Gringo Margarita

Dinner tonight is something to look forward to. There's a local mexican market that sells "marinated chicken steaks". I wish I knew what they used cuz its really good. I'm just going to chop up these "steaks" (which happen to be the leg and thigh meat, cut off the bone but still all connected) and saute them in olive oil. I'll make a simple spanish rice which is basically white rice cooked in tomato sauce and water. Then I have this really nice recipe for veggies...it's called Calabacitas. Very easy to make and full of fabulous flavor.

2 tablespoons oil

1 garlic clove (more if you're a garlic lover)

1 med onion chopped or sliced

4 med. zucchini chopped or sliced

1 12oz can of corn, drained (I usually use frozen corn)

1 4oz can diced green chilies or 2 fresh peeled chilies

Salt to taste

1/2 cup grated cheddar, jack or longhorn cheese

In a large heavy skillet, saute the onion, garlic and zucchini in oil. Discard the garlic. (ummm....why? I leave it in), Mix in corn, chopped chilies and salt. Cover tightly and heat through. Mix in cheese and serve. 

I don't always go by the book. I've added mushrooms, tomatoes, yellow squash to this mix. If you're really feeling it...roast a bell pepper, chop that up and toss it in....wow! One of my daughters doesn't like cheese, so I don't add that until its on each persons plate. I also like to garnish with Ranchero Queso Fresco and chopped cilantro. Pile it all on a warm tortilla and enjoy. 

Btw, my husband is no longer on his "hunger strike". It's amazing what sex can accomplish. I wonder how many wars it has stopped. And how many wars it has caused. Anyways, I'll be feeding the entire household tonight. As I did for lunch. I heated up frozen buffalo wings (gag), frozen curly fries and made some cheeseburgers on my "nifty" old fashioned grill pan (smoked out the kitchen...again). My daughter had a few friends over so they all ate as well. Good news.....green beans, black eyed peas and cole slaw leftovers are all gone! whew. 

Now...I did mention gringo margarita's didn't I? The only thing that this margarita has in common with the traditional margarita is the tequila. I'd be surprised if you found anyone related to someone south of the border making these babies. Most call them beer margaritas. I like to think of them as sparkling margaritas. But you can't get any more gringo than this when making a margarita. Funny thing is, one of my sisters (who lives in Alabama) gave me this recipe. So maybe you can call it a redneck margarita!!!

12 oz beer

12 oz sprite

12 oz frozen limeade concentrate

12 oz tequila

Mix together and garnish with a slice of orange and lemon. You might even want to serve it in a mason jar. Get-er done!!