Zesty Taco Dinner Party

                                  Compensation was provided by ConAgra RO*TEL via Mode Media  

You might remember by now that I've been attempting to do a themed dinner once a month with the family – it’s something that I thought I’d do to make meal times a little more memorable, and last week I made a simple Zesty Taco buffet dinner with all of the fixings, black beans, cheese, lettuce tomatoes, and RO*TEL’S  Rockin’ Guac. There’s just something about a fun little table spread that makes mealtime so much more exciting.

In addition to the taco fixings, I also had a delicious fruit torte that I purchased as well as beverages like Bud Light’s Lime-a-Ritas. Right now, more than ever, since it’s springtime and nearly Cinco De Mayo, I love big and bright colors so I placed a black tablecloth on and let all of natural ingredients take center stage with their beauty.

A few weeks ago I made RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac for the first time and the family loved it – they ate it up pretty quick (we are big snackers around here!) I also found out that Emma LOVES avocados – she can sit there and eat a whole one by herself!

To make RO*TEL's Rockin’ Guac all you need is:

3 pitted and peeled avocados

1 can of zesty RO*TEL Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, drained

½ cup chopped onion

A squeeze of lime juice

All you do is:

Mash the avocados in a bowl, stir in remaining ingredients, then season with salt and pepper. The recipe can also be found on the RO*TEL website, which has a how-to video and other great tips!

RO*TEL's Rockin’ Guac is great to use for a dip, as a spread on sandwiches, or to top off tacos!

Sometimes little things like taking ten minutes to set up a table before a meal can really make a big difference as well as a lasting impression on friends and family. They will remember the extra love you used to create not only a tasty meal, but a fun atmosphere as well.

Life is meant to be celebrated – what are you going to do this week to celebrate yours?

~Melissa

Zest up your fiesta with RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac and Bud Light’s Lime-a-Rita.

Bud Light Lime-A-Rita® is a registered trademark of Anheuser-Busch.

ConAgra Foods, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

3 Things to Have on Hand For Spring Entertaining

Compensation was provided by ConAgra RO*TEL via Mode Media 

I still can’t believe that we are already well into spring – it seems like just yesterday it was Valentine’s Day! There are quite a few events happening for us over the next month like Noah’s birthday, his preschool graduation, Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and of course Memorial Day – lots of excuses to celebrate!

Noah and Emma will be starting T-ball soon, Anika’s soccer is well underway and the two sports will overlap until the end of May, so I’m hunkering down for 6 weeks of crazy fun. I've been collecting some quick and easy recipes and stocking up on snacks and beverages to have on hand for when parties happen or last minute friends arrive.

Planning ahead and picking up a few extra things while shopping really helps me eliminate any last minute anxiety that I may have for parties or entertaining. I always like to have extra food and drinks around, in case the party is bigger than anticipated, or just to have available if a friend randomly stops by for a visit.

One of the recipes I've found and filed away for future reference is RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac – it’s a really easy to make homemade guacamole that  tastes good and seriously only takes a couple minutes to create. You use one can of RO*TEL’s Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies in the recipe which gives the guacamole a little zesty flavor.

All you need:

3 pitted and peeled avocados

1 can of zesty RO*TEL Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained

½ cup chopped onion

A squeeze of lime juice

All you do:

Mash the avocados in a bowl, stir in remaining ingredients, then season with salt and pepper.

The recipe can also be found on the RO*TEL website, which has a how-to video and other great tips.  I also like to buy a variety of chips, crackers, and other things like carrots and celery to have on hand because they can quickly create a tasty appetizer/snack tray.

I have plenty of juice boxes and water at my house, but I like to buy a few special adult beverages drinks to have available for guests (or myself!) and I've recently discovered Bud Light Lime-A-Ritas – if you like margaritas these are a great option to serve quickly with the same great margarita flavor – and it happens to pair well with the RO*TEL's Rockin’ Guac!

So I have chips and crackers, adult beverages, and lastly I know that this sounds ridiculous – but always make sure you have ice! I know many of you have an automatic ice dispenser in your freezer, but for those of us who are behind on the times – always make sure you have plenty of ice on hand to quickly cool down a drink, or to keep food at appropriate temperatures. We make our own ice cubes the old fashioned way, but I like to keep a bag of ice in our second freezer because it’s come in handy more times than I ever would have thought.

Do you have any special recipes that you use for spring entertaining? What is the one thing you always have on hand for guests?

~Melissa

Zest up your fiesta with RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac and Bud Light’s Lime-A-Rita.

Bud Light Lime-A-Rita® is a registered trademark of Anheuser-Busch.

ConAgra Foods, Inc. All Rights Reserved.