A Fiesta for the 4th

A fiesta meal might not be your traditional dinner for the 4th holiday, but wow, it has explosion flavors that can't be beat no matter which day you serve it. Flank Steak Tacos, aka Carne Asada, is perfect for a flavorful, protein-packed meal without much fuss. Citrus flavors plus a little heat and sweetness add up to a winning recipe. It's a customizable meal serving a variety of condiments. I found these fun taco holders on Amazon. They were highly rated. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FBNFPHG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Each stainless steel stand holds 3 tacos and is oven, baking, dishwasher, and grill safe. The recipe serves 4-6. Flour tortillas support the filling better than corn tortillas, which tend to tear easily. Spanish rice was served with tacos, and for a sweet finish, M & M cookies and ice cream sandwiches were served. 

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 lbs. flank or skirt steak
• flour tortillas (6 inch)
• Sliced onions and red and yellow mini peppers 

Marinade 

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• juice of 1 lemon
• juice of 2 limes
• juice of 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
•  2 tablespoons soy sauce 
• 1 teaspoon  cumin
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper

Suggested condiments

Chopped cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce and cheese, diced avocados or guacamole, grilled onions and peppers

Directions: 

• In a blender, add all marinade ingredients and mix well.   
• Pour all ingredients into a zip-lock bag. Add meat and seal. Place bag in a bowl and refrigerate for one hour, turning a few times during the hour.  
• Grill the meat with peppers and onions at 325 degrees. The meat should be a little pink. It's better to have the meat undercooked. Cover the cooked meat and let it rest for 10 minutes before thinly slicing.
• Warm tortillas one at a time using a non-stick pan. 

  Best Way to Warm Tortillas

One of the best ways to heat corn or flour tortillas for street tacos is by using a dry skillet or griddle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving warm and pliable tortillas that are ready to be filled with your favorite ingredients:
1. Start by preheating your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Place a tortilla on the hot surface and let it heat for about 10-15 seconds or until it slightly puffs up.
3. Flip the tortilla using tongs or a spatula and heat for another 10-15 seconds on the other side.
4. Remove the tortilla from the skillet and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel.
5. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, stacking them and covering them with a towel to retain their heat and moisture.

Ice Cream Sandwiches made with M & M Cookies

Baking tip: Freeze M&Ms so they will not bleed when added to the cookie dough. Bake cookies more on the crisp side so they hold up better with ice cream.