Meet The Toomeys

HOUSE IS WARM !!!

May28

We had our first party at our house on Saturday, and it went fantastic ! We had about 20 or so people over (all at various times) and gave people tours of the house, and had a fiesta ! I cooked all different types of mexican food.

The food:

The appetizers All set out on the coffee table !

Empanadas – Recipe from (sarah’s test kitchen)

Dough:

(makes 12)

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup shortening

1/3 cup ice water

oil for frying

Using a standing mixer sift flour with baking powder and salt. Add shortening until combined. Slowly add water.

Roll out dough and cut out 2-3 in round circles (use a drinking glass or biscuit cutter). Once circles are cut out roll them into an oval shape so they are easier to fill.

Fill then fold in half and press edges together as noted in photos above.

Filling:

(fills 24)

Here is a simple black bean and cheese filling I threw together.

Combine 2 cans black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 can fire roasted green chili’s, 3/4 cup jack cheese and 1/4-1/2 cup queso fresco.

Once empanadas are filled I put them in the fridge for a few hours so they could set up prior to frying.

1. After making dough I rolled it out to 1/4 in thick and used a large drinking glass to cut out circles.

2. I found (by trial and error) that the rounds were easier to fill if they were more oval shape. I took the cut out circles and rolled them a little more to stretch them out lengthwise.

Heat large pot with 2 in of veg oil until very hot. Using tongs place empanadas in oil and fry until crispy and brown. Let drain on paper towels prior to serving.

3. I put about a teaspoon of filling in each. (see my easy filling recipe below)

4. Fold the dough over top and crimp edges down with a fork.

Taco bar – We set out seasoned taco meet, and shredded chicken, and had all the toppings, cheese, lettuce, guac, etc…

Mexican Ceasar Salad

Fruit Skewers – I got pre cut mango, cut some strawberries in half, and cubed watermelon and pineapple and put it on skewers to make it easier to eat !

The Drinks:

Sangria

YUMMMM

Sodas

Corona

Dessert:

Margarita Cupcakes

Margarita Cuppycakes !

Also from (Sarah’s Test Kitchen)
Cupcakes:
Makes 12
9 oz Margarita mix (such as Mrs. T’s)
3 oz tequila
3/4 oz Grand Marnier
White cake mix
3 egg whites
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 Tbsp lime zest

Mix together the margarita mix, tequila, and Grand Marnier in a large glass or spouted bowl. You will use 1 1/4 cup of this in the cupcake mix. Pour the remainder over ice and enjoy the mini-rita while you’re baking.

In a stand mixer, add the cake mix, egg whites, vegetable oil, lime zest, and 1 1/4 cup of the margarita mixture. Mix on low for about 30 seconds and then increase to medium speed for two minutes (the batter will still be a bit lumpy).

Spoon the batter into prepared muffin pan and bake at 350 for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick registers done in the center cupcake. Remove the cupcakes and cool completely on a baking rack.

Once the cupcakes have cooled, make the icing and ice the cupcakes.

Lime buttercream frosting:
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 1/3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Combine 3 tablespoons butter and next 3 ingredients (through juice) in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating just until smooth. Spread about 2 1/2 teaspoons frosting onto each cupcake.

I actually have a pastry dispenser, so I used the star tip and piped the frosting onto the cupcakes and garnished with fresh mint ! They were a hit !

I prepped the empanadas the night before, and just had to fry them that morning. I also prepped the cupcakes the night before. The morning of, all I did was slice and skewer the fruit, and make some fresh guacamole, and cook up the meat, and set out the condiments for the taco bar ! I think it worked out pretty well, although I may consider getting more pre sliced fruit next time rather than cutting and cubing my own ! It took a LOOONNG time !

Over all it was a fabulous party, and even my friend Laura who I haven’t seen in ages made it from Portland and we were able to cause some mischeif over the long weekend !

posted under Cooking | 1 Comment »