Summer is fast approaching and this means its time to get out and about and kick-start the festive season. If you have been thinking of hosting a get together with friends but want to choose a fun theme to stand out from the crowd; why not consider hosting a Mexican Fiesta party!?
Setting the Stage
To create the ultimate party first you need to set the scene.Do you have vibrant Mexican blankets, sombreros, unique table runners, dolls or other souvenirs you picked up on a trip to Mexico? If so, find a way to incorporate them into your decor. The genuine, authentic items are always preferable to cheap imitations – (check out www.hammocksaustralia.com.au for a range of hand made authentic Mexican items).
To add a splash of colour why not consider adding tissue paper flowers as decorations? These are part of the Mexican fiesta decor and they are very easy to incorporate into your Mexican theme. Natural decorations such as cactus arrangements can also be included along with vibrant centerpieces such as a chili pepper wreath. You can also purchase strands of chili pepper lights to really set the scene and to add a spicy glow to your party.
Tucker time! What to feed your guests?
You may consider yourself a Mexican food connoisseur having whipped up some nachos, tacos and even burritos in your kitchen previously and you may have even cracked open a few jars of salsa here and there, but Mexican Cuisine can be much more interesting than the commercial products you may tried over the years. So take the challenge when you host your party and make it a feast to remember! Just before the party begins, set up your buffet and serve each dish on your most festive, fun & colourful serving platters. Check out the recipe below for a delicious Mexican dish that is sure to be a hit at your party.
Oh, and ddon’t let your guests get thirsty as no Mexican party would be complete without Margaritas, Sangria and of course plenty of tequila!
Yucatecan Barbecued Chicken (Pollo Pibil)
Ingredients:
4 chicken thigh fillets
½ package ‘El Yucateco’ achiote paste (approx. 50g)
Juice of ½ an orange
½ tsp salt
4 pieces foil, about 30 cm square
1 white onion, thinly sliced
4 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tomatoes, sliced
Red Onion Salsa
1 Spanish onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp vinegar
Splash of fresh orange juice
1 tsp dried oregano
Sea salt
Preparation
Prick the chicken all over with a fork to allow the marinade to be absorbed. Using your hands, crumble the achiote paste into a bowl, add orange juice and salt and mix it very well to get a thin sauce. Thoroughly rub the mixture onto both sides of the chicken.
Wrap the chicken in a piece of foil to make a small parcel. Refrigerate, preferably overnight or for a minimum of 2 hours.
Prepare the salsa by mixing all the ingredients and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Preheat the barbecue. Sauté the sliced white onion in the oil until translucent. Add the tomato and fry it gently on both sides until just soft. Unwrap the chicken and spoon a small amount of the onion and tomato onto the chicken and then re wrap.
Cook the parcels on the barbecue for about 20 minutes. Do not overcook. Unwrap the parcels and serve the chicken on a corn tortilla topped with salsa.
Reference: This recipe is from The SBS Australian Website:http://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipe/71/Yucatecan_barbecued_chicken_(pollo_pibil)
Interesting fact: Chilies are a key ingredient in most Mexican dishes however did you know that there are reportedly over 60 varieties of chilies, chili peppers or hot peppers, ranging from very mild to fiery hot. Chiles obtain their heat from oils in their seeds and membranes. The heat of a chili lasts up to six minutes before it dissipates, so it is probably a good idea to have some water on hand!
So, now you are ready to host your very own Mexican fiesta- it’s time to get dressed in a bright, colourful outfit, turn on some mariachi music and get ready to have a blast because a Mexican FIESTA spells good times for everyone!
Adios!
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