[Aarghawasp!]

Apparently one of my guests has a wheat intolerance which scuppered my original menu. I'm now planning to go Mexican so I'm looking for suggestions. It's an informal night but I'd like to do something nice all the same.

I thought maybe nachos with refried beans and homemade salsa to start? Anyone got a particularly nice recipe for salsa?

Also looking for a good chilli recipe, medium hot with a full, rounded flavour.

I've no idea what to do for dessert! I thought I might make some cocktails too...what would work well?

All suggestions gratefully accepted!

[indianwells]

I love Pico De Gallo and since finding this recipe i've made it often. It is the perfect side dish for Mexican grub. Brilliant website as well. Gotta love The Pioneer Woman!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2...co_de_gallo_a/

[acerbicacid]

Hi, I make my salsa like that recipe, but I always skin the tomatoes and deseed them. I don't like the skin on tomatoes in salsa, I also find leaving the seeds can make it slightly watery.

To skin tomatoes, make a cross in the skin where it has joined the vine, then drop the into boiling water for a couple of seconds, remove to a bowl of iced/cold water then the skin just slips off easily.

[Aarghawasp!]

Thanks, that looks like a good recipe. Bought the ingredients today and I will skin and deseed the tomatoes - I prefer them that way myself.

Decided to stick to my usual chilli recipe and have started it off so it can rest overnight, I always think it tastes better the next day.

I'm making a big jug of Sangria but I'm still stumped for a dessert.

[degsyhufc]

Look into a corn tortilla dessert.
Treat it similar to a canolli or cream horn.


I saw one stuffed with cream cheese then served with strawberrys & strawbery sauce/coulis.
btw, the tortilla is rolled and deep fried.

[SeasideLady]

Originally Posted by Aarghawasp!

I'm making a big jug of Sangria but I'm still stumped for a dessert.

What about Key Lime Pie - is there such a thing as wheat intolerance biscuits you could crush for the base ? Failing that, some sort of fruit pavlova or trifle would be nice after a chilli.

[norbitonite]

Re: base for key lime pie, you can get 'free from' gluten-free digestives in Tesco. They're bliddy over-priced, though.

[Aarghawasp!]

Good call! Thanks, I'll have a wee look tomorrow.

[farmhand]

If the weather is hot a classic Margarita is a great appetizer. You could also consider Palomas.

[Studmuffin]

Originally Posted by farmhand

If the weather is hot a classic Margarita is a great appetizer. You could also consider Palomas.

That Paloma cocktail looks stunning!! I'm on statins and can't have any grapefruit.

Bloody arse >.<

[Mrs Mackintosh]

Not very "mexican" but a good gluten free dessert is eton mess or pavlova

[acerbicacid]

Creme caramel is popular - it is called "flan" as in the Spanish "flan". Lots of recipes on line. There is this almond one which is slightly different but might suit and is served with orange slices
http://www.tienda.com/recipes/almondflan.html


BTW have you ever tried a chilli with a small piece of dark chocolate stirred in? It's really good and seems to enhance all the other flavours.