Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in a Flash

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Cinco de Mayo is a great excuse for a party.  Many bars and restaurants have special events on Thursday May 5, and why not?
Cinco de Mayo – the 5th of May – is a day of celebration of Mexican heritage and culture in the US and around the world. A common misconception is that Cinco de Mayo is the “Mexican Independence Day”, it is not. Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday in Mexico, not an obligatory holiday. The national holiday is actually on September 16th.

If you are not planning a night out on the town, gather friends and family around the table to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with these specially selected recipes. They’re fast and easy to prepare, so you can relax and share a festive meal with those you love. And if you don’t have time to create  fiesta during the week – how about the weekend?

Chipotle Chicken Taco Cones

Chipotle Chicken Taco Cones

Prep Time: 10 minutes

 

Start to Finish: 20 minutes

Makes 8 cones

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

1 pound ground chicken

3/4 cup water

1 packet (1.25 ounces) Ortega Chipotle Taco Seasoning Mix

1 can (16 ounces) Ortega Refried Beans 8 8-inch Ortega Flour Soft Tortillas

1 cup shredded lettuce 1 cup diced tomatoes

1 cup (4 ounces) finely shredded or grated Cheddar cheese

Heat olive oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir 3 minutes or until translucent. Add ground chicken; cook and stir 5 minutes or until browned. Stir in water and seasoning mix. Remove from heat. Warm refried beans in saucepan or in microwave. Wrap tortillas in lightly moistened paper towels. Microwave on HIGH (100% power) 20 to 30 seconds, or until pliable. Fold tortilla in half; spread with refried beans.

Form tortilla into cone shape;* press to adhere outside corner with refried beans. Fill cones with chicken mixture, lettuce, tomatoes and Cheddar cheese.

*To form cone, lay tortilla on work surface. Holding one pointed end down, grasp other end and bring point to round edge, twisting point under slightly. Curl opposite end around outside of cone and press to adhere with refried beans.

 

Mini Crab and Cream Cheese Flautas

Min Crab and Cream Cheese Flautas

Prep Time: 5 minutes

 

Start to Finish: 15 minutes

Makes 24 mini flautas

2 cups vegetable oil

1 package (8 ounces) pasteurized crab meat, drained

1 can (4 ounces) Ortega Fired-Roasted Diced Green Chiles, drained

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

6 8-inch Ortega Flour Soft Tortillas

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup Ortega Salsa Verde

Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat to 375∞F. Line platter with paper towels. Combine crab meat, chiles and cream cheese in medium bowl. Spread about 1/4 cup mixture down middle of tortilla and firmly roll like a cigar. Keep tortilla roll closed with 4 tooth-picks. Cut between toothpicks into four equal pieces; set aside. Repeat with remaining filling and tortillas.

Place pieces carefully into hot oil. Cook 1 minute or until golden brown, turning once. Remove with slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels.

Combine sour cream and salsa verde in small bowl: mix well. Serve with flautas as dip.

Tip: Serve some Ortega Guacamole Style Dip too, and encourage double dipping.

 

Beef Taco Salad with Guacamole Dressing

Beef Taco Salad with Guacamole Dressing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

 

Start to Finish: 15 minutes

Makes 6 servings

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

1 pound lean ground beef

3/4 cup water

1 Ortega Whole Grain Corn Taco Kit – includes 10 taco shells, 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning mix and 1 packet (3 ounces) taco sauce

1 head iceberg lettuce, diced

2 cups halved cherry tomatoes

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup Ortega Guacamole Style Dip

1/4 cup mayonnaise

Heat olive oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir 4 minutes or until translucent. Add beef; cook and stir 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain and discard fat. Stir in water; add seasoning mix and taco sauce from taco kit; mix well. Cook and stir 5 to 6 minutes or until thickened.

Break taco shells from taco kit into bite sized pieces in large salad bowl. Add lettuce, tomatoes and cheese; toss to combine. Add meat mixture; toss to combine.

Combine guacamole dip and mayonnaise in small bowl; pour over salad. Toss lightly. Serve warm salad immediately.

Tip: For more color and nutrition, add other fresh vegetables to the salad, including shredded carrots, sliced radishes, sliced cucumbers or broccoli florets.

 

Chocolate and Cinnamon Tortilla Pudding

Chocolate and Cinnamon Tortilla Pudding

Prep Time: 40 minutes

 

Start to Finish: 1 hour 40 minutes

Makes 8 servings

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

10 8-inch Ortega Whole Wheat Soft Tortillas, divided

1 cup diced fresh pineapple or canned pineapple, drained

2/3 cup mini chocolate chips, divided

3 eggs

2 cups milk

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Whipped cream

Combine sugar and water in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar melts and begins to bubble. Pour into 9-inch square glass baking dish; tilt pan to evenly coat bottom and sides with sugar.

