
My three main philosophies in life: be kind to everyone, always put 100% into everything you do... and make time for a killer margarita. I repeat these three simple mantras to myself each week to try and find a little bit of calm and balance in my life.
Nothing brings balance like a dinner full of friends and family with Mexican flavors and vibrant colors abound, serving as inspiration for an al fresco summer evening.
As a natural workaholic, I know how effortless it can feel to work Friday, Saturday, and even Sunday evenings to try and stay on top and get ahead. I am also all too aware of how quickly a day can pass without stepping away from screens. Most importantly, I have come to realize how vital it is to just stop and be present with friends and family.
When I want to unwind, inviting a handful of close friends over for a dinner in the backyard always does the trick. There is something about having my people over for a casual evening that balances me out and forces me to be present for them and for myself.
My go-tos for a night of personal harmony are ice-cold pitchers of margaritas and a trio of tacos. For me, nothing says "hot summer night" quite like revitalized street tacos and freshly squeezed pineapple mezcal margaritas. And of course, plenty of chips and guac to go around.
Making time to set a table, artfully arrange some blooms, and try a new taco recipe are playful activities I absolutely adore, and making time for them fosters my own personal symmetry after a hectic work day.
While I love having a smoky, fruity margarita like this pineapple mezcal version, I know that's not everyone's cup of tea. So I love to also make up a pitcher of classic margaritas that everyone can enjoy.
First up, we have the Blackened Cod Fish Tacos. This deliciously spiced fish can either be cooked on the grill or in a cast iron. Then you top with avocado, jalapeños, and a delicious and zesty cabbage slaw.
For the Blackened Fish:
For the Zesty Cabbage Slaw:
For the Toppings and Assembly:
For the Blackened Fish:
For the Zesty Cabbage Slaw:
To assemble:
Next up, for those meat lovers, the Steak Chimichurri Tacos. These delicious tacos have 4 parts: the steak, the chimichurri, a sweet & spicy mango salsa, and a creamy avocado crema.
For the Steak:
For the Chimichurri:
For the Mango Salsa:
For the Avocado Crema:
To top and assemble:
For the Steak:
For the Chimichurri:
For the Mango Salsa:
For the Avocado Crema:
To Assemble:
Finally, these Chicken Tinga Tacos are everything. The adobo-based chicken is already delicious, but when topped with Cotija cheese and quick-pickled red onions, and served on corn tortillas with a layer of butter lettuce, these tacos are a great addition to your taco trio.
For the Chicken:
For the Pickled Onions:
For Toppings and Assembly:
For the Chicken:
For the Pickled Onions:
For Assembly:
No fiesta would be complete without a little pizzazz. Complete your fiesta vibes with some mini cast iron cocottes, sleek black silverware, and cool slate serving pieces.
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