We had the pleasure of preparing an authentic Mexican style brunch for a wedding party today. The food style is fresh, bold flavors with great ingredients. The core of the menu was inspired by Diane Kennedy's book The Art of Mexican Cooking. Ms. Kennedy is a great advocate of regional Mexican foods and has a number of books in the subject to her credit. We also did a, Arroz Verde, Green Rice, that the guest really enjoyed. It varies from the more common rice with tomatoes by the addition of pureed epazote, parsley and chilies. The brunch concluded with Mexican Wedding cookies, home-made churros, chocolate dipped berries and a coffee flavored flan.
I always like the look of colorful drinks to greet the guests as they arrive. The Agua de Jamaica is a unique non-alcoholic drink made from dried hibiscus flowers. The flowers can be purchased in a Mexican grocery or ordered on-line.
Tastefully yours®
Chef Michael Hutchings
Dried Hibiscus Flowers
I N G R E D I E N T S
2 cups (2 ounces) jamaica flowers, dried
3/4 cup granulated sugar (or more as desired)
I N S T R U C T I O N S
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil then add the flowers and the sugar and stir continuously while the mixture boils for one minute. Pour into a noncorrosive bowl and steep for 2 hours. *Note: this flower will stain so don't use a bowl that will stain.
Finish:
Strain the mixture through a sieve pressing on the flower solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Taste for strength and sweetness. If it is too potent, add water or if too tart add more sugar. Cover and refrigerate until time to serve.
Lemonade, "Agua Fresca", Hibiscus Tea
Roberto Santana "Mixologist"
Corn Chips with Guacamole
Quesadillas
Crab Salad on Little Tortillas
Guacamole en Mocajete
Buffet Table
Black Beans Oaxacan Style
Chicken Tamales with Onions, Tomatoes and Herbs
Mexican Green Rice
Mixed Vegetable Salad-Poblano, avocado, tomato, onion on lettuce
Jicama Salad with Blood Oranges
Fresh Fruits
Roll-Ups
Salsa bar
Onion and Cilantro, tomatillo, Mexicana, tomatillo, Guajillo
pickled peppers and radishes
Sour Cream
Soft Taco Station
Hand Made Tortillas
Shredded Chicken
Scrambles Eggs with Chilies, Tomatoes and Onion
Beef with Peppers and Onions
Shrimp with garlic and lime
Coffee-Caramel Flans
Churros and Mexican Hot Chocolate
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Fresh Chocolate Dipped Berries
