These slightly-different and fun appetizer and soup recipes below are my gifts to anyone wanting a festive Mexican feast.

Corn and Black Bean Salsa (pareve)

6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 (15¼ oz.) cans corn, drained
• 2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 8 Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• ¾ cup minced fresh cilantro or parsley
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• ¼ cup lime juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Dash of hot sauce, optional
• Tortilla chips

Instructions:

1. In a very large glass bowl, combine the corn, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, peppers, lime juice and salt (and hot sauce if using). Mix to combine.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for the seasoning to meld.

Serves with chips.

My files, source unknown

Spicy Avocado Egg Wraps (pareve or meat)

6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 avocados
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 4 hard boiled eggs, grated
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon chopped parsley
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 to 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
• 1 head Bibb lettuce, leaves separated, washed and dried
• 2 slices of pastrami, chopped (optional)
• Extra chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl combine the avocado and lemon juice and mash them together until the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the eggs, chopped celery, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, taco seasoning and salt and pepper to the bowl. Mix to combine. Adjust the salt and seasonings to taste.
3. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a serving plate. Spoon the egg mixture into the lettuce cups and top with the chopped pastrami and more parsley.

Serve immediately.

Modified from yummly.com

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Tex-Mex Chicken Soup (meat)

4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 6 to 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 carrot, shredded
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (only use fresh)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftovers work great)
• 3 cups cooked rice (I like brown rice in this but white or wild work just fine)
• Pareve sour cream
• 1 avocado, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley
• 1 lime cut into pieces

Instructions:

1. In stock pot combine the broth, salsa, celery, carrots and lime juice. Bring the mixture to boil.
2. Divide chicken and rice among 4 to 6 bowls. Fill each bowl with hot broth.
3. Top with pareve sour cream, avocado and parsley if using.

Serve with squeeze of lime.

My files, source unknown

Mock Crab Guacamole (fish)

6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 medium, ripe avocados
• 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup salsa
• 1 Tablespoon freshly lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 to 1½ cups kosher mock crab meat
• Lime juice
• Corn chips or pita chips

Instructions:

1. In a glass bowl combine the avocado and cream cheese. Mash to combine.
2. Add the sour cream and mix together. Add the salsa, lime juice, salt and pepper and mix to combine.
3. Add the mock crab and gently mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Squeeze some of the lime juice over the top to prevent the avocado from turning brown.

Serve with corn chips.

Submitted by Randi Markasan, Queens NY

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© Eileen Goltz south of the border 14a

The words of this author reflect his/her own opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Orthodox Union.