comments:

SaraPMcC said...

I'm so glad you listed the food because I definitely would've asked. I always want to know what people ate when they say the went out (I like to look at menus, too, which is funny, since I won't eat most of what others eat). Anyway, sounds like a great party!

Tina Post said...

So, after our fabulous dinner party, I remembered something about animal husbandry and pregnancy, which I thought I'd share just in case any readers who are thinking of pregnancy have sheep (or, I suppose, vise versa): I remembered a BBC TV show I used to watch in which the woman vet couldn't/ wouldn't touch sheep during her pregnancy. So, I googled, just be sure, and sheep are indeed on the list of things best avoided-- especially during lambing.

Associated bacteria can cause miscarriage and blindness (in the baby). I think there may also be risk of that bacteria that's the reason to avoid unpasteurized milk & cheese products during pregnancy--an OBGYN friend of ours has seen that associated birth defect and heartily avoids against it.

Whew! Bet that's more information than you wanted! When I stop lurking, I don't mess around.

Kristin @ Going Country said...

I never would have guessed that sheep can be detrimental to your health. So any pregnant women out there, please, AVOID THE SHEEP. I wish I had that excuse, then maybe I could have gotten out of shearing the ram yesterday and not sustained a puncture wound on my arm from the shears. Pregnant women get all the breaks.

Anonymous said...

Two points:

Mexican food is never too much work to make, just on the basis of how good it tastes. And, like a fine wine, it only gets better with age. Mexican leftovers are fine culinary treats. Especially with three people, make a big batch of filling and you can eat for a few days, because leftover are good for all three meals per day.

And the second - caramel flan sounds wonderful, but that might just be my weakness for caramel talking.

Anonymous said...

I'm surprised and impressed that you sheared the ram. Who held it, or was this a solo act?

Carolyn said...

YUM!!