Mariposa's Musings

Like most physical activities, dancing presents a challenge when it comes to dinner.   You don’t want to feel weighted down by a heavy meal, but you don’t want to hit the dance floor hungry either. Also any lengthy prep time in the kitchen takes away from primp time in front of the mirror.😉  Fortunately Mesquite Turkey Quesadillas are short on prep time and long on satisfying hunger. They are perfect to enjoy before a night on the town or for a quiet evening reading a good book like Lovestruck Two Step . Mesquite Turkey Quesadillas 1/4 to 1/2 pound-sliced Mesquite Turkey from your grocery deli counter. Shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 white onion-chopped fine. Several tablespoons Balsamic vinegar (I like to use Golden Balsamic vinegar for milder taste).  Marinade chopped onion in Balsamic vinegar for a few minutes. Assemble chopped turkey, shredded cheese and marinaded onion into flour tortilla and heat in skillet on stove until cooked through....

  Wedding Tango Moira Williams is dismayed when her daughter, Tami, announces her engagement. Sure Jon’s a great guy, but why do they have to get married in Buenos Aires?  Though she dreads seeing her ex-husband, Alan, the gorgeous father of the groom has her pulse racing. Widower Alan Rochester buries his grief with non-stop home improvement projects, but a sexy redhead has captured his attention.  He’s eager to show Moira the sights of Buenos Aires from his college days, but is he ready to face the world again?  South of the equator, nothing is as it seems.  Can Moira and Alan navigate through their feelings for each other and save their kids’ dream wedding from becoming a nightmare? I first enjoyed Tres Leches Cake at a potluck with my Salsa friends.  This sweet moist cake is a perfect accompaniment with Wedding Tango.  This cake gets its moistness and its moniker (literally “three milks” in Spanish) from being soaked in three k...

Clark Stevens has always had a way with women, but his teenage daughter despises him.  When his daughter comes to live with him fulltime, he enlists co-worker, Julie Wahl, to coach him on parenting skills. As a single mom and paralegal, Julie, has successfully balanced family, work and swing dancing. After heartbreak on the dance floor, the last thing Julie needs is an office romance.  But she can hardly say no to a colleague in need, especially one with dark brown eyes and a killer grin. Since Ladies Man is as much about raising teens as swing dancing, I’d recommend pairing it with Cincinnati-style chili which features two ingredients favored by kids, ground beef and spaghetti. My version is cheap and quick which are key factors when cooking for ravenous teens. 1 pkg chili seasoning 1 pound ground beef 1 can tomato sauce 16 oz spaghetti Optional toppings: chopped onion, diced tomato, shredded cheddar cheese. Cook spaghetti according to package directio...

I’ve always liked dinner and a movie whether it’s on a date or the TV show .  You Tube’s, Cinema Sins , has added their take on the dinner/show by featuring professional chefs and their dishes inspired by a particular movie.  The chef talks about his favorite movie scene while the host and editing staff of Cinema Sins enjoy a delicious repast.  I’m always fascinated how one creative pursuit inspires another, so with that in mind, Read ‘Em & Eat posts will profile a delicious title flanked by a tasty accompaniment. Package Deal was inspired by Reno’s Salsa scene.  While being one of my favorite dances, it is also the key ingredient in one of my go-to recipes. Salsa Chicken (Can also use leftover Beef, Pork…Turkey you get the idea). Cut leftover cooked chicken into smaller pieces and place into medium sauce pan. Season with chili powder, salt and pepper. Cover chicken with salsa and cook on medium heat stirring and adding salsa as needed.  Wh...