Frugal Fiesta

How about a Fiesta for Cinco de Mayo or for any evening? A Fiesta is frugal and fun and appeals to all ages.

Here's the plan for a frugalicious and fast FIESTA!

Make Your Own Nacho Bar

Tortilla Chips
Taco Meat Recipe – 1 lb. ground beef, 1 cup picante sauce, 1 can chili beans (do not drain)…brown beef, add picante sauce & beans. Simmer 10 minutes.
Grated Mexi-Cheese
Shredded Lettuce
Chopped Tomato or Pico de Gallo
Sour Cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Jalapenos
Black Olives

Make Your Own Burrito Bar

Burrito Size Flour Tortillas
Taco Meat Recipe (see above)
Black Beans or Refried Beans or go all out and offer both!
Mexican Rice or White Rice seasoned with fresh cilantro
Suggested Toppings:
Grated Mexi-Cheese
Shredded Lettuce
Chopped Tomato or Pico de Gallo
Sour Cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Jalapenos
Black Olives

Black Beans

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions:
Heat olive oil.
Brown garlic, oregano and pepper. This only takes a couple of minutes.
Add black beans and balsamic vinegar.
Optional: serve over rice and top with sour cream, shredded mexi-cheese and diced tomatoes.
Enjoy this delicious side dish at your FIESTA!
Serves: 6

Tres Leches

Ingredients:
1 box white or yellow cake mix
15 oz. can cream of coconut like Coco Lopez – if your grocery doesn't sell it, check the liquor store
1 can condensed milk
12 oz. Cool Whip – thawed
Fresh, sliced strawberries sweetened with sugar

Prepare cake according to package directions.
Let the cake cool.
Poke holes all over the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon.
Mix together cream of coconut & condensed milk and pour over the cake.
Refrigerate.
Spread Cool Whip on top before cutting into squares.
Top with sliced strawberries.

Festive & Frugal Decorations

Learn how to make tissue paper flowers!

Take a walk around your house & gather up anything & everything Mexican for instant ambiance…don't pass up your Christmas lights! A FIESTA should be colorful and fun!