The Hubs recently had a birthday and even though I offered to take him out to dinner, he wanted to eat in. He requested fajitas.
Here’s the menu I came up with for his birthday dinner at home.
Appetizer: Queso Fundido with Chorizo and Rajas
I’ve had the original at Frontera in Chicago and I remember this dish fondly. In recreating it (from a Rick Bayless recipe), I was mostly pleased. I would ramp up the spice a bit .
I definitely would make it again. One of the best adaptations I did to this recipe was to prepare the chorizo and peppers and onions the day before so that next evening, all I had to do was heat up the mixture and add the cheese. (I also used a Oaxacan cheese as I couldn’t find the called for Chihuahuan cheese.)
Dinner: Fajitas (based on Charcoal Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos)
I loved the flavor but I think I will use flank steak next time.
I added peppers and onions that I sprinkled with taco spice.
Sides:
I did make guacamole (no pictures though) and I tried another Rick Bayless recipe, Mexican Red Rice.
This was an interesting recipe. Not sure I will make it again. It definitely needed some more spice. I felt like I was eating rice seasoned with tomato soup.
Dessert: Dark Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
The Hubs also declared he did not want a cake but requested a pie instead. I googled what a January birthday pie should be and the answer was a chocolate pecan pie. I know that’s not a great photo, but this pie is great and better even on the second day.
Finally, the Beverage:
Pomegranate Margaritas
A sweeter and more colorful version
Ingredients
- 4 oz. lime juice
- 8 oz. 100% blanco tequila
- 8 oz. pomegranate juice
- 3 oz. Licor 43
- 1/4 c. honey simple sryup
- limes for garnish
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a small cocktail pitcher and stir.
- Serve over ice and garnish with a lime wheel.
Yield: 4
I definitely will make these again!
We had a festive time celebrating and we had a few leftovers for lunches that week.
Many happy returns of the birthday…That all looks delicious! After all those dishes, though, I don’t see how anyone could do justice to that lovely pie. I would save it for breakfast!
best,
mae at maefood.blogspot.com