May 2017 IncSmart Newsletter

The Best Spring Ever

Memorial Day

Cinco de Mayo

4000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8000.  The Mexicans had won a great victory that kept Napoleon III from supplying the confederate rebels for another year. The United States was embroiled in its own Civil War.  The Union army smashed the Confederates at Gettysburg just 14 months after the battle of Puebla, essentially ending the Civil War. Union forces were then rushed to the Texas/Mexican border under General Phil Sheridan, who made sure that the Mexicans got all the weapons and ammunition they needed to expel the French.  American soldiers were discharged with their uniforms and rifles if they promised to join the Mexican Army to fight the French.  The American Legion of Honor marched in the Victory Parade in Mexico, City.

The Fiesta

Cheese Enchiladas
2 Cups Shredded Monterey jack cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 flour tortillas
15 ounce can of tomato sauce
1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/4cup shredded cheddar cheese
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease rectangular baking dish, 12 x 7 x 2 inches. Mix cheese, onion, sour cream, parsley and pepper. Spoon 1/2 cup cheese mixture onto each tortilla. Roll tortilla around filling and place seam side down in dish. Mix remaining ingredients except 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese. Pour over enchiladas. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Garnish with sour cream and sliced black olives or lime wedges if desired.
Bean Tostadas with Guacamole
     Refried Beans
2 Cups Cooked Pinto Beans
1/4 Cup Shortening
Salt
White Pepper
     Guacamole
2 ripe Avocados
1 small onion
1 clove garlic
1 small tomato
Juice from fresh lime
Salt and Pepper
Heat shortening on high in a large skillet. When shortening is hot, add beans. Allow beans to boil for approximately 5 minutes, do not stir. When the beans have warmed completely, begin to mash with a spatula or spoon. Continue to mash the beans until desired consistency is achieved. Add salt and white pepper to taste.   Place beans and guacamole on top of fried corn tortilla.

Mothers Day

The Mother's Day tradition is a popular American holiday. The second Sunday in May has become the most popular day of the year to dine out, and telephone lines record their highest traffic, as family everywhere take advantage of this day to honor and to express appreciation of their mothers and grandmothers.

Spa Packages

Options vary, but remember if you are sending someone for the first time, you might want to make two reservations.  People do not like to experience new things alone, so be ready to send her girlfriend as well. 

Cinnamon Rolls

See the smile on moms face when she wakes up smelling freshly bakes cinnamon rolls.  The aroma from these pastries will make everybody happy and will make a wonderful Mothers Day tradition.  You can shape these rolls the night before, cover in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.  In the morning let them set at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.

Quick Rolls
1 1lb loaf of frozen bread dough, thawed
1 Tbl butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Place dough on a lightly floured board.  Roll into a 12 x 8 inch rectangle.  Brush with butter.  In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.  Sprinkle over dough.  Roll up from long side.  Press gently to seal seam and edges.  Slice bread into 12 rolls.  Place rolls onto greased baking pan.  Cover and let rise until nearly double in size.  Preheat oven 350 degrees and bake until brown, about 30 minutes.  Top with your favorite glaze while rolls are still warm. 
Vanilla Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbl milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
In small bowl, combine glaze ingredients.  Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.
Orange Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp grated orange peel
3 tsp Orange Juice
In small bowl, combine glaze ingredients.  Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.