Create an Authentic Cinco de Mayo Experience at Home
- In Mexico, the heart of the family resides in the kitchen where friends and family share the comforts of great, flavorful meals. A number of influences from Mexican and Latin culture have affected Americans in how we celebrate, cook and eat. And more of us, no matter what heritage, are spending more time dining at home with our families. With the popularity of Mexican and Latin dishes on the rise, Cinco de Mayo is the perfect opportunity to celebrate spending time with family while enjoying an authentic Mexican meal in your own kitchen.

“When I am not in one of my restaurant kitchens, I love creating a meal with my husband using authentic ingredients from our Latin heritage to create approachable and comforting meals to share with our family and friends," says Michelle Bernstein-Martinez, James Beard award-winning chef and author of Cuisine A Latina. "As a chef, I like to use local ingredients, as well as foods from other cultures, or inspired by other cultures, to create a layer of flavors. Incorporating Latin cheese varieties is one way I add layers in rich authentic dishes."

Bernstein-Martinez has a few tips and suggestions on how you can create your own http://www.sargento.com/authenticmexican/">Cinco de Mayo experience:

* Add your own twist.

To take a traditional meal and make it your own, incorporate traditional Latin ingredients such as chilies and Mexican cheeses, then add your favorite in-season go-to ingredients. For example, tortilla chips may be a great traditional accompaniment to a cheese dip, but consider adding fresh green onion sticks or sweet potato fries alongside a basket of chips to add variety to your typical chip and dip platter.

* Use authentic ingredients.

Luckily, many cultural influences have made an impact at local grocery chains. Now you can find unique blends of spices, produce and other fresh ingredients without making a special trip to a boutique market. For example, cheeses such as Manchengo, Queso Quesadilla and Anejo Enchilado can be found in http://www.sargento.com/authenticmexican/">Sargento Artisan Blends Shredded Authentic Mexican Cheese. The combination of these cheeses offer great melt and flavor to deliver a comforting and delicious dish.

* Offer a mix of dishes.

To keep conversation lively and guests satisfied, offer an array of dishes and build on each one.

1. Offer a mix of spicy and mild dishes as well as a mix of cold and hot.

2. Keep one or two guest favorites on the table throughout the party.

3. A good table staple should not need reheating or should be kept in a hot-dish to avoid extra work to replenish.

This recipe for a Spicy Cheese Fondue by Bernstein-Martinez is the perfect dish to keep on the table throughout the evening and offers a nice blend of traditional authentic ingredients to serve with tortilla chips or your favorite appetizers.

Recipe:

http://www.sargentocheese.com/recipes/1664/spicy-cheese-fondue-chips/">Spicy Cheese Fondue
1 cup heavy cream
Salt to taste (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup Sargento Artisan Blends Shredded Authentic Mexican Cheese

Directions:
1. Heat heavy cream in saucepan on high. Add spices and season with salt, if desired. Add cheese and stir until melted. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Christian Quote of the Day, Self Pity

Christian Quote of the Day -
Topic for Today: Self-Pity

As Christians we should never feel sorry for ourselves. The moment we do so, we lose our energy, we lose the will to fight and the will to live, and are paralyzed.

Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn

Christian Quote of the Day, Importance

Prayer honours God, acknowledges his being, exalts his power, adores his providence, secures his aid.

Bounds, E. M.

Easter Morning

The fasts are done; the Aves said;The moon has filled her hornAnd in the solemn night I watchBefore the Easter morn.So pure, so still the starry heaven,So hushed the brooding air,I could hear the sweep of an angel's wingsIf one should earthward fare.~Edna Dean Proctor, "Easter Morning"

An Easter Carol

Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer;Death is strong, but Life is stronger;Stronger than the dark, the light;Stronger than the wrong, the right...~Phillips Brooks, "An Easter Carol"

Easter

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances. ~Robert Flatt

Fun and Learning with Kids in the Kitchen

Fun and Learning with Kids in the Kitchen


It's fun, it's messy, and it means time with an adult -- no wonder most kids love to cook. Kitchen duty provides plenty of learning opportunities for kids too. Problem is, for many parents, the goal of cooking is getting something on the table, pronto. And that's OK -- whipping up a nutritious meal using a mix or livening up leftovers together can also be a fun learning experience.



Here's how to make the most out of cooking with a pint-size helper:



* Look for the lesson. No need to get preachy, but take advantage of the learning potential. Besides kitchen safety and cooking techniques, your child can also practice reading, basic math skills (everything from number recognition to division), and how to follow directions.



* Listen. While mixing ingredients, your child might just decide to open up about the school bully or that upcoming, worrisome test. (Somehow it's less intimidating than sitting down for a serious "talk.")



* Encourage easy creativity by stocking up on an array of spices. Try asking your kids things like: "Want to try cardamom instead of cinnamon on those apples?" and "How about adding some zip to these leftover mashed potatoes with a little garlic powder?"



* Explore other cultures. Spice blends like Indian curry and Mexican seasoning are an easy way to introduce ethnic flair -- and conversation -- to dinner.



* Choose dishes that are fun to make, nutritious, and bound to succeed. Pass down family favorites or try new recipes when time permits. Or go quick and simple with convenient mixes. Frontier Natural Products Co-op offers quality, healthful bulk mixes for soups, dips, beverages like lemonade and cocoa, salsas, soy burgers, falafel and taco filling. And its Simply Organic line has meal-size quantities of everything from baking and dip mixes to gravies, pasta sauces, taco mixes, dressings and marinades.



* Take advantage of broth powders. Just add water and you're on your way to homemade soup. Have your child toss in leftovers from the week and a few spices, and you've got yourselves a budget-friendly, healthful dinner.



* Sprout seeds. Show your child how to start a batch of sprouts and rinse them twice a day until they're ready. (It's an easier way to teach responsibility than a family pet!)



* Introduce your child to related life skills, like meal planning and nutrition, grocery shopping and budget management, table setting, and gardening. Visit the farmer's market and the food co-op together.





* Use cooking as a springboard. "Kids can learn about important topics like organics, food miles, and ethical sourcing at an early age," says Kathy Larson, vice president of Sustainability and Education at Frontier Natural Products Co-op. "You might explain that you purchase your produce from a local farmer who sells at the co-op, for example -- or that you order your coffee, tea, spices, sprouting seeds and other cooking ingredients from a company that helps the farmers who grow their products and makes business decisions with the environment in mind."



* If you find that your child is eager for more time in the kitchen, devote some of your weekend to baking a cake or making cookies from scratch. (That'll give you plenty of time to talk about why cakes rise or the concept of that Fair Trade cocoa you're using.)



Cooking side-by-side with your child means you can set the timer for quality time and make every minute count. You'll find more tips on cooking with kids -- and kid-friendly recipes -- at www.frontiercoop.com.



Courtesy of ARAcontent