How to throw a fiesta:

1- Have a reason.  Okay, I guess you never need a reason to party, but our small group threw one for our friends, Brian and Kate.  Brian and Kate are leaving in a couple weeks to work in a missionary school in Puebla, Mexico.  We are all so excited for them!  They are one amazing couple and will be missed.  This was their "Adios" party!

2- Celebrate with friends!  We just love our small group.  Daniel and I were so sad when it ended in April.  Our group is just so close and transparent-they're awesome!  We hope to continue our friendship with everyone.

Everyone minus Sarah and Marvin, and Ashley and Luke

3.  Have great food! We had such yummy food.  We had creamy chicken enchiladas (recipe at bottom), taco salad, rice and beans; it was all so tasty.

4. Tres Leches Cake!!!!  What fiesta is complete without an authentic Mexican dessert?  I love Tres Leches Cakes, my favorite being Pappasito's.  Well, I found a really good recipe for one and it turned out great!  I think mine was pretty comparable to Pappasito's (recipe at bottom).

It was so good, I couldn't get a picture of it before this.

Recipes:

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas:

1 medium onion, chopped

2 T. butter

1 1/2 to 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken (about 4 breasts)

1 cup Pace Picante Sauce

1 pkg. (3 oz) cream  cheese, you can use up to 6 oz. depending on taste

1 t. cumin

1 1/2 cup Monterey Jack or Cheddar Cheese

1. Cook onion and butter until tender. Stir in chicken, 1/4 cup picante sauce, cream cheese and cumin; heat thoroughly. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 cup cheese.

2. Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Spoon chicken mixture in tortillas; roll and place seam side down. Spoon remaining picante sauce over enchiladas and cover with remaining cheese to make a thin layer.

3. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

Side note: I do not like enchiladas and I REALLY liked these!  Then again, I am a picky eater. :)

Tres Leches Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup white sugar

5 eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

2 cups whole milk

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour one 9x13 inch baking pan.

Sift flour and baking powder together and set aside.

Cream butter or margarine and the 1 cup sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs and the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; beat well.

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture 2 tablespoons at a time; mix until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Pierce cake several times with a fork.

Combine the whole milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk together. Pour over the top of the cooled cake.

Whip whipping cream, the remaining 1 cup of the sugar, and the remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla together until thick. Spread over the top of cake. Be sure and keep cake refrigerated, enjoy!