AGUA FRESCA DE SANDIA(MEXICAN FRESH WATERMELON DRINK)

 Aguas Frescas are traditional beverages made from a variety of fruits, flowers or grains, popular throughout the Hispanic culture. They are mostly made and sold by street vendors and Mexican restaurants. Or like in our case, our home. Both my husband and I being from Mexican families we grew up loving aguas frescas and the culture they represent. So these drinks are a must in our home! Especially during summertime!

 How To Make Your Own

Ingredients (makes half a gallon):

• half a watermelon
• knife
• 3 cups of cold water
• sugar
• ice cubes
• blender
• 1 lime
• large spoon
• strainer(optional)

Making fresh watermelon drink is about the easiest agua fresca to make. First you slice your watermelon in half. Then using a large spoon you begin to scoop the center of the watermelon like seen in the photo above.Taste the watermelon to see how sweet it is that way you get an idea how much sugar you will be adding, some are way sweeter than others. Drop your watermelon scoops in the blender along with cold water and ice, squeeze in lemon as well (you may need to do this in batches). Blend until everything is completely broken down. Check sweetness and add sugar to taste, blend again to mix it all together. 

I didn't strain my agua but a lot of people do. So if you'd like to, this is the part where you pull out the strainer. Place it on top of your pitcher and pour your blended watermelon water through the strainer. Or like me save the watermelon rind and use it as a punch bowl. 

 There is nothing better than a refreshing glass of agua de sandia on a hot summer day. Or even better after a long work day with a hint of tequila and margarita mix. Happy National Tequila day!! Yall enjoy

XO,Nancy!!

SATURDAY SHENANIGANS: WE FOUND A TAQUERIA

Hey! I am beyond excited to share that we finally found a Mexican restaurant in the Clarksville/Ft. Campbell area that sells AUTHENTIC Mexican food. By authentic I mean its a real deal taqueria! They have tacos, gorditas, sopes, pozole, tortas, aguas frescas and so much more. This place reminds us so much of our hometown (Dallas) and all the taco places around town. 

                                          Home-style Chips and Salsa

Little Renity enjoying the chips.

                                              Home-style Chips in a basket

                                         Al Pastor, Bean and Cheese Gordita

Al Pastor Sope with a bottom layer of beans. Topped with lettuce, cheese and sour cream.

The Casita Taqueria is one of those little businesses that's not very attractive on the outside, but as we all know you should never judge a book by its cover. So far this is the BEST Mexican food we've had here in Clarksviille. Today has been a great one for us so far, hoping the same goes for all you guys! Happy weekend.

XO, Nancy!! 

10 DAYS OF VALENTINES- DAY 8: STRAWBERRY KIWI LOVE MARGARITA

Its Margarita Time amigos! We are two days away from Valentines day and If you are yet to find the perfect cocktail for you and your honey, this is the the one for you. Made with a hot kick of Tequila, fresh fruit and a delicious whipped topping. This Love Margarita is sure to add excitement to your special night!

Ingredients: (Makes about one Margarita)                                                  

   

• 5 fresh strawberries                                                               
• 1 fresh peeled kiwi
• 4 fl oz of Rose's Mojito Mix
• 1 shot of Corralejo Tequila (optional)
• crushed ice
• whipped topping in a pastry bag
• Blender                                                                                    

 Recipe

    Combine your strawberries, kiwi, Mojito mix, tequila and crushed ice into your blender. Start your blender and strike pulse a couple of times until all of your ingredients are completely crushed and mixed. Serve your blended mix into a glass and top with whipped cream using a pastry bag or a ziploc with a small snip in a corner.                                                                                       

Todo Listo mi bella gente(all done my beautiful people)!!! Make one two, three or four after all its Valentines day, raise your glass to love and enjoy. 

XO, Nancy!

Cooking Mexican Taquitos "Flautas": Using Rotisserie Chicken

Mexican Taquitos which we know as "Flautas," is a family favorite in our home. Whether its served as a Dinner Entree, party serving or a snack for Sunday night football, we love it. Flautas is a Traditional dish from Mexico made with corn tortillas and filled with all kinds of fillings,the most typical is a chicken filling. The name Flauta came to be because of the resemblance of the taquito to a flute. In the Mexican culture traditional recipes are passed down through generations some easier to make than others. In my home we love eating good food but sometimes good food can take hours of preparation. I have modified the Flauta recipe so my family can enjoy these crispy taquitos at a short moments notice. Now you can enjoy a Traditional Mexican dish any day of the week without having to prep. for hours!

We will be using a store bought Rotisserie chicken as the filling in our Flautas. Guerrero corn tortillas for our taquitos, and toothpicks to hold the taquito in place. You will also need either corn or vegetable oil to fry them in.

Step One: You will shred the chicken using only the meat and tossing out the skin. Place the shredded chicken in a bowl and season it with onion powder and pepper, I used Fajita Seasoning by Fiesta. StepTwo: Heat corn tortillas in a griddle pan. Flip sides until fully heated for best results. Step Three: Once the tortilla is fully heated place it in a flat surface. Add a thin strip of chicken to the very edge of the tortilla rolling it into a taquito as you see in picture 3. Step Four: When you get your taquito tightly rolled, puncture the closing end of the taquito with a toothpick to hold it in place while it fries.

Step 5: In a small pan pour enough oil to cover most of the taquito, heat oil for a few minutes. Once oil is hot carefully submerge the taquitos into the oil. Please be careful handling the taquitos while they're in the hot oil. Using tongs flip taquitos for an even fry. Step 6: Your taquitos are now nice and crispy, place them in a container or plate to cool off.

Listo!!! Now you have a delicioso traditional Mexican dish ready to eat. Flautas are usually served with a topping of sour cream, fresh crumbled Mexican cheese, shredded lettuce, and guacamole or avocado slices. If you want a bit of a kick you can also add your favorite hot sauce "salsa" to go on top. "Probecho," Enjoy!!