Tear 5 tortillas into bite-size pieces. Place evenly in baking dish. Sprinkle pineapple and 1/3 cup chocolate chips evenly over top. Tear remaining 5 tortillas; place evenly in baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/3 cup chocolate chips.

Whisk eggs, milk and cinnamon in medium bowl. Pour over layered tortillas in baking dish. Cover surface with plastic wrap, and press down lightly to distribute egg mixture over assembled tortillas.

Set aside 30 minutes to allow egg mixture to soak into tortillas. Preheat oven to 350∞F.

Bake 53 to 55 minutes or until pudding is firm. Cool 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream.

Tip: For a Dulce de Leche version of this pudding, replace the chocolate chips with butterscotch chips.

Photographs: (c) 2011 Publications International, Ltd. All rights reserved

Find more ways to celebrate at www.ortega.com and www.facebook.com/OrtegaTacos.

#10533_UF Source: Ortega

Things To Do in Savannah – February 2011

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When I started looking for things to do, festivals, events and celebrations for the month of February, I didn’t think about history or presidential birthdays – all I could think of was little red hearts, roses, chocolate, champagne and maybe even a romantic weekend getaway for two. At least, that’s how I imagine a perfect Valentine’s Day.
Click here to get ideas about what to do for Valentine’s day in Savannah.  Then, let’s continue with the rest of the month. After all, there is a lot more to February in Savannah, GA, than Valentine’s Day events.

Savannah Restaurant Week
Yes, we know – the event started already on January 28 and probably shouldn’t make it on the list for February, but who can resist a restaurant week? During this event you can visit participating restaurants and get a three course meal for $30. Maybe you can celebrate Valentine’s Day early since this year Valentine’s Day itself falls on a xxday anyway. Savannah Restaurant week continues until February 6, 2011. Check out our special Restaurant Week page for details and participating restaurants.

In addition to celebrating Valentine’s Day, the month of February is also a time of year when we celebrate history. In Georgia, we have the Georgia History Festival taking place February 1 – 11, 2011. This festival offers a variety of different activities and events for both young and old. You might remember this event as Georgia History Days.

Here are a few of the highlights:

Saturday Feb. 6, 2011 – Super Museum Sunday
On this day you can visit many of Georgia’s museums for free. Bring the whole family for a day out exploring our history.

Feb. 11, 2011 – Georgia Day Parade
School children participate in this parade led by Oglethorpe himself.

Check out our special Georgia History Festival page for all the details.

Also in February, Savannah Black Heritage Festival from February 1 – 13, 2011. The highlight of the event is Grand Festival Day, a day of top entertainment is held in the Savannah Civic Center’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena on Saturday, February 12, 2011.

For more details, visit our special page for Savannah Black Heritage Festival.

President’s Day weekend is going to be an action-packed weekend in Savannah, with two festivals at the same time. First up, the book festival.

Savannah Book Festival has a new date this year. The festival is scheduled for February 18 – 20, 2011, which is a new date for this festival. During this three-day event, you get the chance to mingle and rub elbows with authors and book lovers. Read more about the festival right here – Savannah Book Festival

One of the most popular events this month is the Irish Festival also taking place on February 18 – 20, 2011, which is said to be the largest Irish Festival in the South. Not bad! Four stages, irish dance, music, food and much more. Read more on our special page about the Savannah Irish Festival.

Charleston, SC – January 2011 Events

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Need new ideas for the new year? The holidays are finally over, and it’s time to make plans for what to do for the month of January with your family and friends. As usual, there is always a lot going on in South Carolina, especially when it comes to food events and festivals.

First Friday on Broad – Jan 7, 2011
Participating galleries on gallery row will offer a featured wine to accompany their fine art on a relaxing stroll down The Row, on Friday January 7th from 5-8 PM. Many galleries will offer demos, music and refreshments.
http://coastalcompanion.com/south-carolina/charleston/first-fridays-on-broad/

Charleston Restaurant Week – Jan 14-22, 2011
There is no lack of good food in the city of Charleston, and every year there seems to be more restaurants and food festivals.
During this event you’ll get an opportunity to try out new restaurants and new menus and explore the culinary arts scene in Charleston. Participating restaurant serve food according to a fixed price menu. Some restaurants participate with three courses for $20, others with three courses for $30.
More details on our Charleston Restaurant Week page.

Charleston Marathon – Jan 15, 2011
The First Annual Charleston Marathon presented by the Riverfront Race Festival will take place on Saturday, January 15, 2011. The start of the 26.2 full marathon and 13.1-mile half marathon course beginning near the South Carolina Aquarium, downtown Charleston. The course will run South on East Bay St., passing Rainbow Row, and White Point Gardens, then follow King Street North where the half marathon will end at the Navy Yard at Noisette and the full marathon race will continue. The 10K and 5K road races will also begin at this start/finish line on the old navy base.

In true Low Country tradition, shrimp and grits will be at the finish line, along with music on the course from the Charleston County School District groups and adult beverages. For more information, go www.charlestonmarathon.com or www.riverfrontfestival.com.

