Turn It Up

Celebrate Mardi Gras Santa Fe-style

We all love Mardi Gras, but some like to get away to Aspen, Jackson Hole, Santa Fe … Whether you’re in New Orleans or far away, here’s my version of a casual Santa Fe-style dinner for close friends or family.

Santa Fe is one of our favorite places to visit – Johnny and I honeymooned there 50 years ago and stayed at La Fonda in the heart of the city! We go back often and collect art, furniture and funky treasures.

I gathered everything Southwestern to create this party and have included my favorite salsa recipe to serve with black bean soup, burritos, beef tacos and eggrolls filled with chicken, cilantro, corn and spices. Serve margaritas in flower-bedecked Teri Walker martini glasses and let each guest serve herself. Create places for each guest to sit and a different vignette for each. Serve flan for dessert, then give everyone maracas and tambourines and turn up the music!
 

Salsa

Ingredients
2    cups cherry tomatoes, chopped
½    cup peppers (green, red and yellow), finely chopped
1    jalapeno pepper, chopped
½    cup green onions,  chopped
1    clove garlic, chopped
1    cup cilantro, chopped
2    tablespoon olive oil
1  cam corn
    Juice of 1 large lime
    Salt to taste

Directions
Mix all ingredients and let sit for 1 hour. Serve room temperature with chips.

Serves a crowd