Happy Thursday, fellow food enthusiasts! As we approach the vibrant celebrations of Cinco de Mayo this coming Monday, I’ve been immersed in planning something truly special for all of you. While my Facebook page typically features a fun #TBT (Throwback Thursday) post, today feels extra momentous. Given Cinco de Mayo’s rich cultural heritage and its association with fantastic Mexican cuisine, I initially struggled to select just one Mexican recipe to highlight. How could I possibly choose when there are so many delightful flavors to explore?
Instead of a single spotlight, I decided to craft an entirely new post dedicated to a comprehensive roundup of some of my most cherished and popular Mexican-themed recipes. This collection spans an incredible range, from savory Taquitos and hearty Chili Rellenos to refreshing Sangria and unique Mexican Chocolate desserts. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that promises to make your Cinco de Mayo celebration unforgettable!
An Unforgettable Milestone: My 300th Post and a Grand New Chapter!
Before we dive into these incredible recipes, I have some truly exhilarating news to share – news that fills me with immense joy and anticipation! This post marks a significant milestone: it’s my 300th blog entry! To celebrate this incredible journey and evolution, this will also be my final post on this current site.
Yes, you read that correctly! This entire website is undergoing a magnificent transformation and will be fully migrating to my brand-new online home this weekend. The excitement is almost palpable, and I can hardly wait to unveil it to you. This move represents not just a change of address but a complete refresh, designed to enhance your experience, make content easier to find, and provide a more beautiful and intuitive space for our shared love of food.
The journey to this new site has been a labor of love, a collaborative effort with some truly talented individuals who have helped bring my vision to life. This migration ensures that all your favorite content, including every single post, your valuable comments, follower lists, and all existing links, will seamlessly transfer. You’ll be able to find everything exactly where you last saw it, just in a more polished and user-friendly environment. It’s truly amazing what modern technology can accomplish, ensuring a smooth transition without losing a single treasured memory or recipe.
Introducing Our Stunning New Visual Identity
As a sneak peek into what awaits, I’m thrilled to share a glimpse of the new brand identity with you. Feast your eyes on our fresh new logo:
Isn’t it absolutely beautiful? This gorgeous logo is just a small preview of the aesthetic transformation that has taken place. The creative genius behind this branding magic is my dear friend, Rhonda, who owns a phenomenal company in Omaha called FPO Designs. Rhonda didn’t stop at just one logo; she meticulously crafted various formats to suit all my needs. Her expertise extends to helping me develop an entire suite of business tools, including business cards and labels, all perfectly reflecting the new brand. Her eye for design and detail is truly unparalleled, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have her assistance – and her unwavering friendship, of course!
Rhonda and I, captured last autumn.
The Incredible Team Behind Our New Online Experience
Beyond the branding, the actual design and construction of the new website were masterfully handled by another wonderful and incredibly talented designer, Lauren, from Lauren Prentiss Designs. Her ability to translate ideas into a functional and aesthetically pleasing website is simply phenomenal. I am so grateful for her patience, her guidance, and her expertise throughout this entire process. Meeting her and working alongside such an amazing woman has been a true blessing.
Finally, the crucial last piece of this incredible puzzle, ensuring a smooth transition for all of you, is Jeni from The Blog Maven. Jeni is the migration maestro, orchestrating the entire process of moving all existing content from this site to the beautiful new platform Lauren designed. Once Lauren completed the build, Jeni stepped in to flawlessly transfer everything – posts, comments, followers, and links – making sure nothing gets lost in the digital shuffle. If you are reading this after May 5, 2014, then congratulations, you are already enjoying the new and improved site!
These three tech-savvy women – Rhonda, Lauren, and Jeni – have been instrumental in transforming “An Affair from the Heart” into something truly special. Without their dedication, expertise, and incredible support, this monumental undertaking would not have been possible. Please join me in giving a massive round of applause to these visionary women!
Cinco de Mayo 2014: Your Ultimate Mexican Recipe Roundup!