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Charleston Comedy Festival – Jan 19 – 22, 2011
The annual festival brings in some of the hottest improv, sketch, and stand-up artists from Chicago, New York, Canada, Atlanta, and LA to the city of Charleston for a weekend of comedy.
The Charleston Stand-Up Competition finals will kick off early with a Tuesday night show at Theatre 99. On Wednesday and Thursday nights, there will be shows by local troupes Cats Hugging Cats, Full Love Throttle, Neckprov, Hot Pants, Moral Fixation, and Human Fireworks. Out-of-town performers Nate Baratze, The Shock T’s, and the Village Theatre will take over the Charleston Ballet Theatre on Thursday for a night of stand up, sketch, and improv. Read more on our special page about Charleston Comedy Festival.

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On Friday night, choose from 15 shows at various venues across town, including a show by Robot Johnson, Introducing Fish Taco, and This is Chucktown at South of Broadway Theatre in North Charleston and a stand up show featuring Nate Baratze, Dave and Ethan, and Tom Keller at the Pour House on James Island. More information at www.charlestoncomedyfestival.com

Charleston Boat Show – Jan 21 – 23, 2011
This is the biggest boat show in the Low Country with lots of things to see and do. The show takes place at North Charleston Convention Center and during the three day event you can look of course look at boats, get fishing tips, there’s even lots of fun activities for the kids.

Low Country Oyster Festival – Jan 30, 2011
One of the most popular food festivals in Charleston is the Oyster festival at beautiful Boone Hall Plantation in Charleston, SC. This is an annual festival for oyster lovers from all over the region, and now wonder, after all this is the world’s largest oyster festival.

It is said that about 65,000 pounds of oyster are delivered to the famous Charleston oyster roast for the big day, can you believe it? Don’t miss the well-known “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” Contests. There is also live music on stage, a Kids Corner, a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local restaurants and much more.

The Oyster Festival takes place January 30, 2011 from 10:30 am – 5 pm.
More details can be found on our special Low Country Oyster Festival page.

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Gingerbread House Contest in Charleston, SC

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The Holiday Festival of Lights Gingerbread House Competition is a beloved Lowcountry tradition and now it’s time to warm up your ovens, gather up sugar, spices, and add a spoonful of creativity to the mix to participate. Registration for the 12th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights Gingerbread House Competition is open now through November 5.

[picappgallerysingle id=”5100727″]Here are the basic rules;

Houses must be made entirely of edible materials (except the base), and cannot exceed 18” in width, length or height. Entries will be judged based on creativity, overall appearance, difficulty, and craftsmanship.

Houses can be entered in one of four different age categories – ages 6 and under, ages 7-11, ages 12-16 or ages 17 and up. The contest will be judged by a panel of 20 people, with each house judged individually in each category.

The top three entries in each category will be displayed in Santa’s Sweet Shoppe and other locations during the Holiday Festival of Lights.

Contest coordinator Marianne Bower encourages creative bakers of all ages and experience levels to participate in this fun event. She suggests the use of gingerbread house patterns to help with construction of your ginger bread house masterpiece, but not to use “all-in-one” kits.

“There are many websites out there that provide inspiration for unique and amazing creations,” said Bower. Entries must be actual “domiciles;” however, Bower says that she has seen a number of unusual gingerbread houses, including churches, trains, and once, even the Millennium Falcon from “Star Wars”.

Registration ends Friday, November 5. An award ceremony for the top winners will take place at the Park Center at James Island County Park as part of the opening of the annual Holiday Festival of Lights on November 12. The award ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m.

Click here to read more about The Holiday Festival of Lights will be open November 12, 2010 – January 2, 2011 at James Island County Park.

Participants are encouraged to sign up through the Park and Program Services Center by calling 843-795-4FUN. Or, download an application in pdf format right here.

India Fest 2010 – Charleston, SC

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India Fest 2010 to celebrate and share the cultural heritage of India. The event will take place on Sunday, October 17 at Marion Square, Charleston, SC, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. This free festival is open to all who are interested in Indian food, arts and culture.

Food vendors will sell authentic Indian food, clothing, jewelry and handmade crafts. Artists will paint henna “temporary tattoos” on visitors’ hands. Known as “Mehndi” the henna decoration is traditionally applied for special occasions like weddings and festivals.

Also, demonstrations of wrapping the intricate folds of the traditional sari will take place. The beautiful strips of sari cloth, ranging from four to nine meters, is wrapped around the body in various styles, according to respective regions of the country.

In addition a cultural program of songs and dances (classical, semi-classical and Bollywood style) will add to the fun, along with demonstrations of Jivamukti yoga. Jivamukti means “liberation while living.” This modern style of yoga emerged in 1984 from one of New York City’s best-known yoga studios.

The festival is hosted by The India Association of Greater Charleston (IAGC).
For more information please contact 843.881.4900.

Other Charleston Events:
Taste of Charleston
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