Mexican Fiesta Thursday

I like to see a man proud of the place

in which he lives.

I like to see a man live so that his place

will be proud of him.

Abraham Lincoln

As of late politics has become a three ring circus-Lincoln gets my vote for his sensible thinking! 

BAKED CHICKEN TAQUITOS WITH ROASTED RED PEPPERS 

Cook's notes: A taquito is Spanish for "small taco" or 'rolled taco". It is a Mexican dish most often consisting of a small rolled-up tortilla and some type of filling including beef, cheese or chicken. The filled tortilla is then crisp-fried. The dish is often topped with condiments such as sour cream and guacamole.

This recipe calls for baking instead of deep-frying, making the taquitos substantially healthier than what you’d get at a restaurant. Consider this...one order of deep-fried, rolled-up tacos at a restaurant can set you back almost 1,000 calories with 60 grams of fat! 

Serve the baked chicken taquitos with your favorite salsa, guacamole and reduced-fat sour cream. The recipe makes 12 taquitos. A rotisserie chicken  from the deli is a time saver 

Roasted Red Peppers often are found in produce dept. Traders Joes has a product I really like with a bit of zip and zing. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 oz. low fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1 TB. freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 TB. chopped cilantro
• 1-2 green onions, chopped
• 1-2 roasted red peppers, finely diced, patted dry on a paper towel
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or shredded Mexican Fiesta Cheese
• 10-12 6-inch flour tortillas
• optional:reduced fat sour cream and additional salsa

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients listed before tortillas. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
• Warm the tortillas wrapped in paper towels in the microwave to soften, about 15 seconds. Place each tortilla on a work surface. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling mixture down the middle of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla up tightly around the filling. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, spacing the assembled taquitos evenly on the baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
• Bake 15-20 minutes, until crisp and golden brown. Turn once during baking time. Serve with reduced fat sour cream additional salsa and guacamole, if desired.
  

Mexican Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Cook's notes: Add Mexican Hot Fudge Pudding Cake to your repertoire of recipes to try. It's a warm, rich, gooey chocolate cake spiced with Saigon Cinnamon with a hint of Mexican Chile powder.   

http://www.afamilyfeast.com/mexican-hot-fudge-pudding-cake/