cocktails | The Novice Gardener

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appetizers, cocktails, Fiesta Friday, Fiesta Friday Anniversary, recipes

It’s here! It’s come!

What’s here? What’s come?

Oh, quit playing with me! I know you’re as excited as I am!

After partying for a whole year, our First Fiesta Friday Anniversary is finally h-h-here! It’s h-h-happening!

And already it’s off the h-h-hook! It’s the h-h-hippest event of the year!

I think I’m in a complete state of h-h-hysteria!

Can you blame me? Never thought I’d last this long partying and live to tell the world about it!

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Your co-hosts for this round are Hilda @Along The Grapevine and Julianna @Foodie On Board. When I first looked for Fiesta Friday co-hosts, Hilda and Julianna were the very first pair to step up to the plate. Since then, they have always answered my plea for support and help. So it’s only natural that I rely on them again for the big celebration. I absolutely owe them a big debt of gratitude for everything they’ve done for Fiesta Friday.

Next week, we’ll be co-hosted by Nancy @Feasting With Friends and Selma @Selma’s Table. They’ve been such fantastic friends of Fiesta Friday and as far as I’m concerned perfected the art of co-hosting. You can always count on them to make sure things run smoothly. I’m allowed to relax when they’re around, and for that I’m extremely grateful.

They will all assist me in selecting “The Best Of” Part 1 and Part 2 of First Fiesta Friday Anniversary.

Please visit their sites and link your posts to theirs as well as mine. That way we’ll know that you’ve come to join the party. And while you’re at it, check out these outstanding posts from last week’s party, too:

Sonal’s Tandoori Spiced Tempeh Bowl from Sue @Birgerbird.

This is what friendship is all about…..
This is what community is all about…..
This is what blogging is all about…..
This is what food is all about…..
And finally, this is what Fiesta Friday is all about…..

I can’t think of any other post that best exemplifies what Fiesta Friday is. Sue’s passion about food, fueled in this case by Sonal’s gift of spices, is easily recognizable through her photography and writing. I feel inspired just by looking at her photos and reading her. Isn’t that what Fiesta Friday is all about? In sharing what inspires you, you will in turn inspire others.

Cochinita Pibil from Ginger @Ginger&Bread.

I sure don’t know how to pronounce the name of this dish, but it’s screaming, “Make me, make me!” the moment I laid eyes on it! So exotic-looking and sounding! I’m always a sucker for things like that. It’s a weakness I’ve had, always falling for the unusual and unknown. Not such a terrible weakness, I think, when it comes to food. You need to have an open mind if you want to explore and expand, don’t you? So, this one will be made, in due time. Already bookmarked and pinned. Just need to source a few of the ingredients.

Barbecue and Bonfire on the Beach from Skd @Aromas and Flavors from my Kitchen.

In Juju’s words, “First, this recipe sounded delicious, which Skd made to relive those memories of a good time along with pictures of a beautiful bonfire and their barbecue feast of crab, shrimp and fish. As it is freezing and snowy where I live I could just picture this vacation Skd had with so many family members attending; a total of 6 families were represented. I liked one thing she said in particular, “We are all ‘really present’ and not just ‘virtually present’. For once, nobody was peering over mobile phones or laptops, checking their whatsapp, messages or inboxes”. I think we can all appreciate that!”

Ditto all that Juju said! Need I say more?

Falafel Pita Wrap from Stephanie @The Cozy Cook.

In Jhuls’ words, “Stephanie made the most appealing Falafel Pita Wrap – the photo alone makes me want to eat it from the screen. The thin Tahini sauce looks perfect on the falafels. I don’t mind devouring more than I can handle.”

If there’s one thing that Stephanie never lacks, it’s her enthusiasm for cooking, and for food, and for life. It’s hard not to fall for her charm. She inspires just by displaying that enthusiasm! It makes anything she makes that much more appealing and enticing. I can see why Jhuls wants more than her share of the falafel wrap. I do, too!

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Now, let’s just get down to it! Let’s party!

Click on the button below to join the First Fiesta Friday Anniversary (part 1). If you’re new to Fiesta Friday, please read the Fiesta Friday guidelines and invitation post for helpful hints.