Cooking With Tequila to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

When life hands you limes............ DEMAND Tequila and Salt!

Mexican Independence Day was yesterday, so to celebrate, we should all drink tequila this weekend-- Lots and lots of Tequila

This weekend is also a great time to cook with Tequila. From shot glass to frying pan, Tequila has become an exciting and delicious element in Noveau Mexican cuisine.  It goes great with lime, mangos, pineapple, etc., all common ingredients in Key West cooking.

Tequila Fajitas

Ingredients:

• 2 lb. skirt steak
• 3 bell peppers, all green or assorted colors, cut into strips
• Marinade
• 1 large white onion, sliced into thin crescents (half rings) Marinade
• 3 T garlic
• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 4 tablespoons tequila
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• SLAP YA MAMA Cajun seasoning to taste (Note: The name came about because the creator was slapped on the back by her family each time she used this seasoning, in appreciation. Be careful with it. It's wonderful, but, like Tequila, must be consumed in moderation.)

Preparation:

1. Cut the steak into strips and put into a gallon Ziploc bag.
2. Mix the garlic, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, lime juice, tequila, cumin, cayenne, and salt.
3. Pour into bag with meat and marinate for 2 hours.
4. Remove the meat from the marinade and grill outside or cook in a grill pan inside over medium-high heat.
5.  Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and sauté the peppers and onions over medium-high heat until crisp-tender.
6.  Serve with Pico de Gallo  (See my recipe here), grated cheese, sliced avocado, and warm tortillas.  You can garnish with cilantro and add sour cream if desired.

Serves 6.