what's cooking wednesdays: the fiesta edition!

hi loves! i'm back from a whirlwind trip to the big city to meet sweet mrs. p-dubs.  i promise to do a post on that soon, but today is all about cinco de mayo!  while i am admittedly not in any mood to celebrate, i still thought i'd pass on two of my favorite go-to recipes for any sort of mexican-themed fete. 

first up, watermelon margaritas!  i know it's not REALLY watermelon season yet, but it's so freaking hot and humid here that it certainly feels like it.  i love these margaritas because they aren't those icky fake margaritas made with those neon mixes you buy in a bottle.  those make me want to vom.  by all means, add a little simple syrup if you like things a little on the sweeter side, but i happen to think this recipe is ab fab as is.

watermelon margaritas
ripe seedless watermelon, cut into 1" cubes {about 3-4 cups}
2 limes, juiced
4 ounces good quality white tequila
2 ounces orange flavored liqueur {cointreau or grand marnier}
ice {2-3 cups}
watermelon wedges, for garnish

fill half a blender with the cubed watermelon. add about 2 cups ice.  add the tequila, liqueur, and lime juice.  blend until watermelon is pureed & the ice is crushed.  in a serving glass, pour the margarita over ice & garnish with a wedge of watermelon.

next is a corn, tomato, and avocado salsa that i discovered at one of my fave college restaurants. many, many nights spent downing margaritas and bowls of this stuff.  be warned: it is highly addictive.

corn, avocado, and tomato salsa
2 cups cooked corn, fresh or frozen {i recommend fresh roasted corn}
1 avocado, diced {i am guilty of upping this to 2 avocados}
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 c finely diced red onion

dressing:
2T olive oil
1T lime juice
1/2tsp lime zest
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper

combine corn, avocado, tomatoes and onion in a large bowl.  whisk together dressing ingredients.  pour dressing over salad and toss gently to mix.

olé!