Foodbuzz 24×24: Some Like It Hot

Summers get hot, hot, HOT in the Sonoran desert.  So should the food and fun!   Taking inspiration from Arizona's notorious summer temperatures,  I set the stage for a great night of inviting aromas, energetic Latin music, casual ambiance, and fiery food.   

Spicy food isn't just about putting salsa or Tabasco on top of something--it's so much more.  It's sharp heat, smoky heat, and that sneaky heat that builds with each delicious bite.  I created a menu that would highlight the incredible variety of chiles readily available in the American Southwest.

pineapple jalapeno margaritas

pineapple-chile margaritas

white sangria

lime-cucumber coolers (the fire extinguisher!)

sweet and spicy almonds

pepper-infused cheese board

chile-dusted mango cubes

New Mexican rubbed pork tenderloin with bourbon-ancho sauce

spinach salad with hominy croutons and chipotle-balsamic dressing

chipotle-glazed sweet potatoes

chocolate-ancho cake with chile-spiked whipped cream

I'll be posting recipes for many of these dishes in the next couple of weeks.  I've already had a request for the cake recipe, so I'll be sure to put that one toward the front.

A sincere thanks to Foodbuzz for selecting my menu and sponsoring the party! 
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11 Comments

  1. Amy
    June 26, 2011 / 8:03 pm

    Your menu sounds amazing! What a great party idea!

  2. Lexie
    June 26, 2011 / 9:00 pm

    Attention to everyone who follows "Apple A Day", if you don't make every, single one of these recipes, you will be missing out on the best food ever! Each of these drinks and dishes were amazing! Kelsey is a fabulous cook, but I think this is the best meal she has ever prepared. The drinks were inventive yet refreshing, the layers of flavors in the main courses were perfect, and that incredible cake with fluffy whipped cream were to die for! Amazing doesn't even begin to tell you how fabulous this meal was. You are just going to have to try it for yourself. Thank you, Kelsey, for inviting me. I love you.

  3. All Things Yummy
    June 26, 2011 / 9:41 pm

    Looks like such a fun day. White Sangria sounds delicious on this hot summer day.

  4. katie
    June 27, 2011 / 12:17 am

    What a fantastic party! Everyone looks to be having a wonderful time.

  5. Mrs.Mankin
    June 27, 2011 / 12:38 am

    weeeeeeeee!! This was fun!

  6. Erin
    June 27, 2011 / 1:53 am

    Sounds like a great menu! Can't wait to see the recipes!

  7. Jessica
    June 27, 2011 / 2:31 am

    The margarita sounds so intriguing! Great 24×24!!

  8. Lindsey
    June 27, 2011 / 3:17 pm

    I'm drooling over that menu–every single piece sounds so good. And your serving dishes are so pretty! Great 24×24!

  9. Annie
    June 28, 2011 / 4:00 am

    This all sounds great, Kelsey!

  10. That Girl
    June 28, 2011 / 5:03 am

    I'm totally going to copy that cheese plate!

  11. Angela @ The Dancer Bakes
    June 29, 2011 / 8:32 pm

    I LOVE the idea of the spicy chocolate cake! How can you go wrong with chocolate that kick-starts your metabolism?

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