Now, with all the exciting announcements out of the way, it’s time for what you’ve all been waiting for… the FOOD! Let’s celebrate Cinco de Mayo with this fantastic collection of Mexican-inspired dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Chili Rellenos / Bean Cheese and Onion Enchiladas
A true classic, our Chili Rellenos offer a perfect blend of roasted poblano peppers, melty cheese, and a crispy coating. Or, if you prefer, dive into the comforting layers of our Bean, Cheese, and Onion Enchiladas – a hearty and flavorful dish that’s a staple in any Mexican feast. Both are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers!
Chicken and Doritos Casserole
For a fun and incredibly easy weeknight meal or a casual gathering, our Chicken and Doritos Casserole is a fantastic choice. The crunchy Doritos add an unexpected and delicious texture, making this a family favorite that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Mexican Chocolate Brownies
Elevate your dessert game with these Mexican Chocolate Brownies. They offer a delightful twist on a classic, infusing rich chocolate with subtle hints of cinnamon and a touch of chili for a warming, spicy kick. It’s a decadent treat that perfectly balances sweet and spice.
Copy Cat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Missing a fast-food favorite? Our Copy Cat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza allows you to recreate this iconic dish right in your own kitchen. It’s layers of crispy tortillas, seasoned beef, beans, and cheese, topped with your favorite fresh ingredients – a customizable delight everyone will love.
Pico de Gallo
No Mexican meal is complete without a vibrant and fresh Pico de Gallo. This simple yet flavorful salsa, made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño, is the perfect accompaniment to tacos, burritos, or simply with a bag of crispy tortilla chips. Its freshness brightens any dish.
Baked Shredded Chicken Taquitos
These Baked Shredded Chicken Taquitos are a lighter, yet equally delicious, alternative to their fried counterparts. Filled with tender, seasoned chicken and baked until golden and crisp, they make for an excellent appetizer or a fun main course. Serve them with your favorite salsa or guacamole for an authentic touch.
Easy “Dump” Salsa
When you need a quick and flavorful dip, our Easy “Dump” Salsa is your go-to recipe. Simply combine a few pantry staples, and you’ll have a delicious, fresh salsa ready in minutes. It’s incredibly versatile and always a hit at parties or as an addition to any Mexican dish.
Beef Enchilada Soup
Warm up with a bowl of our hearty Beef Enchilada Soup. This comforting and robust soup captures all the classic flavors of beef enchiladas in a delicious, spoonable form. It’s packed with savory beef, beans, and a rich, spicy broth, making it perfect for a cozy evening.
Crock Pot Shredded Beef Burritos
For melt-in-your-mouth tender beef with minimal effort, our Crock Pot Shredded Beef Burritos recipe is a must-try. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in incredibly flavorful, fall-apart beef perfect for stuffing into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. A truly satisfying meal!
White Rose Infused Sangria
Quench your thirst and elevate your celebration with our elegant White Rose Infused Sangria. This light and fruity concoction, with a delicate hint of rose, is the perfect refreshing beverage for a festive gathering. It’s sophisticated, delicious, and a wonderful way to toast to Cinco de Mayo.
White Chicken Enchiladas
Our White Chicken Enchiladas offer a creamy, rich alternative to traditional red sauce versions. Filled with tender chicken and smothered in a decadent white sauce, these enchiladas are pure comfort food. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at any meal, offering a milder yet incredibly flavorful profile.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ditch the store-bought packets and make your own Homemade Taco Seasoning! This simple blend of spices allows you to control the flavor and sodium, creating a perfectly balanced seasoning that will elevate your tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. It’s an essential staple for any home cook.
This roundup features just a selection of the incredible Mexican recipes available on our blog. To discover even more culinary delights, simply use the search bar to look for “MEXICAN” or click on our dedicated “Mexican Recipes” tab to explore the full collection. There’s always something new and delicious waiting for you!
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with me. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world. Get ready to explore our new home and continue our shared affair with delicious food!