We threw a lovely baby shower for some friends today. I felt nostalgic for Colorado and cooked a southwestern menu. I prepared several salsas, stuffed chilis, chipotle chicken wings, fried corn tortillas, and a black bean chili. The salsas were very good. One was a simple roasted tomato salsa. It was supposed to have a habanero in it as well, but I torched the habanero on the grill. The second was a wonderful tomatillo and avocado salsa. The final was a simple salsa cruda with fresh tomatos, cilantro, lime and serranos. The chili was my famous black bean chili with toasted dried peppers for heat.
The most creative thing I made were poblano peppers stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese, pine nuts, fresh oregano and garlic. I then wrapped them in foil and grilled them. I would have preferred frying the stuffed chilis, but I didn't have time. Grilling them was a nice compromise.
The chipotle chicken wings were a hit and super easy - I'll do that one again. I just placed the chicken wings with a can of chipotle peppers on a large piece of tin foil and grilled them. A word of warning: the chipotles look just like dried tomatoes when served with the chicken wings. One poor soul got a fiery surprise when she sampled the "tomato" on the wings plate. I need to warn people if I do that again.
Grilling was just fine after the guests arrived but trying to fry the tortillas while entertaining was a little too hectic. Next time I'll prepare the fried tortillas in advance.
For drinks we had margaritas but with all the hot peppers I think beer would be better for next time and not dark beer. I am even thinking that along the lines with the Colorado theme, Coors with a lime would be perfect. If I'm feeling micro-brew snotty I would probably use a wheat beer or a nice pale ale.