IN HONOR OF CINCO DE MAYO ~ ALL THINGS MARGARITA

In honor of Cinco De Mayo (May 5th) I wanted to do a post of all things Margarita, I was amazed by everything I found for the best Cinco De Mayo party EVER!!
First and most important you have to start with a great Margarita cocktail....

Ingredients

• kosher salt for rimming glasses (optional)
• ice cubes
• 1/2 cup silver tequila
• 1/4 cup sweetened lime juice (such as Rose's)
• 1/4 cup triple sec
• 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda, or to taste
• serve's 2

Rim margarita glasses with salt if desired, and fill with ice. Pour the tequila, sweetened lime juice, triple sec, and lemon-lime soda into a shaker filled with ice, hold your hand firmly over over the top of the shaker so the top doesn't pop off from the carbonated soda, and shake vigorously. Pour into prepared margarita glasses, and serve.

Be sure and get the right party settings!!!! you can purchase this all HERE CINCO DE MAYO IS ALL ABOUT COLOR!!!

THIS WOULD MAKE THE CUTEST CENTERPIECE DON'T YOU THINK???

                              Now that we have the table set and the fun going lets talk  food!!! 

 For a great appetizer, lets start with Margarita shot-glass shrimp:

INGREDIENTS

	Lime wedges, if desired
	Coarse salt, if desired
	Coarse ground black pepper, if desired
1	cup zesty cocktail sauce
1/2	cup finely chopped red or yellow bell pepper
1	tablespoon lime juice
2	cans (8 oz each) crushed pineapple in juice, drained
24	cooked deviened peeled large shrimp (about 2 lb)
	Cilantro sprigs, if desired

DIRECTIONS

1.	If desired, rub rims of 24 (2-oz) cordial glasses (shot glasses) with lime wedges; dip rims in coarse salt and pepper.
2.	In medium bowl, mix cocktail sauce, bell pepper, lime juice and pineapple. Place about 1 tablespoon sauce mixture in bottom of each glass. Place 1 shrimp in each glass; top each with lime wedge and cilantro sprig. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving time.
Alternate Method: In medium bowl, mix cocktail sauce, bell pepper, lime juice and pineapple. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving time. To serve, spoon cocktail sauce mixture into small serving bowl; place on serving tray. Arrange shrimp around bowl of sauce. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro sprigs. BE SURE TO HAVE PLENTY OF CHIPS AND SALSA ON HAND!!!  and For dinner serve it with a fresh salad with tangy dressing and some sort of great bread!!!!

For dinner how about Grilled Margarita steaks:

INGREDIENTS

1/4	cup tequila
2	tablespoons sugar
1	tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1	teaspoon grated lime peel
1/2	teaspoon salt
2	tablespoons lime juice
1	to 2 fresh jalapeño chiles, seeded, chopped
2	(10 to 12-oz.) beef T-bone steaks (3/4 inch thick)

DIRECTIONS

1.	In shallow glass baking dish, combine all ingredients except steaks; mix well. Add steaks; turn to coat. Cover; refrigerate at least 4 hours to marinate, turning steaks once.
2.	Heat grill. When ready to grill, remove steaks from marinade; reserve marinade. Place steaks on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals. Cook 10 to 15 minutes or until steaks are of desired doneness, turning once and brushing occasionally with marinade. Discard any remaining marinade.

Have a great Margarita chicken pasta Salad:

INGREDIENTS

1/4	cup tequila
2	tablespoons sugar
1	tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1	teaspoon grated lime peel
1/2	teaspoon salt
2	tablespoons lime juice
1	to 2 fresh jalapeño chiles, seeded, chopped
2	(10 to 12-oz.) beef T-bone steaks (3/4 inch thick)

DIRECTIONS

1.	In shallow glass baking dish, combine all ingredients except steaks; mix well. Add steaks; turn to coat. Cover; refrigerate at least 4 hours to marinate, turning steaks once.
2.	Heat grill. When ready to grill, remove steaks from marinade; reserve marinade. Place steaks on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals. Cook 10 to 15 minutes or until steaks are of desired doneness, turning once and brushing occasionally with marinade. Discard any remaining marinade.

For dessert lets have a Strawberry-Mango Margarita Dessert:

Crust
1 1/4	cups crushed pretzels
1/4	cup sugar
1/2	cup butter or margarine, melted
Filling
1	pint mango sorbet, softened slightly
2	boxes (10 oz each) frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed
1/2	cup frozen (thawed) margarita mix concentrate
1	cup whipping cream, whipped
10	fresh strawberry halves
1	small ripe mango, cut into cubes
	Coarse sugar, if desired
	Fresh strawberry slices, if desired

DIRECTIONS

1.	In small bowl, mix crust ingredients. Press firmly in bottom of ungreased 9- or 8-inch springform pan; refrigerate 10 minutes.
2.	Spoon sorbet over crust; spread evenly with metal spatula. Freeze 30 minutes.
3.	In large bowl, mix thawed strawberries, using wire whisk, until broken into small pieces. Beat in margarita mix until well blended. Fold in whipped cream. Carefully pour into pan over sorbet. Freeze at least 3 hours until firm.
4.	Using 4-inch wooden skewers, place strawberry half and mango slice on each of 10 skewers. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Place skewers into top of dessert for garnish. To serve, cut into wedges.

What party is complete without party favors, I found these great ones at BEAU-COUP every one can go home with a Margarita Glass Gel Candle in  a Tiki Hut, is that cute or what????

You need great party music playing, how about JIMMY BUFFET SINGING MARGARITAVILLE
That should put you in the mood for a great Margarita Party!!! PINATA'S??? did anyone want to play games? these are too cute and you can purchase them HERE For 12.99 you could get a couple!!! Now get your maraca's out and have a great time!!!