Your "Local Sunday Newspaper" Seven Days a Week!

Recipes

Spicing Up Holiday Parties

(NAPSA)-Adding an authentic Mexican twist to the traditional holiday menu and drink list can add some spice to this year's festivities.

Party experts suggest serving up dishes and cocktails that add distinctive flair and flavor to your get-togethers.

"In Mexico, the holidays, or las fiestas, are times of celebration, spirit and sharing, marked by bold tastes and flavors," explains chef Roberto Santibanez

He offers these two recipes to help holiday partygoers capture that spirit. They're both made with Tequila Cazadores(r) Reposado. Made from 100 percent blue agave, the spirit has a smooth, authentic flavor that can be used in a variety of cocktail and food recipes or can be enjoyed on its own.

This spicy Tomato-Mango Salsa coupled with a Mistletoe Margarita can add flair to holiday festivities.

Tomato-Mango Salsa

• 1 firm, ripe mango, peeled, pitted and diced (1/3 inch)
• 3 Tbsp. Tequila Cazadores(r) Reposa
• 2 tsp. sugar, to taste (depending on sweetness of mango)
• 1 lb. tomatoes, cored
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp. minced habanero chili (1/2 chili), including seed
• 1-1/8 tsp. fine salt
• 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro

Toss charred and softened to the core, 20 to 25 minutes. Peel the tomatoes and chop coarsely, retaining the seeds and juices. Stir onion, lime juice, habanero and salt with tomatoes and taste to be sure that salt level is just right. Stir in mango mixture and cilantro just before serving. Serve with tortilla chips or vegetable crudités.

Makes 2-1/2 to 3 cups.

Mistletoe Margarita

• 11/2 parts Tequila Cazadores© Reposado
• 2 parts pomegranate juice
• 1/2 part sour mix
• 1/2 part triple sec
• 1/2 part grenadine
• Splash of fresh lime juice

Shake ingredients and pour into rocks glass. Garnish with a slice of lime.

For more recipes, tips and ideas, visit www.cazadores.com.