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: